_Vermivora Pennsylvanica._
_Sylvia vermivora_, +Lath.+
_Dacnis vermivpra_, +Aud.+ pl. 34.
_Vermivora Pennsylvanica_, +Sw.+
[32] Length 5 inches, expanse 8¹⁄₂, flexure 2¹⁄₂, 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.