10 FOOD HABITS OF THE GROSBEAKS. 



tified as of the bristly or bamboo greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox), 

 which are almost as hard as wood, were taken by 2 individuals. It 

 would be well for humankind if more birds were fond of the seeds 

 of these detestable vines. One cardinal ate seeds of Solomon's seal 

 {Polygonatum bifloram). 



Cherries also are on the redbird's bill of fare. One correspondent 

 states that redbirds filch cultivated varieties, but as none appeared in 

 any of the stomachs examined, the occurrence probably is exceptional. 

 Chokecherries are consumed, however, and Dr. A. K. Fisher has 

 observed a cardinal eating the fruit of a seedling cherry {Prunus 

 avium), 



Wilson says cardinals feed upon the seeds of apples, but this habit 

 also must be rare ; in the course of the present investigation no culti- 

 vated fruit of any kind was found. 



Six cardinals devoured blueberries (Vaccinium spp. including V. 

 virgatum), three ate the aromatic berries of spice bush {Lindera 

 benzoin), and 6 took the purple fruit of the pokeberry {Phytolacca 

 decandra, PI. II, fig. 4). The seeds of the succulent fruit of the 

 prickly pear {Opuntia opuntia, PL II, fig. 9) were found in the 

 stomachs of 3 cardinals, taken near the District of Columbia, where 

 the plant abounds on the rocky banks of the upper Potomac. Six 

 redbirds fed upon the drupes of sumac, including those of the poison 

 ivy {Rhus radicans) and of the skunk bush {Rhus trilobata). These 

 fruits are sometimes eagerly sought. The writer once in winter 

 observed a scattering flock of 50 or more redbirds feeding on the 

 berries of scarlet sumac. 



The elderberry, which is so relished by the rose-breasted grosbeak, 

 is rather neglected by the cardinal, only 2 having selected it. Two 

 also ate ground cherries and black haws, while but 1 stomach con- 

 tained rose hips, though the bird has often been observed devouring 

 these fruits. Juneberries {Amelanchier canadensis, PI. II, fig. 3) 

 and others of the same genus are eaten; both holly {Ilex opaca) and 

 inkberry (/. glabra) are occasionally secured, as well as red cedar 

 berries {Juniperus virginiana) , the fruit of the knockaway tree 

 {Ehretia elliptica), and red haws {Crataegus sp.). In a stomach col- 

 lected in South Carolina in January were more than 12 seeds of the 

 berry of the passion flower {Passifora incarnata) . To the above list 

 of fruits eaten by the cardinal, various authors add the wahoo berry 

 {Euonymus sp.), Mexican mulberry {Callicarpa americana), and 

 drupes of the cabbage palmetto {Sabal palmetto) and saw palmetto 

 {Serenoa serrulata). 



Among many items of vegetable food -to be classed as miscellane- 

 ous are some of particular interest. Acorns were eaten by a few 

 cardinals and one bird even selected a hickory nut. The strength of 

 bill necessary to shear into such hard seeds may be imagined, and it 



