OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 145 



small numbers of this species are resident through- 

 out. the entire year. Such is not the case in our 

 latitude, as far as our observations have extended. 



Seiurus hidovicianus, Bonap. 



The Louisiana Water Thrush is an uncommonly 

 rare species i& eastern Pennsylvania. Like its 

 nearest congener which we have just spoken of, 

 it inhabits the margins of creeks, swampy grounds, 

 and low damp woods. It is pre-eminently the 

 quickest, as well as the most restless of the Sylvi- 

 colidce though mainly terrestrial in its habits. When 

 observed upon the wet ground, the posterior part 

 of its body is somewhat elevated, and is being con- 

 stantly tilted up and down. It makes its appear- 

 ance about the middle of May, and during its stay, 

 it is exceedingly shy and suspicious. When started 

 it flies up suddenly with a sharp and startling chat- 

 ter. 



Its flight is easy, continued, and low; whereas 

 upon the ground it has a graceful walk. 



The song of this species is rich, loud, vivacious. 

 It begins very high .and falls with a gentle grada- 

 tion, until the last notes are scarcely articulated. 

 When singing it perches upon the lower branches 

 of a tree overhancrinor t ne water, which it occa- 



o o 



sionally deserts for the topmost boughs. Audubon 

 speaks of its notes as rivalling those of the night- 

 ingale in mellowness, variety, and power. The 

 call-note is a simple sparrow-like chirp. 



Insects and their larvx are mainly its diet. 



J 



