OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 351 



Dolichonyx oryzivoms, Swainson. 



This well-known and common species reaches 

 Eastern Pennsylvania not earlier than the first of 

 May, and remains but a short time, not longer than 

 ten days at the highest calculation, when it retires 

 further north to breed. It is somewhat retired in 

 its habits, delighting in meadows, borders of 

 thickets, and waste grounds. 



Although, seldom, if ever, visiting the habitations 

 of man, it must not be accused of undue timidity. 

 It will permit a very close approach without ex- 

 hibiting the least dismay. During its sojourn, it 

 occurs in small isolated flocks; but in the autumn, 

 it repairs to the reeds along the Delaware river. 



Its habits are mainly terrestrial. Occasionally 

 it frequents small bushes during its vernal stay, 

 but we have never known it to resort to high 

 trees. Its flight is low, slightly undulating, and 

 moderately sustained. 



The food of this species in the spring consists 

 mainly of the seeds of weeds and grasses, and 

 insects of terrestrial habits. The flowers of Ta- 

 raxacum Dens-leonis, and matured seeds of the 

 same, are also greedily eaten. The following 

 insects constitute a conspicuous portion of its 

 diet \^Pangiis cdliginosus, Scarites subterraneus, 

 Harpalus pensylvanicus, Lachnostema qitercina, 

 Cr atony chus cinereus, Casnonia pennsylvanica, Dona- 

 da confluenta, Ckrysomela c&ruleipennis, among 

 coleoptera; CEdipoda sulphured, CE. nebulosa, 



