OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. l6l 



Its habits whilst feeding are both terrestrial and 

 arboreal; it, however, restricts its foraging to low 

 trees and shrubs. In general movements, there 

 are noticeable remarkable agility and a certain de- 

 gree of eccentricity. They frequently squat upon 

 the ground, keeping up all the while a peculiar 

 jerking movement of the tail; then spring upon 

 their feet and display the most antic gestures. 



l * _5 



When surprised while thus occupied, they en- 

 deavor to effect concealment among the bushes, 

 or seek securitv in flight. 



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The food of the Chat consists mainly of in- 

 sects, although the fruits of the wild strawberry 

 (Fra^ana Virginia^,}, Rubus villosus* and the 

 common whortleberry are esteemed great luxuries. 

 We have detected in th several stomachs which' 

 we have examined, the presence of Pangus caligi- 

 nosus, ffarpalus pehsylvanicus> H. compar, Scarites 

 subierraneus, PI at y mis cnpripcnnis, Bostrichus pint, 

 Dona da pusilla, Chrysomela caruleipennis, and 

 many other coleoptera; besides Formica sanguinea, 

 F. snbtcrranca, small spiders, and. the smaller 

 species of Tulis. Later, the smaller lepidoptera 

 belonging to the Noctuidce, Tortriddce, and 

 TineidfE, in mature stages, besides the larv t ne of 

 Anisopteryx vernaia, Eufitchia ribcaria, Clisio- 

 campa Americana, Utetiieisa bclla, and Colias philo- 

 dicc are eagerly hunted. 



*!_> ^ 



Its song consists of a variety of uncouth sounds 

 easily imitated; at one time, comparing favorably 

 with the whistling of the wings of a duck, being 



K 



