CHAPTER VII

LONDON'S LITTLE BIRDS

Number of species, common and uncommon--The London sparrow--His predominance, hardiness, and intelligence--A pet sparrow--Breeding irregularities--A love-sick bird--Sparrow shindies: their probable cause--'Sparrow chapels'--Evening in the parks--The starling--His independence--Characteristics--Blackbird, thrush, and robin--White blackbirds--The robin--Decrease in London--Habits and disposition 104