_Sylvicola pensilis._
_Sylvia pensilis_, +Lath.+—Aud. pl. 85.
_Sylvia flavicollis_, +Wils.+
_Sylvicola pensilis_, +Bonap.+
[37] Length 5¹⁄₄ inches, expanse 8, flexure 2¹⁄₂, tail 1⁹⁄₁₀,
rictus ¹³⁄₂₀ (nearly), tarsus ³⁄₄, middle toe ¹¹⁄₂₀.
Wilson has justly observed that the habits of this lovely bird are
those of a Tit or a Creeper. I have usually observed it creeping about
the twigs of trees, or among the blossoms. The first I met with was
thus engaged, creeping in and out, and clinging to the beautiful and
fragrant flowers that grew in profuse spikes from the summit of a
papaw-tree. It is one of the earliest of our visitors from the north,
for this was on the 16th of August; and it remains until April among
the sunny glades of our magnificent island. The stomach of such as I
have examined was large, and contained caterpillars of various sizes
and species. An individual in March, which I proved by dissection to
be a female, did not differ in intensity of colouring, or any other
appreciable respect, from the male. The eggs in the ovary at that
season, were distinguishable, but minute.