RED CONSPICUOUS IN PLUMAGE 467 
Breeding Season: April to July 16. 
Nest : Shallow and loosely constructed ; saddled on a horizontal fork 6 
to 50 feet from the ground ; made of twigs, small weed tops, plant 
fibre, empty cocoons, spider webs, and plant down; lined with 
feathers, hair, wool, fur, and plant down. 
Eggs: 2 to 3; cream or buff, marked most heavily about the larger end 
with irregular blotches of brown, drab, and lavender gray. Size 0.71 
X 0.53, 
Iv is most unfortunate that this brilliant bit of bird 
life occurs in California only as a winter visitor. During 
the weeks from November to March it is more or less 
common throughout the southern part of the State, espe- 
cially that portion along 
the Lower Colorado 
River, but it is neither 
so jubilant nor so fasci- 
nating as when in its 
own chosen haunts it 
wooes its pretty mate. 
One must cross to the 
Arizona side of the 
river and ride some 
miles eastward, to 
find it really abun- 
dant, but the enthu- 
siast will be well . 
repaid. Here, among the mesquite trees, like scarlet 
blossoms suddenly taken wings, the dashing males chase 
each other and engage in brilliant combats. 
These feathered warriors have tempers as fiery as their 
breasts. Early in March they arrive from the south or 
west, and a week later are joined by the females. So 
471. VERMILION FLYCATCHER. 
** Pouring out his joy.” 
