OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 2 45 



In their movements among the tree-branches in 

 quest of food, they resemble the Black Cap and 

 Nuthatches ; sometimes clinging to the under sur- 

 face in an inverted manner, and at others, running 

 along them with the address of Sitta carolinensis. 



In early autumn it enters our gardens and lawns 

 and subsists upon the seeds of Raphanus satiinis, 

 Amarantus Jiybridus, and Chenopodium album, 

 together with those of many of the smaller grami- 

 naceous plants. Later, when the snow is upon 

 the ground, it revisits similar situations and feeds 

 upon the berries of Lonicera sempcrvirens, L. piri- 

 clymenwn, for which it affects a decided partiality. 

 When foraging in open fields or on the borders of 

 thickets, the berries of Juniperus 1 'irginiana, 

 y. communis, and the seeds of Liriodcndron tulipi- 

 fera which are persistent through the winter 

 months, are eagerly devoured. Though chiefly a 

 vegetarian, yet the ova, pupae, and imagos of insects 

 are eaten. The remains of CEdipoda sulphured., 

 CE. nebuiosa, Diccelusdilatatus, Pangus caliginosus, 

 Cratonychus cinereus, and C. pertnax, have been 

 found in its stomach. 



When Acer riibrnw is in blossom in March, 

 small flocks ma)' be seen in the lowlands and 

 about our houses, feasting upon the stamens and 

 pistils which they esteem great luxuries, if the 

 eagerness with which they are devoured, affords 

 any criterion. It is highly probable that the small 

 coleopterous and dipterous insects which are at- 

 tracted to the blossoms by reason of their honey- 

 secretions, are some inducement. 



