150 PASSERES. TURDIDiE. 



WORM-EATER* 



Vermivora Pennsylvanica. 



Sylvia vermivora,^ Lath. 



Dacnis vermivora, Aud. pi. 34. 



Vermivora Pennsylvanica, S\V. 



This is a scarce bird with us. Some three or 

 four specimens are all that have occurred to my 

 observation. It seems, however, to spread rather 

 widely over the diversities of mountain and low- 

 land; for, while the first was obtained on the 

 top of the Bluefields Peak, the next was found 

 close to the sea-shore. Its habits are constant : 

 for we have always observed it perched transversely 

 on the dry trunks of slender dead trees, engaged 

 in peeping into, and picking from, the crevices of 

 the bark. In the stomachs of those which I have 

 examined, I have found comminuted insects. Spi- 

 ders and caterpillars form the chief portion of its 

 food, according to Wilson. 



It is too rare to warrant an opinion as to the 

 period of its arrival or departure : I first met with it 

 on the 7th of October. 



* Length 5 inches, expanse 8^, flexure 2^, tail 1^, rictus -^^ tarsus 

 -^, middle toe i§-. 



