VIREOS 397 



The Cassin vireo is more often heard in the oaks and conifers than 

 the warbling-, though it also frequents alders and aspens. In south- 

 ern California, Mr. Grinnell tinds it breeding in the mountain canyons 

 from the foothills to 4000 feet, and Mr. Anthony, writing from Ore- 

 gon, says, " Its clear, metallic notes ring through our forests from 

 earliest dawn until dark." 



629b. V. s. plumbeus (Coues). Plumbeous Vlreo. 



Adults. — Entire upper parts and sidfs of head dark gray, in .sharp con- 

 trast to white loral streak, orbital ring", throat, and winq- bars ; xmder 

 parts white, sides and flanks strongly tinged with olive gray. Young : 

 similar, bnt npper parts more or les^ ting-ed with brown, and sides with 

 more olivaceons. Length: O.To-O.b"), wing- ;].o,")-o,:;(>, tail l!.:J0-2..*)'), bill 

 from nostril .30-.o5. 



Remarks. — In the plnmbeons vireo the contrasts between the gray and 

 white markings of the head and nnder parts are the same as in other 

 members of the .<!olliarius group, but in plumbeus there is hardly a trace of 

 the olive on back and sides which mark tlie other members of the group. 



Distribution. — Breeds in the southern Rocky Mountain region from the 

 Black Hills westward to the desert ranges of the (ireat Basin : also in 

 northern Mexico ; migrates from southern Wyoming to southern Mexico. 



Ne.^t. — In pine or oak, pendant, made of inner bark and vegetable fibers, 

 lined with fine grass stems and rootlets, and decorated with lichen, cocoon 

 cases, web, plant blossonis, and sometimes feathers. Eggs : often 4, white, 

 lightly specked around the larger end with black and brown. 



In the wooded canyons of the Guadalupe Mountains in Texas the 

 loud, rich whistle of pt^uiiibeus often calls your attention to the gray 

 bird with the white eye rings who stops his work to sing in a sunny 

 pine top. There is something peculiarly attractive about him ; it 

 may be the harmony of his quaker garb with his SAveet, rich voice 

 and quiet ways. 



In New Mexico, through the breeding season, ^Ir. Ilenshaw found 

 the birds as high as 10,000 feet ; but in migration he found that they 

 scattered over the country, taking to the deciduous trees along 

 streams. 



Subgenus Vireo. 



Spurious primary equal to or longer than tai-sus. ■ 



630. Vireo atricapillus Woodh.. Black-capped Vireo. 



Adult iii(ih\ — Top and sidts of head black in sharji contrast 

 loral streak, orbital ring. ;ind uumH.iu undt-r p.irts ; 

 back bright olivt* green ; wing bar yellowish white. 

 .Idult ffuiale : similar, but duller, and black of 

 head usually slaty. Young in first wintir : toj) and 

 sides of he;id dull brownish : lores. (U'bit.-il ring. 

 ;ind medi.m under parts dull buffy ; upper p;irts 

 brownish green. lAnqth : 4. 40-4. T">, wing L'. b')- 

 'J.:;(). tail l.SO-L'.OO. 



Distribution. — Breeds from .southwestern Kan- 

 .sasto central and western Texas ; winters in south- 

 ern Mexico. 



