WESTERN BIRDS Wren-Tit 



other series are jumbled together in a cackling, ruminat- 

 ing way. Clown, so far as vocal gymnastics are con- 

 cerned, the bird might well be called. 



One short note given is a harsh scrat, not unlike the 

 scolding note of the House Wren. 



Grinnell has settled to his own satisfaction that the 

 notes are identical in the two sexes, that there is no 

 nuptial song, and no song-season, the notes described 

 being heard at all times of year. Even in August, the 

 moulting season, the birds give their calls in my yard. 



These Wren-tits are among the most inquisitive of the 

 feathered tribe. If you are camping in the mountains 

 they will be sure to sneak down through the brush to 

 see who you are and why you have invaded their do- 

 main. If at any time you wish to call them about you, 

 you have but to make some unusual noise, such as a 

 shrill squeal by smacking the lips. 



The generic name, Champa ("on the ground"), is mis- 

 leading, since the birds live in the shrubbery and trees, 

 from which they get their food. 



Their wings are short and their flight bobby. Their 

 long tails are most expressive, being used to accent their 

 calls and flopping up and down as they fly. 



Being birds of the chaparral, they naturally place their 

 nests in the low bushes, making them of twigs, bark, 

 grasses and feathers. 



One spring I found one of these Wren-tits nesting in 

 a neighbor's yard along the arroyo. The nest was in a 

 low bush about four feet from the ground and was beside 

 a walk where people were continually passing. There 

 was one newly-hatched bird and two eggs. The mother 

 did not seem particularly shy or mind my watching 

 her. I regret to say that some cat found the nest and 

 tore it partly down so that the bird left it. 



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