2 54 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



the Crossbills had dislodged from their lurking- 

 places, and which the latter had failed to secure. 

 Mr. Verrill says it is met with in Norway, Me., in 

 the fall, winter, and spring; and Mr. Allen claims 

 for it an irregularand occasional visitant in Spring- 

 field.. 



During its brief stay it never visits* our yards 

 and gardens, but is chiefly a frequenter of low 

 marshy grounds, and along water-courses, where 

 the common alder, Alnus serrulata'gro-wsluyM- 

 riantly; and also in low humid meadows where 

 there is a rich growth of Betula nigra. 



In its movements along the branches of trees 

 and shrubs, and in the suspensory attitude which 

 it frequently assumes, there is a marked resem- 

 blance to Parus atricapilhis. 



Few species display such a kck of suspicion aS' 

 the one under consideration. When disturbed.' 

 by human footsteps, the coolest indifference is 

 manifested, as evidenced by the fearless and con- 

 fident manner in which it passes from branch to 

 branch, or from shrub to shrub. When intently 

 busy in foraging, we have been able to approach 

 within a foot of it without producing the slightest 

 distrust; and when perceived it would only gaze 

 into the face of the intruder with the most perfect 

 innocence, and only shift its position when the 

 hand was opened to receive it, and then only in 

 the'most unsuspecting and quiet manner. Unlike 

 most species, even frequent attempts to capture it 

 did not kssen apparently its confidence, one iota. 



