OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 8$ 



In July, 1874, during a second visit, many oc- 

 cupied nests were seen with many others that 

 showed evidences of recent occupancy. As this 

 species reaches its breeding-quarters early in May, 

 and instantly repairs to nest-building, it is safe to 

 affirm that these constituted second broods; the 

 first having already matured and quitted their nests. 



From the character of the situation and its re- 

 moteness from human habitations, it might be sup- 

 posed that this Wren is exceedingly shy and timid. 

 But this is no argument for timidity. Our ex- 

 perience clearly shows its unsuspicious character, 

 as in frequent instances we have been permitted 

 to approach within a few paces of birds, as they 

 gracefully swayed to and fro upon the flexible 

 reeds. 



It is probable that the species prefers marshy 

 situations on account of the advantages which 



o 



they secure, so far as food-stuffs are concerned. 

 Its appropriate articles of diet consist of aquatic 

 insects as mosquitos and libellulas, besides small 

 mollusks. 



In " North American Birds," the nest is described 

 as being built in low bushes, but a few feet from 

 the ground. Howsoever accu rately this description 

 may apply to some localities, it differs from our 

 general experience. In a single instance we have 

 observed a nest built upon a bush. In details of 

 structure, all the nests which we have seen and 

 examined to the number of fifty, compare favor- 

 ably with the published description of the nest of 

 Cistothorus stellaris, in the work just mentioned. 



