OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 255 



In feeding it never visits the tall tree-tops, but 

 rather ^refers'low bushes and weeds. In the cold 

 seasdn it "feeds upon the seeds of Pinus strobiis, 

 Pinus inops, Abies canadensis, A. nigra, Betula 

 excelsa, Rhus glabra, and those of various grasses, 

 asters, and solidagos. In early spring it feasts 

 largely upori the catkins of Alnus serrnlata, and 

 Betula nigra, and later, jiist before it takes its 

 departure upon the tender and fleshy cones of the 

 Conifens and the buds df Acer rubrum, A. saccha- 

 rinwn, arid Pyrus nialiis. Among insects, the 

 eggs of the Apkidce and Coccidce that are adherent 

 to: the branches of the common alder and other 

 shrubs- with the ova and pupa of Cratonychus 

 ciftereUs, C. pertinax, and other beetles, are 

 esteemed racy tidbits. While feeding upon the 

 biids of alder It will not hesitate to seize what- 

 ever of insect-life should pass athwart its vision. 



Its flight is graceful and undulating, and resem- 

 bles that of Chiysomitris pinus. 



During- its stay it is devoid of a regular song. 

 The only note which it utters is a low soft call 

 which resembles that of the Goldfinch, and which is 

 produfied in the intervals of feeding and during its 

 passage from ' bush to bush. Dall says its only 

 song- is a few cheerful twitterings and chirpings. 



'According to Mr. Dall it is a very abundant 

 summer resident at Nulata, and builds in bushes 

 near the ground a nest which is composed of 

 dry grasses and mosses, exteriorly, and is lined 

 with hair oh the inside. Nidification commences 



