35 



Birds f< eding on the Forest Tent Caterpillar (Clisiocampa disslria, Hubn.). 



Twenty-five species of birds are now known to attack this insect. In 

 connection with a list of birds given by Dr. Felt as feeding on this 

 caterpillar lie quotes Miss Caroline G. Soule of Brookline to the effect 

 that nuthatches become so absorbed in feeding on masses of these 

 caterpillars that they would allow her to approach and touch them. In 

 our experience, however, the nuthatches seemed not particularly fond 

 of these larvsa, but this only illustrates how individuals of the same 

 species acqnire different tastes. Our observations have often shown that 

 one individual of a species may reject as food that which another of the 

 same species will devour with avidity. All of the species given except 

 the English sparrow, feed on the caterpillars. This sparrow, however, 

 catches some of the flying moths. These are no doubt eaten by many 

 birds not in this list. 



Yellow-billed cuckoo, 



Black-billed cuckoo, 



Yellow-bellied sapsucker, 



Flicker, 



Blue jay, 



Crow. 



Baltimore oriole, 



Bronzed grackle or crow blackbird, 



Chipping sparrow, 



Townee, 



English sparrow, 



Scarlet tanager, 



Red-eyed vireo, 



Warbling vireo, 

 White-eyed vireo, 

 Black-and-white warbler, 

 Golden-winged warbler, 

 Yellow warbler, 

 American redstart, 

 Catbird, 



White-breasted nuthatch, 

 Chickadee, 

 Wood thrush, 

 American robin, 

 Cedar waxwing. 



Birds feeding on the Tent Caterpillar (Clisiocampa americana, Harr.). 



We have found by observation and stomach examination that at least 

 32 species eat the tent caterpillar. Others not on the list probably eat 

 the mature insect and the pupa is taken from its cocoon and eaten by 

 several. The tent or web seems to be some protection to the caterpillars 

 within it, as few birds have been observed to break open the web and 

 take out the caterpillars. Most birds appear to prefer the caterpillars 

 from the twigs and branches. The crow, blue jay, Baltimore oriole and 

 red-ej-ed vireo are among those that tear open the web and haul the 

 caterpillars forth. 



Yellow-billed cuckoo, 



Black-billed cuckoo, 



Hairy woodpecker, 



Downy woodpecker, 



Flicker, 



Whippoorwill, 



Chimney swift, 



Wood pewee, 



Blue jay, 



Crow, 



Red-winged blackbird, 



Baltimore oriole, 



Bronzed grackle or crow blackbird, 



White-throated sparrow, 



Chipping sparrow, 



Field sparrow, 



Towhee, 



Rose-breasted grosbeak, 

 Scarlet tanager, 

 Red-ej-ed vireo, 

 Yellow-throated vireo, 

 Black-and-white warbler, 

 Golden-winged warbler, 

 Nashville warbler, 

 Parula warbler, 

 Black-throated blue warbler, 

 American redstart, 

 Catbird, 



Brown thrasher, 

 House wren, 

 Chickadee, 

 American robin. 



