WORM-EATER.[32]
Vermivora Pennsylvanica.
| Sylvia vermivora, | Lath. |
| Dacnis vermivpra, | Aud. pl. 34. |
| Vermivora Pennsylvanica, | Sw. |
[32] Length 5 inches, expanse 8½, flexure 2½, tail 1⁸⁄₁₀, rictus ⁶⁄₁₀, tarsus ⁸⁄₁₀, middle toe ¹³⁄₂₀.
This is a scarce bird with us. Some three or four specimens are all that have occurred to my observation. It seems, however, to spread rather widely over the diversities of mountain and lowland; for, while the first was obtained on the top of the Bluefields Peak, the next was found close to the sea-shore. Its habits are constant: for we have always observed it perched transversely on the dry trunks of slender dead trees, engaged in peeping into, and picking from, the crevices of the bark. In the stomachs of those which I have examined, I have found comminuted insects. Spiders and caterpillars form the chief portion of its food, according to Wilson.
It is too rare to warrant an opinion as to the period of its arrival or departure: I first met with it on the 7th of October.
WATER THRUSH.[33]
Bessy Kick-up.—River-pink. (Rob. MSS.)
Seiurus Noveboracensis.