CHAMiEAD.'E — THE GROUND-TITS. 85 



Dr. Cooper's observations in regard to this bird are a little different in 

 some respects. He found it common everywhere west of the Sierra Nevada 

 on dry plains and hillsides, among the shrubljy undergrowth, but not in the 

 forests. Instead of preferring damp places, he found it living where there is 

 no water, except occasional fogs, for six or eiglit months at a time. Their 

 movements can be observed by patient watching and keeping perfectly 

 quiet, wlien they seem attracted by curiosity to sucli a degree as to approach 

 one within a few feet, and fearlessly hop round him as if fascinated. 



Dr. Cooper found their nests near San Diego built about three feet from 

 tlie ground in low shrubs. They were composed of straw and twigs mixed 

 with feathers and firmly interwoven. Tlie cavity, about two inches wide 

 and an inch and three fourths deep, is lined with grass and hair. The eggs, 

 tliree or four in number, are of a pale greenish- blue, and measure .70 by .52 

 of an inch. 



