OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 



255 



In feeding it never visits the tall tree-tops, but 

 rather prefers low bushes and weeds. In the cold 

 season it feeds upon the seeds of Pinus strobus, 

 Pinus inops, Abies canadensis, A. nigra, Betula 

 cxcclsa, Rhus glabra, and those of various grasses, 

 asters, and solidagos. In early spring it feasts 

 largely upon the catkins of Alnus serrulala, and 

 Betida nigra, and later, just before it takes its 

 departure upon the tender and fleshy cones of the 

 Coniferte and the buds of Acer rubmm, A. saccha- 

 rzmtm, and Pyrus malus. Among insects, the 

 eggs of the Aphidce and Coccidce that are adherent 

 to the branches of the common aider and other 

 shrubs, with the ova and pupa of. Cratonychus 

 cinereus, C. pertinax, and other beetles, are 

 esteemecl racy tidbits. While feeding upon the 

 buds of alder it will not hesitate to seize what- 

 ever of insect-life should pass athwart its vision. 



Its flight is graceful and undulating, and resem- 

 bles that of Chrysomitris pimis. 



During its stay it is devoid of a regular song. 

 The only note which it utters is a low soft call 

 which resembles that of the Goldfinch, and which is 

 produced in the intervals of feeding and during its 

 passage from bush to bush. Dall says its only 

 song is a few cheerful twitterings and chirpings. 



According to Mr. Dall it is a very abundant 

 summer resident at* Nulata, and builds in bushes 

 near the ground a nest which is composed of 

 dry grasses and mosses, exteriorly, and is lined 

 with hair on the inside. Nidification commences 



