subject: This Is Ruby-throat [print this page] Another inhabitant of Elm Row is the warbling vireo, who builds a pensile nest. This is most particularly constructed and fastened to a crotch. It is quite small and compact with little exterior decoration. There are usually four lightly speckled white eggs. Since this vireo is one of our least conspicuous birds that live in the treetops. He is tireless in his destruction of insects and is especially useful in the war on elm-leaf beetles. This tiny bird wings his way beyond the southern borders of the United States to spend the winter, but exactly where he stays is a mystery. Who does not know and love the bluebird, harbinger of Spring to those of the north, companion and friend of those who live within its winter range?
Bird boxes and hollow trees in orchard, grove or garden near human neighbors will be used year after year. There can never be too many homes provided, and kept free from English sparrows, because we need the cheerful song and helpful ways of this beautiful bird. In feeding, it is his habit to fly from a perch to the ground and return with grasshopper, beetle or cutworm to eat at leisure. It is not surprising, therefore, that he turns flycatcher on occasion and adds winged insects to his bill of fare. Though the smallest, most unassuming member of his family, chipping sparrow is one of the best known. He is a well-loved garden visitor whose hair-lined nest shelters four or five beautiful greenish blue, brown speckled eggs.
There are usually two broods a season, so that much benefit accrues to the gardener; for many green caterpillars and beetles are needed to feed the nestlings. The young birds soon learn to alight upon a weed spike, bear it to the ground and eat it clean of seeds, being especially fond of them before they are entirely ripe. In the garden they will jump up to a cabbage leaf and rid its edge of plant lice. During the winter in the southern part of the United States, weed seeds are the diet of the whole family. The Americas are the native home of humming birds, but of the nearly six hundred varieties, only one is found in the eastern United States.
This is Ruby-throat, who dashes about from flower to flower seeking nectar and tiny insects. In the early Spring dozens of them feed about the sweet-smelling blossoms of our shade trees. The male bird leaves the care of the family to his competent mate, who keeps close watch near the nest. If harm threatens, she will fearlessly dash at the intruder and win by the very impetus of her attack. It is commonly thought that these birds are constantly on the wing, but they spend much time perched upon a tiny branch preening their feathers. They will take sweetened water from a brightly colored receptacle and may become tame enough to visit a flower held in your hand.
