418 NESTS AND EGGS OF 



two sets of the eggs of the Oregon Chickadee. One of six eggs, 

 taken in Coos county, Oregon, April 28; they measure .58x48, .60 x 

 .48, .60x44, .59x48, .62x47, .59X.54; another containing six eggs 

 was taken in Pacific county, Washington Territory, from a cavity which 

 was lined with moss and hair, in an alder stub. These measure .61 x 

 47, .60x48, .62x48, .60x48, .60x48, .61x48. 



736. Parus carolinensis AUD. [42.] 



Carolina Chickadee. 



Hab. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40, west to Missouri, Indian Territory and Eastern 

 Texas. 



The Carolina or Southern Chickadee is a common bird in Eastern 

 United States, chiefly south of 40. It is supposed to be resident 

 throughout its range, and is particularly abundant in the Southern 

 States. This bird, like the Black-capped Chickadee, nests in old 

 Woodpeckers' excavations, natural cavities of trees, hollow fence rails, 

 etc., not at a great elevation. The material used in these cavities con- 

 sists of fine, dry grasses, shreds of fibrous bark, with a warm lining of 

 feathers, cattle hair and fur of the smaller quadrupeds. 



The eggs are five to eight in number, white, sprinkled with specks 

 and small blotches of reddish-brown. In a large series, however, there 

 is considerable variation, both in color and size. Ten specimens 

 average .6ox.5O. The eggs are not distinguishable from those of 

 Parus atricapillus. 



* * Parus carolinensis agilis SENN. 



Plumbeous Chickadee. 



Hab. Eastern and Central Texas (Bee, Victoria, Cook and Concho counties, etc.). 



Mr. George B. Sennett, who describes this new Chickadee* says 

 that it can be distinguished from its nearest ally, P. carolincnsis, by its 

 whiter underparts ; by its being almost entirely free from buff washings 

 on sides, and from olive and brown washings on upper parts ; and its 

 very pale lead color on back. Mr. J. A. Singley has sent me five eggs 

 of this bird which he collected in Lee county, Texas, with full details 

 of the bird's nidification. The nest is usually excavated in an oak 

 stub at elevations ranging from two to fifteen feet. Deserted Wood- 

 pecker holes, natural cavities in trees are commonly chosen, and occa- 

 sionally Martin boxes are used. The breeding season is from the last 

 of February to the first of May. . The foundation of the nest is made 

 of short, green moss, mixed with animal hair, and the lining, as a rule, 

 is of rabbit fur. The bird sits so closely that it usually has to be lifted 

 from the nest. 



The eg'gs are five to eight in number, white, variously speckled, 



* The Auk-, V, p. 46. 



