I So LIFE-HISTOKIKS OF BIRDS 



ditty, and may be quite accurately represented by 

 the syllables chl-chl-chl-char-ee-char-ee-ckl. It has 

 been likened to the mellow notes of the Baltimore 

 Oriole, but we are utterly unable even to trace 

 the most distant relationship. In the mating 

 season, and also on the approach of danger, both 

 birds utter a low whispering warble, in a tone of 

 marked sweetness and tenderness, as they move 

 through the branches and foliage together. 



The food of this bird consists of coleopterous, 

 lepidopterous, and dipterous insects, with their 

 larvae. In July, various kinds of berries are eaten, 

 and constitute an important part of its diet. In 

 several stomachs which we have examined, have 

 been found remains of Harpalus.pensylvanicus, H. 

 touipar, H. carbonarius, Ptinus- Juinieralis, Platynus 

 iiipnpeiinis, Pangus caliginosns, Chrysomela cceru- 

 leipcnnis, Cratonychus cinercus and . Lachnosterna 

 hirlicula in their larval forms, earthworms, ants, 

 and small spiders. Later in the season the larvae 

 of Gortyna zccc, Anisopteryx vcrnata, .Eufitchia 

 ribcatdctt Harrisina ^li]iericaiia,Eudryas grata, the 

 dart moth, with mature forms of the .above, besides 

 Spilosoma, Virginic'a, LitJiosia . viiniata, Utetheisa 

 bella, and many oi the Satyridtz, Lyc&nidce, and 

 Tortricidce. 



During the breeding-period, which occurs late 

 in May or the beginning of June, the male keeps 

 at a wary distance, and his less suspicious mate is 

 compelled to. .yield the protection which he should 

 rightfully bestow. When her nest is assailed she 



