1102 Kepoht of State Geologist. 



163. Genus SBTOPHAGA Swainson. 



*293. (687). Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). 



American Bedstart. 



Synonym, Redstart. 

 Adult Male.— Above, and throat and breast, lustrous black; bases 

 of all the quills, except the first and last, salmon; bases of all the tail 

 feathers, except the middle pair, salmon; sides of breast, Termillion- 

 red; belly, white, tinged with reddish; bill and feet, black. Adult Fe- 

 male. — Above, olive-green-; below, throat and breast, brownish-white; 

 the salmon and red replaced by yellow; spot in front of, and ring 

 around, ©ye, grayish-white. Young. — Similar to female. This species 

 requires three years for the male to acquire full plumage; consequently 

 they are to be found in all stages' between the immature and perfect 

 plumage. 



Length, 4.75-5.75; wing, 2.40-3.55; tail, 2.30-2.45. 

 Eangb. — America, from Ecuador and West Indies to Hudson Bay 

 and Mackenzie Valley (Ft. Simpson); rarely west of Eocky Mountains. 

 Breeds from Forth Carolina and Missouri, north. 



Nest, in fork, on limb of tree oi- sapling, 6 to 20 feet up; of bark 

 shreds, grass and weeds, lined with hair or plant down. Eggs, 3-5; 

 white, greenish-white or bluish-white, spotted, mostly at larger end, 

 with brown and lilac; .63 by .48. 



The American Eedstart is one of the characteristic birds of the 

 woodland. Wherever there axe woods, it may be found at the proper 

 seasons. It is generally common, and in the northern part of the State 

 is abundant. In some of its habits it much resembles the Hooded 

 Warbler. Instead of keeping near the gi-ound, it, frequents all kinds 

 of woody growth, from lowest bush to tallest tree. While it makes its 

 home among the dense forest, at times it may be found in. little fring- 

 ing woods or shaded glens, and, during the spring migrations, it occa- 

 sionally comes into the orchards. Its song, as given by Nuttall, is 

 'tsh, tsh, tshee, tshe, tshe, t^hea, varying to that of the Yellow Warbler, 

 which he interprets as 'tsh, 'tsh, 'tsh, tshitshee. It is a wandering min- 

 strel-, giving its song free as air for all who are in the woods. It does 

 not skulk; it is not shy, biit, through the bushes at one's feet or 

 through the branches overhead, it pursues its way, now seizing a cater- 

 pillar, then chasing a moth or dashing into a swarm of gnats or flies. 

 Its wings are carried partly open, its eye is active, its tail opens and 

 closes, showing With each movement its beautiful coloration — a fan 

 of salmon and black. The name little fantail would be an appropriat*' 

 one for it. 



