Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

REDSTART

687. Setophaga ruticilla. 5½ inches.

Range.—North America, found more commonly east of the Rockies, but less common in Oregon, California and to Arizona. These birds are always the most conspicuous when in flight, at that time showing off to the best advantage their bright orange markings on the wings and tail of the males, and the bright yellow of the females. They build a neat, cup-shaped nest of plant fibers and down, which is placed in the crotch of small trees, in which they lay four white eggs, spotted with different shades of chestnut and black (.65 × .50). They are very active, and constantly flying from place to place, taking insects while on the wing, which constitute their food.

PAINTED REDSTART.

688. Setophaga picta. 5½ inches.

Range.—New Mexico and Arizona. These have much the same habits as the above, except that they build their homes in cavities of rocks or on the ground in swampy places.

RED-FACED WARBLER.

690. Cardellina rubrifrons. 5¼ inches.

Range.—Arizona and New Mexico.