Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 



The nest is placed in low bushes or scrub within four feet, 

 and sometimes within a few inches, of the ground. It is com- 

 posed of leaves, shreds of bark, and scales of beech buds all com- 

 pactly woven and secured together with spider webs ; the lining 

 in some nests is entirely of horse or cattle hair ; others are found 

 lined with fibres of grape-vine bark. 3 to 5 eggs are laid ; they 

 are white, with specks and spots of reddish brown and lilac often 

 forming an irregular wreath at the larger end. Size .71 x .52. 



In damp woods, where the undergrowth is fairly dense, 

 these warblers will be found nesting during the latter part of May 

 or early in June. 



687. American Redstart: Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.) 



Adult $ Upper parts black ; patch on the wing and basal half 

 of tail feathers (except those in the middle) yellowish red ; 

 under parts, throat and upper part of breast black; sides 

 bright orange red ; belly white. 



Adult $ Upper parts greenish gray ; under parts white ; instead 

 of orange yellow on the sides, wing, and tail, the female has 

 light yellow. Length 5.41. See Fig. 6, Plate B. 



Breeding Range Throughout the Eastern States, from North Caro- 

 lina northward. 



The nest is placed either in a crotch or on a branch against 

 the tree trunk, at a height of from five to thirty feet from the 

 ground. It is a beautiful, neat, cup-shaped nest, about two inches 

 inside diameter, and one inch deep. The materials used in its 

 construction are fine dried grass, a silver-coloured vegetable fibre, 

 plant down, and thin strips of bark, with a lining of fine grass 

 and hair. 3 or 4 and sometimes 5 eggs are laid; they are white 

 or whitish, with spots and small blotches of reddish brown and 

 lilac chiefly at the larger end. Size .66 x .51. 



In the damp woodland these beautiful warblers may be seen 

 darting through the rich mass of green foliage like tiny flashes of 

 fire. The rare combination of black and flame colour, together 

 with their habit of constantly spreading their tail, renders them 

 easy of identification. They are seldom seen on the ground 

 except when in search of food for their young. The breeding 

 season begins towards the end of May. 



1 66 



