OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. I 6l 



Its' habits whilst feeding are both terrestrial and 

 arboreal; it, however, restricts its foraging to low 

 trees and shrubs. In general movements, there 

 are noticeable remarkable agility and a certain de- 

 gree of eccentricity. They frequently squat upon 

 the ground, keeping up all the while a peculiar 

 jerking movement of the tail; then spring upon 

 their feet and display the most antic gestures. 

 When surprised while thus occupied, they en- 

 deavor to effect concealment afnong the bushes, 

 or seek security in flight. 



The food of the Chat consists mainly of in- 

 sects, although the fruits of the wild strawberry 

 {Fragaria- Virginica), Rubus villosus, and the 

 common whortleberry are esteemed great luxuries. 

 We have detected in the several stomach's which 

 we have examined, the presence of Pangus cali^i- 

 nosus, Harpalus pensylvanicus, H. compar, Scarites 

 subterraneus, Platynus cupripennis, Bostnckus pint, 

 Donacia pusilla, Chrysomela cceruleipennis, and 

 many other coleoptera ; besides Formica sangtunea, 

 F. subtei^ranea, small spiders, and the smaller 

 species of Tulis. Later, the smaller lepidoptera 

 belonging to the Noctuidce, Toriricides, and 

 TineidcB, in mature stages, besides the larvae of 

 Anisopteryx vernata, Eufitchia ribearia, Clisio- 

 canipa Americana, Utetheisa bella, and Colias philo- 

 dice are eagerly hunted. 



Its song consists of a variety of uncouth sounds 

 easily imitated; atone time, comparing favorably 

 with the whistling of the wings of a duck, being 



