SCARLET TANAGER . — Pyranga rubra. 
The Scarlet Tanager of America, so called on account of the bright scarlet 
of the plumage, is a very handsome bird, the black wings and tail contrasting 
boldly with the bright hue of the body. 
It is possessed of a tolerable, though not especially musical voice. This is one 
of the migratory species, arriving in the northern portions of the United States 
about the end of April, and remaining until the breeding season is over. The 
nest is made of rather rough materials, such as flax-stalks and drv grass, and is so 
loosely put together that the light is perceptible through the interstices of the 
walls. The number of eggs is generally three, and their colour is dullish blue, 
variegated with brown and purplish spots. While engaged in the business of 
incubation, both birds are extremely terrified at the presence of any strange object, 
and if a human being approaches the nest, the male flies to a little distance and 
keeps cautiously aloof, peering through the boughs at the foe, and constantly fear- 
ful of being seen. The female also leaves the nest, but continues to fly restlessly 
about her home, hovering over the eggs or young in great distress. When, 
however, the young are hatched, the male parent takes his full share in attending 
upon them, and cares nothing for being seen. 
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