OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 85 



In July, 1874, during* a second visit, many oc- 

 cupied nests were seen with many others that 

 showed evidences of recent occupancy. As this 

 species reaches its breeding-quarters early in May, 

 and instantly repairs to nest-building, it is safe to 

 affirm that these constituted second broods; the 

 first having already matured and quitted their nests. 



From the character of the situation and its re- 

 moteness from human habitations, it might be sup- 

 posed that this Wren is exceedingly shy and timid. 

 But this is no argument for timidity. Our ex- 

 perience clearly shows its unsuspicious character, 

 as in frequent instances we have been permitted 

 to approach within a few paces of birds, as they 

 gracefully swayed to and fro upon the flexible 

 reeds. 



It is probable that the species prefers marshy 

 situations on account of the advantages which 

 they secure, so far as food-stuffs are concerned. 

 Its appropriate articles of diet consist of aquatic 

 insects as mosquitos and libellulas, besides small 

 mollusks. 



In " North American Birds," the nest is described 

 as being built in low bushes, but a few feet from 

 the ground. Howsoever accurately this description 

 may apply to some localities, it differs from our 

 general experience. In a single instance we have 

 observed a nest built upon a bush. In details of 

 structure, all the nests which we have seen and 

 examined to the number of fifty, compare favor- 

 ably with the published description of the nest of 

 Cistothorus stellaris, in the work just mentioned. 



