336 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



supply is obtained with but a trifling outlay of 

 physical strength. The following insects constitute 

 no mean part of its dietary: Musca domeslica, 

 Stomoxys cahitrans, Tabanus lineola r Tipula tri- 

 color, Syrpkus obscurus, S. obliquns, S. americanus 

 S. politics, Cut ex t<$niorhyuchus, and Anopheles 

 quadrimaculatiis, among diptera, and during the 

 breeding-season, the larvae of Eufitchia ribearia 

 Anisopteryx vernala, A. pometaria, Zerene cate- 

 naria, Ennomos subsignaria, Ch&rodes transversata, 

 Gortyna zees, Colias philodice, Theda humuli, An- 

 chyloperafragarice, Utetheisa bella, Halesidota tes- 

 sellaris, and mature forms of Noctuida and Tineida 

 which are also fed to their young; besides, aphides, 

 and small beetles. The seeds of grasses of last 

 year's growth, and later the berries of Juniperus 

 Virginiana, Fragaria Virginiana, Rubus villosus, 

 R . strigosus, and the seeds of Cirsiuin altissimum, 

 C. discolor, C canadensis, the common salad, and 

 various species of aster and solidago among com- 

 posite plants, and Panicum, Aira, Poa, Triticum 

 vulgare, and Secale cereale, among graminaceous 

 plants. The v stamens \ancl ovaries of blossoms, 

 and various buds are also eagerly eaten. 



The flight of this species -is low, moderately 

 rapid, and in graceful undulations. In gleaning 

 for food it confines itself to bushes and low trees. 

 It is sometimes terrestrial. While perched upon a 

 weed or bush, we have observed its capture of 

 insects upon the wing with considerable dexterity. 

 Its general movements are characterized by won- 

 derful agility. 



