OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 97 



Helmithefus vermivorus, Bonap. 



The Worm-eating Warbler'has never been seen 

 by us within the precincts of Philadelphia,' though 

 we have diligently scoured the country in quest 

 of it. In Chester County we have observed soli- 

 tary individuals during the early part of May. It 

 makes the most unfrequented part of the woods 

 its home, beyond the precincts of which it is never 

 seen. 



It is the most agile of its family, darting about 

 hither and thither, wherever there is a probability 

 of capturing a spider for which it affects a great 

 fondness. It is principally arboreal in its predilec- 

 tions, but occasionally descends to the ground and 

 rummages among the fallen leaves for insect-life. 



Their notes and habits are said by Nuttall to re- 

 semble those of Parus atricapillus. The same 

 writer also remarks that they are continually utter- 

 ing a call of complaint which sounds X'^^ tshe-de- 

 de. 



The nest is said by Mr. Jackson of Westchester, 

 Penn., to be located "in a hollow in the ground," 

 and completely concealed from view by dry leaves 

 which thickly strewed the ground. It was com- 

 posed externally of dead leaves, mostly of beech, 

 while the interior was prettily lined with fine 

 thread-like stalks of the hair-moss, [Poly iric hum). . 



The usual complement of eggs 'is five, while 

 nests have often been found with but four. They 

 are round-oval in configuration, with a clear 



