OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 3 7 



this somewhat retired species, which in popular 

 parlance is designated the Brown Thrasher, re- 

 visits its accustomed haunts in the beginning of 

 May. Though a lover of sequestered localities, it 

 does not necessarily follow that it is a shy species. 

 We cannot perceive that it is more timid than 

 Turdus mustelines y which commonly builds within 

 the trees that grace our lawns. Though it delights 

 chiefly in waste grounds overgrown with brier 

 bushes, and heavily-timbered regions with a dense 

 underbrush, it nevertheless lacks timidity, and 

 permits near approaches without exhibiting the 

 slightest fear. 



In early spring, the males are slightly rasorial. 

 They may often be seen scratching away the 

 leaves that repose upon the soil, for insects and 

 seeds. It is arboreal as well, seldom visiting the 

 tops of lofty trees, but mainly foraging among the 

 leaves of shrubbery. 



Like most of its congeners, it is highly insect- 

 ivorous. An examination of the stomachs of 

 many individuals shows that its diet during the 

 first three or four weeks of its visit, is of a 

 coleopterous character. We have found the re- 

 mains of HarpcUus pcnsylvanicus, H. compar, 

 Cratonychus cinereus, Lachnostcrna quercina, Tene- 

 brio molitor, Scaritcs subtcrraneus, Pangus caligi- 

 nosus, Cetonia inda, Chlcenius sericeus and Platynus 

 cupripennis. Among other types were noticed 

 Formica sanguineus, CEdipoda sulphured, CE. 

 nebulosa, Caloptenus femur-rubrum ; later in the 



