SAGE THRASHER. 
702. Oroscoptes montanus. 8° inches. 
This species is often known as the Mountain Mocking- 
bird because of the brilliance of its song, a very varied 
performance, long continued and mocking that of many 
cther species. They inhabit sage-brush regions and are 
partial to the lower portions of the country, although 
frequently met in open mountains. They are not shy 
and can readily be located by their voices. 
Nest.—In bushes, especially the sage and eactus; a 
loose structure made of bark-strips, small twigs and 
coarse grasses, lined with fine rootlets. The three or 
four eggs have a rich ereenish-blue ground, spotted with 
bright reddish brown (Sia oe SUN 
Range.—Sage-brush regions of western United States 
from the Plains to the Pacific; winters in Mexico and 
Lower California. 
