74 



SOME CANADIAN BIRDS. 



from which there is little variation, and this fact makes the correct 

 identification of these eggs an impossibility, even to an expert. 

 But every species of warbler builds a peculiar and distinct nest 

 that is so different from an^' other nest that an observer requires 

 but little experience to distinguish them. 



The song of the redstart ia a typical warbler's song — a short and 

 jerky whistle of rather sweet tone, delivered with such spriglitliness 

 that it becomes attractive. Tlie bird is fond of using its voice, and 

 its cheery notes may be heard at all hours of the day. 



The plumage of our bird is its main attraction, except to the 

 few wlio take delight in watching the restless fellow's active move- 

 ments as he darts through the shru})bery, his bright plumes flashing 

 like a blown flame. The male's colors are lustrous black and orange 

 red of a bright, rich tint. The black predominates, and the red 

 appears in patches on the breast, wings and tail. The belly is 

 white. In the plumage of the female the black is replaced by dull 

 olive brown, and the patches in her plumage are of a dull yellowish 

 tinge — a bronzy yellow. The young birds resemble the female. 



