1 04 AMERICAN RED ST A R T. 



Ka-te-dids * of America were not originally nightingales of 

 the Old World, degenerated by the inferiority of the food 

 and climate of this upstart continent. We have in America 

 many different species of birds that approach so near in re- 

 semblance to one another, as not to be distinguished but by 

 the eye of a naturalist, and on a close comparison ; these 

 live in the same climate, feed on the same food, and are, I 

 doubt not, the same now as they were five thousand years 

 ago ; and, ten thousand years hence, if the species then exist, 

 will be found marked with the same nice discriminations as 

 at present. It is therefore surprising that two different 

 species, placed in different quarters of the world, should have 

 certain near resemblances to one another, without being 

 bastards, or degenerated descendants, the one of the other, 

 when the whole chain of created beings seem united to each 

 other by such amazing gradations, that bespeak not random 

 chance and accidental degeneracy, but the magnificent design 

 of an incomprehensibly wise and omnipotent Creator. 



The American redstart builds frequently in low bushes, 

 in the fork of a small sapling, or on the drooping branches 

 of the elm, within a few feet of the ground ; outwardly it 

 is formed of flax, well wound together, and moistened with 

 its saliva, interspersed here and there with pieces of lichen, 

 and lined with a very soft downy substance. The female 

 lays five white eggs, sprinkled with gray and specks of 

 blackish. The male is extremely anxious for its preserva- 

 tion, and, on a person's approaching the place, will flirt about 

 within a few feet, seeming greatly distressed.f 



The length of this species is five inches ; extent, six and a 

 quarter ; the general colour above is black, which covers the 

 whole head and neck, and spreads on the upper part of the 



* A species of Gryllus, well known for its lively chatter during the 

 evenings and nights of September and October. 



t Mr Audubon says, " The nest is slight, composed of lichens and 

 dried fibres of rank weeds or grape vines, nicely lined with soft cotton 

 materials."— P. 203.— Ed. 



