130 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



layer, or lay dormant underneath the bark. The small spi- 

 ders, which also occupy the latter situations, contribute no 

 mean part of their diet. 



When there is a scarcity of insect food in winter, the seeds 

 of grasses and various kinds of berries are greedily eaten. 

 It is often supposed that the various Picarian species invari- 

 ably seize their prey while stationary, but this is not always 

 the case, as we have frequently seen them while searching 

 along the branches of trees, seize with considerable dexterity 

 a passing insect. 



In the winter, they feed upon the seeds of grasses, often 

 visiting our barnyards for their share of the grain which is 

 fed to the poultry ; the fruits of Juniper us Virgin! ana, Lon- 

 icera pcriclymeiium, and others, which are found in their 

 accustomed haunts ; besides the following beetles ; Cra- 

 tonychus cinereus, C. pertht ax, Bostrichus pint, Harpalus 

 compar, H. pensylvanicus, etc., and the small spiders which 

 infest the bark of trees. Early in the spring, vast numbers 

 of ants, Formica sanguinca chiefly, are eaten, besides the 

 additional coleoptera of Cymindis viridipennis , RJiyncJuc- 

 uus strobi, Platynus ciipripcnnis, and Haltica chalybea. 

 Later, the larvce of Anisoptervx vernata. A., pome tar ia, 

 Zerene catenaria, Anisota rubicunda, Eudryas grata* 

 and others ; besides mature forms of Noctiiidce, TortrcidiC 

 and Lyccenidcz. In the fall, its bill of fare consists of beetles. 

 lepidoptera, ants, small spiders, and the fruits of Juniper us 

 Virginiana, J. communis, Vacciniuni stamineiun and the 

 seeds of grasses. Mr. Audubon says, in the Southern States, 

 during the winter, they may be often seen clinging to the 

 stalks of the sugar-cane, which they perforate for the juice, 

 and seemingly enjoy. 



The flight of this species is rapid, slightly protracted, and 

 in undulations. 



Its note is a loud sharp monosyllable, which it repeats at 

 irregular intervals, while upon the wing, and occasional!) 



