Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
In the neighbourhood of New York the breeding season begins 
towards the end of May. 
601. Painted Bunting: Passerina ciris (Linn.) 
Adult 6—Entire head and sides of neck deep blue ; back rich 
yellowish green; rump dark red; the wings and tail are 
brownish gray, tinged with red ; under parts vermilion. 
Adult 2 —Upper parts greenish ; under parts grayish or yellow- 
ish. Length—5.25. 
Breeding Range—From North Carolina and southern Illinois, 
southward. 
The nest is placed either in a bush or tree, and is composed 
of grass, leaves, weed stalks, and strips of bark, lined with fine 
roots and sometimes hair. It resembles the nest of the indigo- 
bird, but is more neatly made. 3 to 5 eggs are laid ; they are 
white or slightly tinged with blue or gray and spotted or blotched 
with chestnut brown and lilac. Size—.79 x .58. See Fig. 7, 
Plate D. 
These buntings, on account of their brilliant colouring, are 
much sought after as cage birds ; their shyness saves them to 
some extent, for, even though they are very common in places, 
they are not particularly in evidence. They breed from about 
the middle of May and frequently rear two broods. 
604. Dickcissel; Black-throated Bunting: Spiza 
americana (Gmel.) 
Eggs pale blue. 
See Page 50, Chapter I. 
608. Scarlet Tanager; Red-bird: Piranga erythromelas 
Vieill. 
Adult 6—In summer bright scarlet, except the wings and tail, 
which are black. 
Adult 2 —Yellowish green; more yellow and lighter on the breast; 
wings and tail dull brown. Length—7.25. 
In the autumn and winter the male is greenish, with black 
wings and tail. 
Breeding Range—From South Carolina northward. 
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