46 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION 



with shrubby willows, while the ground beneath was covered by a thick 

 growth of sAvamp grass and sedges. In an upright crotch of a willow 

 slightly larger than the rest and about fovir feet from the gi'ound was 

 placed the ncKst. Again we have the typical construction and material; 

 in fact I know of no other small bird in which there is so little varia- 

 tion in size, material and construction of the nest. The three fresh 

 eg'gs were marked slightly heavier than those found a few hours be- 

 fore, and were smaller in size. 



After looking in vain for two years for a heavily marked set similar 

 to those found in 1897, I have come to the conclusion that this is not 

 the typical marking of the egg- and that those that were so beautiful 

 by reason of the heavy markings were abnormal eggs, the parallel of 

 which I fear I may never again have the good fortune to find. 



After describing the nesting site of this little flycatcher it is hardly 

 necessary to add that it is extremely shy and retiring in its habits, and 

 very easily escapes the notice of even the experienced collector. 



I am informed by J. S. Himter, of Lincoln, that in that vicinity it 

 frequents hedges along country roads, while Dr. Wolcott reports that 

 in Michig-an its relative, the Alder Flycatcher, is partial to alder thickets 

 of meadow lands and along the creeks. This seems to indicate that 

 the species. is exceedingly versatile in its breeding habits, easily becom- 

 ing accustomed to the various conditions in which it may find itself. 



BEEEDING HABITS OF BELL'S VIEEO (VIREO BELLI!) 



MERRITT CARY, NELIGII 



This timid recluse of the shrubbery is found only in the central and 

 southwestern plains region of the United States, its range extending 

 eastward to Iowa and Illinois, northward to southwestern Minnesota 

 and the Dakotas, and thence southwestward to Mexico. Perhaps in 

 no other situation is this bird so much at home as in the plum and 

 choke-cherrj^ thickets in the canyons of our western Sand Hills. 



Bell's 'S'ireo arrives from the south late in May, just as the rearguard 

 of the warbler host is leaving for the north. In four or five days the 

 birds have arrived in force and almost immediately spread out over the 

 country in search of suitable shrubbery for nesting sites; the denser 

 the thicket the better it seemirg to suit their tastes. Frequently two 

 or three pairs will select the same jDatch of plum brush for their sum- 

 mer residence, especially if it covers considerable area; in fact, I have 

 in one instance found nests of this species not more than ten feet 

 apart. But in small thickets of plum and choke-cherry one pair usually 

 has its abode, the male pugnacioiisly driving off all intruders of the 

 same species. 



The nest is a neat affair, usually hung by the bird from an upright 



