BIRDS OF KANSAS. 613 



vous white, tinged with light hrowuish across the breast; the i^osterior parts 

 rather dark brown, obscurely banded. Under tail coverts whitish, with dusky 

 bars. An indistinct line over the eye, eyelids and loral region whitish. Cheeks 

 brown, streaked with whitish." 



This subspecies differs from the above description, in being 

 somewhat paler and grayer, with less rufous on rump and tail, 

 more noticeable upon the plains (as would naturally be expected), 

 but it shades so gradually back into the color of the eastern 

 bird the dividing line cannot well be determined. 



With all deference to the committee, it is my opinion that 

 the differences are too inconstant to warrant the separation of 

 either form, and that T. aedon should be the recognized bird 

 from coast to coast. 



stretch of 

 Length. wing. Wing. Tail. Tarsus. Bill. 



Male 5.00 6.75 2.15 3.05 .67 .51 



Female... 4.70 6.40 2.00 1.90 .65 .49 



Iris brown; bill — upper dusky, under pale; legs and feet 

 brown; claws dark brown. 



These interesting, familiar little birds are very common, or 

 rather locally so, throughout their range — abundant in some 

 localities, and, perhaps in the near vicinity, rare, or not to be 

 found. They frequent the open, shrubby hills and mountain 

 sides, and scanty growths bordering the streams upon the plains 

 and unsettled portions of the country; but, within the settle- 

 ments, prefer for their haunts the orchards, gardens or shrubbery 

 about the dwelling houses and outbuildings. Pugnacious little 

 fellows, that- boldly attack the larger birds, and, by scolding and 

 harassing, drive the house cat and other prowling enemies away; 

 and, regardless of property rights, take possession of the Blue- 

 bird and Martin houses, and are often able to retain possession. 



They are industrious insect hunters, searching in the bushes, 

 vines, woodpile, etc., and creeping and peeping into every nook 

 and cranny for the same. They move about with tail erect, in 

 a quick, nervous manner. 



Their song, heard almost incessantly during the early breed- 

 ing season, is poured forth from a perch, in a vigorous manner, 

 with swollen throat, head thrown back, depressed tail and trem- 

 ulous wings, a picture of happiness and content. A sprightly, 



