CHAM^AD.E — THE GROUND-TITS. 85 



Dr. Cooper's observations in reganl to tliis bird are a little difiereiit in 

 some respects. He found it conunou everywhere west of the Sierra Nevada 

 on dry plains and hillsides, anion^- tlie shrubljy undergrowtli, but not in the 

 forests. Instead of jjreferring damp places, he found it li\-ing wliere there is 

 no water, except occasional fogs, for si.x or eiglit months at a time. Tliuir 

 movements can be observed by patient watching and keeping perfectly 

 ipiiet, when they seem attracted by curiosity to such a degree as to approach 

 one within a few feet, and fearlessly hop round him as if fascinated. 



Dr. Cooper found their nests near San Diego built about three feet from 

 the ground in low shrubs. They were composed of straw and twigs mixed 

 with feathers and firmly interwoven. The cavity, about two inches wide 

 and an inch and three fourths deep, is lined witli grass and hair. The eggs, 

 tliree or four in number, are of a pale greenish-blue, and measure .70 by .52 

 of an inch. 



