breeding ranges that they cannot be sure they care to move. The birds are 

 said to breed still in the wilder portions in the northeastern part of the 

 states, but of this I have no certain knowledge. 



From "Birds of Ohio" by Permission. 



Scarlet Xanager {Pira?iga erythromelas) 



By Herman C. DeGroat 



Male — Scarlet with black wing and tail. Female and young, olive green 

 above and beneath ; wings dusky. Length seven inches. 



Nest, in the woods, sometimes in an orchard, placed on a limb ten to 

 twenty feet from the ground, loosely made of twigs and pieces of bark and 

 lined with leaves of evergreens. Eggs, usually four, dusky white marked 

 with brown, .80x.65 inch. 



This is one of the most brilliant birds seen in the United States. Coming 

 out of Central and South America, where it winters, this species spreads 

 over the Northern States and Canada early in May. Arriving in the North 

 about the time the trees put out their leaves and confining itself quite closely 

 to the thick woods, it would be difficult to find this bird were it not for its 

 bright colors and its cheerful song, which is much like that of the Robin. 



The male precedes the female by ten days during which time his call 

 note of chip chur-r-r is constantly heard. Upon the arrival of a possible 

 mate which he soon wins by his graceful actions and cheery song, he retires 

 to the deep woods, where, a horizontal limb being chosen as a site for a 

 nest, the real business of bird life begins. 



Sometimes the three or four eggs of the Tanagers may be increased 

 by two or three from the Cowbird, that sly, shirk of family cares. Both 

 parents join in feeding their young and show great attachment to them. The 

 male, shy and timid at all other times, will now expose himself to any danger 

 in the protection of his family. 



The olive-green dress of the female and the young birds is in striking 

 contrast to the bright scarlet of the male. This wise provision of nature 

 renders the mother quite unnoticeable on her nest aad tends to preserve the 

 species from extermination. 



The food of the Tanagers is insects with a little fruit now and then for 

 variety. In August the male moults and takes on the colors of the female 

 which he wears until the following spring when he again dons his scarlet 

 suit. Early in September the family depart together for the South, traveling 

 leisurely to the land of constant summer. 



Copyright 1911 by Herman C. DeGroat. 



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