384 RELATIONS OF BIRDS TO AGRICULTURE 



and the environment of its nest. It is, nevertheless, decidedly 

 insectivorous. Because of this and its beauty it is entitled to our 

 friendship. 



The male has a jet-black band across the forehead and over 

 the cheeks. The remainder of the upper parts and tail are olive 

 green. The throat and chest are bright yellow. The nests are 

 frequently on the ground. The eggs are speckled white. This 

 species is found throughout the United States east of the great 

 plains. 



FIG. 383. American redstart, (1) male, (2) female. (After Fuertes.) 



American Redstart. Fuertes's fine drawing (Fig. 383) well 

 illustrates this beautiful bird. It is one of a large group of wood- 

 warblers, examples of which are given in this chapter. The male 

 is striking because of his activity and brilliancy of coloring. These 

 make him an object to catch the eye of even an indifferent ob- 

 server. As if conscious of his beauty, he is continually spreading 

 and flirting his tail, extending his wings, and making short flights 

 from the trees, seeking insects, much after the manner of our 

 common fly-catchers. The female is much duller in color, greenish 



