CATHEEFES CONSPERSUS. 421 



pursuit by retreating to the deeper recesses of the rocks, now and then 

 slyly peeping from some crevice but an instant, and then very unexpectedly 

 reappearing at some distant place. While thus engaged, or while hopping 

 about, examining each crevice for a spider or other insect, it utters a simple 

 ringing note, which sounds somewhat like dinli, uttered in a metallic tone ; 

 while now and then he pauses to pour forth his piercing song, which is of 

 such volume as to fill the surrounding canons with its reverbei-ations. In 

 many of its movements it greatly resembles the common Rock Wren, par- 

 ticularly in its manner of bowing and swinging oddly from side to side, 

 when its attention becomes attracted by the presence of an intruder. It was 

 frequently seen to cling to the roof or sides of a cave with the facility of a 

 Creeper, and on one occasion to fly perpendicularly up the face of a cliff for 

 a considerable height. 



It seems, however, that in other sections of the country, where it is 

 probably more numerous, this species is not always thus shy and retired in 

 its habits; for Mr. Dresser (see "The Ibis," 1865, p. — ) mentions an interest- 

 ing instance where a pair built a nest in the wall of a dilapidated printing- 

 office in San Antonio, Texas, and were so tame that they became great 

 favorites with the workmen. He also states that at Dr. Heerrnann's ranclie, 

 on the Medin;i, they often l)ullt in cigar-boxes i)laced for their acconniio- 

 dation. 



As stated above, the song of this bird is one of remarkal)le power; it 

 is also unique in its tone and modulation to such an extent that no other 

 song we ever heard resendjles it at all. It consists of a series of clear, 

 sharp, whistling, detached notes, beginning in the highest possiljle key, and 

 descending the scale with perfect regularity through an octave or more. 

 These notes are occasionally heard echoed and reechoed against the walls 

 of the canons, with continued reverberations, such is their power and 

 distinctness. 



List of specimcm. 



^ 345, $ ad.; near Fort Churchill, December 7, 1867. 5.75-7.50—2.58—2.00—0.83 

 —0.50—2.25—1.18. Bill, slate-color, paler, and with a lilaceous tinge toward base of 

 lower mandible; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, black. [Type of var. comwrms, Ridg- 

 w.iy, I. c] 



