l8o LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



ditty, and may be quite accurately represented by 

 the syllables chl-chl-chi-char-eB-char-iS-chl. It has 

 been likened to the mellow notes of the Baltimore 

 Oriole, but we are utterly unable -even to trace 

 the most distant relationship. In the mating 

 season, and also on the approach of danger, both 

 birds utter a low whispering warble, in a tone of 

 marked sweetness and tenderness, as they move 

 through the branches and foliage together. 



The food of this bird consists of coleopterous, 

 lepidopterous, and dipterous insects, with their 

 larvae. In July, various kinds of berries are eaten, 

 and constitute an important part of its diet. In 

 several stomachs which we have examined, have 

 been found remains oi Harpalus pensylvanicus,H: 

 compar, H. carbonarius, PHnus humeralis, Platynus 

 cupnpennis, Pangus caliginosus, Chrysomela cceru- 

 ieipennis, Cratonychus cinereus and Lachnosternd 

 hirticula in their larval forms, earthworms, ants, 

 and small spiders. Later in the season the larvae 

 of Gortyna zece, Anisopteryx vemata; Eufitchia 

 ribearia, Harrisina Amei'icana, Eudryas grata, the 

 dart moth, with mature forms of the above, besides 

 Spilosoma Virginica, Lithosia miniata, Utetfieisa 

 bella', and many of the Satyridce, LyccBfiidce, and 

 Tortricidce. 



During the breeding-period which occurs late 

 in May or the beginning of June, the mate keeps 

 at a- wary distance, and his less suspicious mate' is 

 compelled to yield thjs protection which he should 

 rightfully bestow. When her nest is assailed she 



