240 BULLETIN UNI\'P:HS1TY ( )F MONTANA 



wall of dried grass or weed-stems, and a lining- of horsehair. In many 

 nests, however, the horsehair is lacl^ing, fine dried grass being substi- 

 tuted for it, hence we see that the type is not so constant as that of the 

 chippng sparrow. Moreover, the nest of the vesper sparrow is a very 

 flimsy affair, held in shape chiefly by the cavity it occupies, and not likely 

 to retain its form when removed from the site. 



The nest of the black-headed jay is seen frequently in this region, 

 along the mountain streams and lake shores. This nest is oftenest made 

 in small firs, on horizontal branches against the main stem, from six to 

 eighteen feet from the ground. A typical nest consists of an outer 

 framework of coarse dried twigs, interlaid rather loosely. Within these 

 is a layer made of coarse weed-stems and muddy moss or lichen. Inter- 

 nally there is a layer of coarse brown rootlets. One of these nests is 

 about eight inches aci'oss at its top, and five inches high. 



The nest of the American magpie is a peculiar structure, though in- 

 teriorly it is very similar to that of its relative just noticed, the black- 

 headed jay. The base is a mass of large twigs, which supports a basin 

 of dried clayey mud from seven to ten inches in diameter and about six 

 inches deep. Within this earthen bowl is an inner nest of coarse brown 

 rootlets, frequently with a scanty amount of horsehair. Over the nest, 

 at a height of a foot or more, is a thick canopy of dried sticks, forming 

 a snow-proof covering. Around the sides is a lattice-work of stout twigs, 

 frequently so closely interwoven that a regular opening is necessary for 

 the the entrance and egress of the owners. Commonly, liowever, the 

 birds enter through openings due to the loose degree of interw^eaving of 

 the materials. 



Among the nest-builders of this region. Wright's flycatcher next de- 

 mands consideration. A typical nest is very similar to one of the yellow 

 warbler, both in situation and construction. It is made of grayish fibers 

 of weed-stems, shreds of bark, and gossamer, within w^hich are woven 

 small downy feathers and cottony materials, besides which a few fine 

 grasses are frequently used as lining. The tiny feathers used in this nest 

 aid in distinguishing it from the yellow warbler's, though sometimes a 

 nest is found which is felted as softly within as some nests of the yellow 

 warbler. See Fig. 21. 



The woodpeckers, of course, nest in cavities which they make in the 

 trunks of trees, at varying heights from the ground, and deposit their 

 crystal white eggs on the bare fioor of the cavity, making no attempt 

 to carry material to complete the interior. 



Most of the hawks and owis of this region seldom go to the trouble 

 to construct a new nest, but usually take possession of an old structure 

 made by some more industrious builder in a former season. The spirited 

 little sharp-shinned hawk, however, makes a new nest each year, its habi- 

 tation being quite typical. The site is low. two that I have examined in 

 this region being each within eight and nine feet from the ground. The 

 nest is a mass of twigs, having a very slight depression and no lining 

 material to receive the handsome eggs which this hawk produces. 



Among the water-birds of this region, the most characteristic nests 

 are those of the grebes. These nests are made in the swamps, among 



