64 



PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA 



No. 9 



small accumulation of trash, but in the majority of cases that have come under 

 my observation a small weed or plant, frequently the California poppy, is chosen, 

 probably more for the shade it affords than with any thought of concealment. 



I have found eggs on the bare, dry dust in a slight hollow ; and again an 

 elaborate, deeply-cupped nest is constructed of dry grass-stems and rootlets. As 

 the birds, nests, and eggs all blend wonderfully with the ground, they are among 

 the most difificult nests to find with which I have had any experience. A com- 

 plete set of eggs in many cases numbers three, although four are not rare. 



Various grain and seeds seem to be the staple articles of diet with these 

 birds, which feed entirely upon the ground. 



