84 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Chamsea fasciata, Game. 



GROUND-TIT; WREN-TIT. 



Parus fasciatus, Gambel, Pr. A. N. Sc. Aug. 1845, 265 (California). Chavicea fasciata, 

 Gambel, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, 1847, 154. —Ib. J. A. N. Sc. 2d series, I, 1847, 34, pi. viii, 

 fig. 3. — Cabanis, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1848, I, 102. — Cassin, Illust. I, 1853, 39, 

 pi. vii. — Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 370. — Ib. Review, 76. — Cooper, Birds Cal. I, 

 39. 



Sp. Char. Wings scarcely two thirds the length of the tail : both very much gradu- 

 ated. Upper and outer parts generally (including the whole tail) olivaceous-brown, 

 tinged with gray on the head; beneath pale brownish-cinnamon, with obsolete streaks 

 of dusky on the throat and breast. Sides and under tail-coverts tinged with olive-brown. 

 Lores and a spot above the eye obscurely whitish. Tail-feathers with obsolete transverse 

 bars. Total length, 6.20; wing, 2.30; tail, 3.50, graduation, 1.20; exposed portion of 

 first primary, .85, of second, 1.30, of longest, sixth (measured from exposed base of first 

 primary), 1.80; length of bill from forehead, .52, from nostril, .30; along gape, .60; 

 tarsus, 1.05 ; middle toe and claw, .78 ; claw alone, .23 ; hind toe and claw, .55 ; claw 

 alone, .30. Eggs light blue, unspotted ; nest on low bushes. 



Hab. Coast region of California. 



Habits. This very interesting species, M'liicli seems to combine within 

 itself the principal characteristics of the Wren and the Titmouse, was first 

 described by the late Dr. Gambel of Philadelpliia. So far as is now known, 

 it is confined to the coast country of California, from Fort Tejon to the shore 

 and from San Diego to the Sacramento. Dr. Gambel's attention was first 

 directed to it by the continued sound of a loud, crepitant, grating scold which 

 he was constantly hearing in fields of dead mustard-stalks and other similar 

 places. He at last discovered it to be this species, which from its peculiar 

 habits he called a Wren-tit. It kept close to the ground, was difficult to be 

 seen, and eluded pursuit by diving into the thickest bunches of weeds, utter- 

 ing, when approaclied, its peculiar grating wren-like notes. When quietly 

 watched it could be seen to search for insects, climbing twigs and dry stalks 

 sideways, jerking its long tail, or holding it erect in the manner of a wren, 

 which, in this position, it very much resembles. He describes it as at times 

 uttering a slow, monotonous singing note like a chick-a-dee, represented by 

 pee-iocc-pee-pccp. At other times its song is a varied succession of whistling. 

 In spring it was heard, in pairs, calling and answering, in a less solemn 

 strain, and in a manner not unlike a sparrow, with a brief lyit-int-pit, ending 

 with a prolonged trill. If disturbed, they at once resumed their usual scold- 

 ing cries. 



Mr. Bell found this species chiefly frequenting damp places, and speaks 

 of it as of pert habit, and not easily frightened. Its white iris, when ob- 

 served in its native retreats, makes it easily recognized. This feature is as 

 conspicuous in this bird as it is in the White-eyed Vireo. Its skin is re- 

 markably strong, the muscles of the thighs powerful and well developed, 

 and its whole muscular system exhibits an unusual strength and firmness. 



