OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 251 



terous and coleopterous insects. Among these 

 Tabanus lineola, T. cinctus, and Musca domestica, 

 of the former, and Lac Jino sterna quercina, Corym- 

 bites sEthiops, Diccelus dilatatus, &c., of the latter. 

 Before retireing to its breeding-quarters during 

 the latter part of March or the beginning of April, 

 it destroys many canker-worms and mature forms 

 of the various species of Noctuidce which abound 

 at the time. 



Within the pines of New Jersey, great numbers 

 winter. They are always accompanied by Chry- 

 somitris pinus which feed at the expense of its 

 more favorite and more highly endowed yet dis- 

 tant relative. The seeds which drop from the 

 pine-cones and elude the skill of the Crossbills, 

 are picked up by the Pine Finch which is waiting 

 below. 



Fond of secluded situations, it seldom visits the 

 habitations of man, unless attracted thither by the 

 prospect of meeting coniferous trees. Pine forests 

 for the conveniences which they afford, are gen- 

 erally chosen for occupancy. Whilst feeding it is 

 readily approached without evincing the slightest 

 timidity. 



Its flight is lofty, graceful, undulating, and much 

 prolonged, resembling very closly that of Carpo- 

 dacus purpureiis Its movements whilst feeding 

 are imitative in many particulars of those of the 

 Black-capped Titmouse. It may be frequenly seen 

 clinging to the under surface of a cone, busily- 

 engaged in separating its parts by means of its 

 curved jaw to get at the seeds concealed within. 



