Il8 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



usual migrants, occasionally revisits us as early as 

 the 25th of April, but generally not earlier than 

 the first of May. It is pre-eminently solitary, 

 and occupies chiefly high, open woodlands, where 

 it is an active insect-hunter, and enlists the atten- 

 tion by its agility, as it darts among the foliage, 

 or suspends itself from twigs with fluttering 

 wings. It frequents the loftiest trees in quest of 

 food, occasionally descending to the lower branches 

 as necessity impels. When it deserts its natural 

 retreats for civilized haunts, which it not uncom- 

 monly does, it delights in small trees, particularly 

 the apple and cherry, amid the foliage and blossoms 

 of which it gleans a luxurious subsistence. It 

 manifests on such occasions very little of timidity. 

 Instances are known to us, where visits have been 

 paid to, trees overhanging doorways which were 

 in daily use. Its lack of fear and of comparative 

 clistrustfulness reminds us of the little Blue 

 Yellow-back whose history has been previously 

 detailed. 



In habits and manners, a close resemblance to 

 Dendrceca pennsylvanica is noticeable; but it is 

 less active. Its flight is generally lofty, and but 

 slightly sustained. 



.During its brief stay of two weeks, it is devoid 

 of song. Whilst moving from tree to tree in 

 pursuit of insects, it does not produce a single 

 note. It retires as it comes, singly and alone. 



Its food consists of the small beetles and other 

 insects which it gleans among the branches, foliage, 



