SYLVIAD.E. 
attention that has latterly been bestowed on the management 
of wood. But the chief peculiarity in the breeding arrange¬ 
ment of the Redstarts is in their choosing, very frequently, 
for the receptacle of their nest the eaves of houses. To such 
a place they are known to return, year after year, if unmolest¬ 
ed. A nest thus situated, is placed beneath the tiles, among 
the rafters of the roof, to which access is had through a 
broken tile or orifice, made by that friend to the tile-mender, 
the strong-billed and mischievous house-sparrow. In a place 
like this the nest is sometimes placed as far in as the arm can 
reach, and so devoted is the mother bird to the care of her 
eggs, or nestlings, or so confident in the security of her 
position, that she will suffer herself to be touched by the 
hand before she attempts to fly off, and when flown will 
not retreat beyond the roof that shelters her treasures. The 
young birds of this species are almost entirely like the young 
of the red-breast ; but can be distinguished from them 
when flying from hedge to hedge by the rufous colour upon 
the tail, which shows plainly when the little wings are spread 
in flight. 
The nest of the Redstart is composed of grass and moss, 
lined with feathers and hair : the eggs are six or seven in 
number, of a clear bluish-green, and in form oval. 
The song of this bird is sweet, and its organs appear very 
flexible, as it is said readily, even in a wild state, to imitate 
the notes of other birds. It sings chiefly morning and even¬ 
ing. 
The actions of the Redstart are quick and lively ; he 
usually appears timid, and frightened, and continually shakes 
his tail. 
The food of this species, which consists greatly in the 
larvae of insects, is sought for among old trees, walls, and 
buildings; also in old mossy orchards, etc., etc. Besides 
insects, and then larvae, these birds eat elderberries and other 
