I 24 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



* 



Pan tla Americana. We have frequently advanced 

 within three or four feet of an individual, though 

 not unperceived, without awakening distrust or 

 exciting alarm. 



In common with most of its brethren, this 

 Warbler beautifullv blends the attributes of the 







Pa rides with those of the Muscicapidce. Insects 

 in their various stages, compose its diet. These 

 it procures in its perambulations along the trunk 

 and branches, adherent to the bark or concealed 

 within fissures, or expertly captures while on the 

 wing. It is equally dexterous in hovering over 

 the expanded bud and examining the opening 

 leaves. 



Its flight is low, gracefully undulating, and 

 moderately prolonged. 



During its entire stay it is devoid of song. Its 

 only note is a simple fwea, produced quickly and 

 with a sharp, grating articulation, in the intervals 

 of feeding. Dr. Brewer in speaking of its song- 

 says, it u is clear and sweetly modulated, and sur- 

 passes that of most of .this family," and is u chiefly 

 heard during the early summer" in low woods, 

 whilst searching Vireo-like for insects. 



The accompanying list will convey to the mind 

 some idea of the services which it renders to man 

 in the destruction of injurious insects. In several 

 stomach-examinations we have discovered evident 

 traces of Chrysomela c&nileipcnnis, C. formosa, 

 Cymindis viridipennis, Bostrichus pini, Harpahts 

 pensylvanicus, H. compar, and Platynus cupripcn- 



