174 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



vc^ of Anisopteryx vcniata, Eufitchia ribcaria, 

 Pieris rapcc, Colias philodice, Pieris brassier, Utc- 

 tlicisa bell a, Eudryas grata, Catocaltc, cutworms of 

 the genus Agrotis, and others, 



The song of the Redstart resembles very closely 

 that of Mniotilta varia, but is less prolonged and 

 delivered more quickly and in a sharper key. It 

 may be aptly expressed by the syllables tsi-tsi- 

 tsiwe, the last syllable ending very abruptly. Its 

 ordinary call-note is a simple tsicJi, the two final 

 letters have the German pronunciation. 



A peculiarity of this species whilst singing de- 

 serves a passing notice. As if possessed of a 

 high degree of self-esteem and an over-anxiety to 

 display its attractions to the best advantage, it 

 habitually elevates and opens its wings, expands 

 its tail-feathers with a show of affectation, all in 

 harmony with the rhythm of its song. The 

 females vie with the males in their vocal powers. 



We are led to believe that the males migrate 

 several days in advance of the females, as they are 

 the first to manifest themselves. The sexes pay 

 little regard to each other's presence at first; 

 selfish gratifications predominating over every 

 other motive or consideration. 



This species breeds mostly in retired localities, 

 as dense woods \vith a thick underbrush. Oc- 

 casionally, niclification occurs close to human habi- 

 tations. After mating, about the 2Oth of May, the 

 birds commence to construct their nests, wliich is 

 usually the ease during the fir*?t week t>f June, 



