WREN-TITS 



or grub, all the while keeping up a subdued 

 conversation in lisping tones that reminds 

 one of the kinglets. Late in the summer, 

 when the nesting season is over, bush-tits 

 may be seen in large flocks, probably several 

 families united, wandering about the country, 

 flitting across the road ahead of one or cling- 

 ing to the side of gravel pit or cut bank search- 

 ing the tiny crevices for insects. 



In the winter bush-tits are found in com- 

 pany with chickadees and kinglets moving 

 through the woods in leisurely fashion, calling 

 to one another in cheery notes, seemingly 

 indifferent to cold or stormy w^eather. The 

 nest of the bush-tit is a purse-shaped affair 

 about ten inches long, woven of vegetable 

 fibers and moss and hung to the sw^aying 

 slender end of fir or hemlock bough, or placed 

 in a bush along the side of some steep canyon. 

 The entrance is near the top, often so small 

 that the little bird has to wriggle in and out 

 like a mouse. The tiny eggs are five to nine 

 in number. 



FAMILY CHAM^IDJE: ^YREN-TITS 



, Coast wren-tit, Chamooa fasciaia phooa. 



^-'-'' ' 5.00 



Distribution: Coast counties of northern 



California and Oregon to the Columbia River, 



39 



