OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 249 



tidnicus and Bos trie hus pini, constitute the larger 

 half of its winter diet. On the approach of spring 

 when insects become more prevalent, principally 

 such coleoptera as Pangus caliginosus, Cyniindis 

 viridipennis, are eaten. But its chief delight is the 

 tender buds of the maples, and soft and fleshy 

 cones of various species of Pinus. 



It arrives in our midst most generally about the 

 1 5th of October, and retires about the middle of 

 March. From our experience we are satisfied 

 that it does not remain with us to breed. 



Its flight resembles that of Chrysomitris pinus, 

 and is firm, undulating, and well-sustained. Its 

 movements along the branches and trunks of 

 trees recall those of the little Parus atricapillus 

 and others. Like these it moves along the 

 under surface of a branch with body inverted, as 

 readily as in the upright position. 



The plaintive cry of week which it utters while 

 on the wing, apprises us of its approach. This 

 sound is materially different from the full, clear 

 call-notes of its nearest ally C. Americana. 



It is probable that this species breeds in Eastern 

 Maine, as it is a permanent resident there. A 

 nest discovered in 1868, by Dr. A. Adams, at 

 Frederickton, New Brunswick, as described by 

 Dr. Brewer, is "deeply saucer-shaped," and is 

 composed of fibrous pale-green lichens, covered ex- 

 teriorly with spruce twigs, and lined with a tKin 

 layer of fine bark-shreds and coarse hairs. The 

 rim is described as nearly circular; the external 



