THE AMERICAN REDSTART.

Tus bird is about the size of a robin,
is of a bluish-gray color above, whitish
beneath, with a throat black in the male, -
but white in the female; the breast,
rump, and side tail feathers, are red; the
eyes are hazel; the bill and legs black,
and the mouth yellow. It is distinguished
by a peculiar quick horizontal motion of
its tail on :alighting. It nestles in the
hollow of trees, in old walls, and ruined
edifices ; its little habitation is composed
of moss, lined with hair, and the female
produces five or six eggs, of a fine blue
color. It feeds on flies, spiders, the eggs

(54)