The Redstart. 



269 



bird, and it is destitute of the beautiful black frontlet which is 

 so conspicuous in, and gives such a singular charm to, the 

 appearance of the cock. 



Song. — The song of this bird is not voluminous, but sweet 

 and clear ; to use the expression of an old and experienced 

 birdcatcher, it is " a sort of whistling song." The Redstart 

 is a mimic, but not to the same extent as that remarkable 

 individual, the American Mocking Bird, its pretensions, as an 

 imitator, being very much more humble. Nevertheless, it is 

 not lacking in this quality, for in a state of nature it picks 

 up, and mixes with its own song, the notes of various other 

 birds. These birds can imitate the Robin's plaintive melody 

 very accurately, and frequently utter the notes of some of the 

 Warbler species. When taken from the nest, hand-reared, and 

 placed under a good tutor, Redstarts prove very fair, and, 

 in some cases, estimable songsters. Like all other birds, they 

 vary in their vocal powers, some birds far excelling others. 



Points to be Obseeved in Judging. — Select a bird bright 

 in colour, and well-defined in its markings — a male bird, as 

 hens are of no use for show purposes. Choose one with a rich 

 deep black frontlet and a vividly coloured tail. It should be 

 fine and close in body feathering. The wings and tail must 

 be well formed, free from damage, and closely braced together. 

 The bird should be in the pink " of condition, bright and 

 healthy looking, robust and active, steady on the perch, tame 

 and tractable, and scrupulously clean. To give it a fair chance 

 of success, it should possess all the points of excellence which 

 have been enumerated. 



General Remarks. — The Redstart (so named from its having 

 a red tail), although a very beautiful bird, has several draw- 

 backs. It is shy, very peculiar and uncertain in its temper, 

 and exceedingly "huffish." When offended it is not readily 

 reconciled. It is, likewise, rather delicate, and requires much 

 care and attention to keep in health. It rarely lives more 

 than four or five years in confinement, and almost invariably 

 dies of consumption. These birds may be kept in a cage 

 such as is used for Chaffinches, or in an aviary. It is a 

 rare occurrence for old birds to become reconciled to domestica- 

 tion ; whereas young birds not only become tame, but even 

 familiar. Redstarts are most restless birds when in confinement, 

 especially during the period of migration. At this time they 



