124 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



Panda Americana. We have frequently advanced 

 within three or four feet of an individual, though 

 not unperceived, without awakening distrust or 

 exciting alarm. 



In common with most of its brethren, this 

 Warbler beautifully blends the attributes of the 

 Parida with those of the Miiscicapidcz. Insects 

 in their various stages, compose its diet. These 

 it procures in its perambulations along the trunk 

 and branches, adherent to the bark or concealed 

 within fissures, or expertly captures \vhile on the 

 wing. It is equally dexterous in hovering over 

 the expanded bud and examining the opening 

 leaves. 



Its flight is low, gracefully undulating, and 

 moderately prolonged. 



During its entire stay it is devoid of song. Its 

 only note is a simple twea, produced quickly and 

 with a sharp, grating articulation, in the intervals 

 of feeding. Dr. Brewer in speaking of its song 

 says, it " is clear and sweetly modulated, and sur- 

 passes that of most of this family," and is " chiefly 

 heard during the early summer" in low woods, 

 whilst searching Vireo-like for insects. 



The accompanying list will convey to the mind 

 some idea of the services which it renders to man 

 in the destruction of injurious insects. In several 

 stomach-examinations we have discovered evident 

 traces 'of C/irysomela ccesuleipsnnis, C. formosa, 

 Cymindis viridipennis, Bostrichus pini, Harpalus 

 pensylvaniciis, H. compar, and Platynus cupripcn- 



