IOO LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



nethermost branches just above the head of a 

 pedestrian it frequently perches, and all enrap- 

 tured with the spirit of sweet song, pours forth its 

 dulcet strains unmindful of passing footsteps. 

 Though chiefly arboreal in habits, it is sometimes 

 driven by necessity to grovelling pursuits. It 

 seldom aspires to lofty heights. In general habits 

 there is a striking resemblance to Chrysomitris 

 tristis, notwithstanding their remote affinities. 



The flight of this bird is low, quick, and moder- 

 ately sustained. Among the foliage of trees its 

 movements are rather sprightly, and betray un- 

 mistakeable similarity to the Titmice. 



Its song is simple and pleasing, and sustains a 

 close resemblance to the Maryland Yellow Throat. 

 After a careful study we are prepared to represent 

 its syllabic expression with considerable exactness. 

 The syllables whlt-ft-tee-tee-tee-tee uttered loudly, 

 forcibly, and with a gradually rising cadence, will 

 convey a clear idea of its language. In early 

 morning the song is heard in its full vigor, and 

 continues until the sun has attained the zenith of 

 his power, when it perceptibly diminishes in force 

 and frequency. 



Small beetles and diptera constitute its food 

 early in the season; but, later, the larvae and 

 imagos of lepidoptera are in great demand. 

 Several stomach-examinations reveal reliable evi- 

 dences of Chrysomela cceruleipennis, Donacia me- 

 tallica, Bostrichus pini, Platynus cupripennis, Har- 

 palus tompar, Casnonia pennsyivanica, Haltica 



