OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 325 



the habitations of man by necessity of food. 

 At the time of its arrival, there is Httle to satisfy 

 appetite, except the seeds of last year's maturing, 

 and the few coleopterous and hymenopterous 

 insects which have endured the rigors of winter 

 underneath stones, prostrate logs, &c., and which 

 have now crept forth from their lurking places to 

 enjoy a milder climate. As these are mainly 

 found upon the ground, its supplies are principally 

 cut off when the earth is snow-clad ; hence its ap- 

 pearance around our dwellings. 



Few species affect a greater fondness for run- 

 ning-water, where during the months of March 

 and April, it may be found, doubtless, on account 

 of the bushes of Alnus serrulata which grow luxu- 

 riantly in such places, more especially in low 

 humid grounds, for their tender catkins which con- 

 stitute an important article of diet. Like a Pipilo, 

 it may be often seen busily scratching in the earth 

 for its food. In open grounds, at this season, its 

 habits are not dissimilar to those of gallinaceous 

 birds. 



Its food consists of the seeds of weeds and 

 grasses, with such insects as are common. Among 

 the former, the seeds of asters, solidagos, Amaran- 

 ttis hybridus, A. panindatus, A. albus. Ambrosia 

 artemismfolia, A. trifidum, Chenopodmm album, 

 &c,, ace greedily devoured. Among insects, //«r- 

 palus pensylvanicus, CratonycJms cinereus, Formica 

 sanguinea, constitute an important part of its diet. 

 Like many of the FringillidcB, the tender buds of 



