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Range (Eastern North America breeds) (XXX)

Eastern North America; breeds from southern Illinois and Virginia to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in Central and northern South America.

Washington, common T. V., rare S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 7. Sing Sing, common S. R., May 4 to Oct. 9. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 12 to Oct. 1. Nest, of fine twigs and weed stalks, lined with vine tendrils and blossom stems, generally near the end of a horizontal limb, seven to twenty feet up. Eygs, three to four, pale bluish white or greenish blue, with numerous rufous or rufous-brown markings, 88 x 68.

In watching birds, there are certain sights and sounds that make a day memorable much as a beautiful sunset does. I say to myself, "I have seen a Scarlet Tanager to-day!" or, "I have listened to a Hermit Thrush this evening."

High among the tree tops of the cool green woods the Tanager sings through the summer days. Hidden by the network of leaves above us, we often pass him by; but once discovered he seems to illuminate the forest. We marvel at his color. He is like a Bird of Paradise in our northern landscape.

We are first guided to him by his call and song. They are peculiar, and both have a rare woods flavor. The call is a distinctly uttered chip-chirr. The song is a loud, cheery, rhythmical carol, suggesting the song of the Robin.

Inside the green woods the Tanager spends the summer, flying down to visit his nest in the fresh young undergrowth or to bathe in the still forest pools, and hunting and singing in the tree tops high