OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 29 



among underbrush. Seemingly it prefers conceal- 

 ment, if its actions afford any criteria. But later, 

 when the buds begin to burst and the leaves to 

 expand, it becomes less suspicious, and emerges 

 from its obscurity and charms us by the sociability 

 of its manners and the variety and loveliness of 

 its melodies. 



Its flight is low, moderately firm, slightly un- 

 dulating, and but feebly sustained. Whilst 

 feeding it is both arboreal and terrestrial, but 

 chiefly the latter; .never gleaning among the 

 topmost boughs of tall trees, but among low 

 bushes and trees of short stature. 



During its temporary residence it subsists upon 

 berries and insects. Among the former, the 

 fruits of Juniperus Virginiana, Rubus villosus, 

 Virbwnum lentago, and the seeds of grasses con- 

 stitute an important part of its diet. The flowers 

 of the apple and cherry are often visited for the 

 insects which lurk in them; possibly, the authers 

 and ovaries are as much a source of attraction. 

 A careful examination of the stomachs of many 

 individuals, reveals besides perfect specimens, 

 recognizable fragments of the following insects: 

 Pangus caliginosus, Harpalus pensylvanicus, H. 

 compar, Platynus cupripennis, Ptinus humeralis, 

 Bostrichus pint, Formica sanguined Lumbricus 

 terrestris and a species of Tulis. The above 

 insects constitute its food early in the season; but 

 as it advances, and the various dipterous and 

 lepidopterous types of articulate existences come 



