Robins.

The robin is probably the best- known of all migratory birds in Malta. At Christmas time, it can be seen on many greeting cards. Its red breast stands out strikingly against a white,snowy background.

It has a cheerful song, a handsome appearence and is so friendly that it will often hop on to a windowsill inside a house, to feed on nuts or even a piece of cheese, when it gets to know you.

The robin measures about 140 millimetres from beak to tail and has a wingspan of about 180 millimetres.

Robins choose many different places for their nests.As well as bushes they will choose holes in walls or trees.They have been known to choose an old rusty pan,a letterbox,a boot , an old car and even a pulpit.

Their nests are bulky and made of moss and grass and lined with hair and feathers. Both the cock and the hen help to make the nest and take turns sitting on the eggs to hatch them.They both rear their young.

Five or six eggs are laid around March and these are white,speckled with pale red.They take about two weeks to hatch.

Robins chiefly feed on insects,including spiders and fleas,but they also eat worms,berries and seeds.