VIREOS 397 



The Cassin vireo is more often heard in the oaks and conifers than 

 the warbling, though it also frequents alders and aspens. In south- 

 ern California, Mr. Grinnell finds it breeding in the mountain canyons 

 from the foothills to 4000 feet, and Mr. Anthony, writing from Ore- 

 gon, says, "Its clear, metallic notes ring through our forests from 

 earliest dawn until dark." 



629b. V. S. plumbeus (Coues). PLUMBEOUS VIREO. 



Adults. Entire upper parts and sides of head dark gray, in sharp con- 

 trast to white loral streak, orbital ring, throat, and wing bars ; under 

 parts white, sides and flanks strongly tinged with olive gray. Young : 

 similar, but upper parts more or less tinged with brown, and sides with 

 more olivaceous. Length: 5.75-6.15, wing 3.05-3.30, tail 2.30-2.55, bill 

 from nostril .30-35. 



Remarks. In the plumbeous vireo the contrasts between the gray and 

 white markings of the head and under parts are the same as in other 

 members of the solitarius group, but in plumbeus there is hardly a trace of 

 the olive on back and sides which mark the other members of the group. 



Distribution. Breeds in the southern Rocky Mountain region from the 

 Black Hills westward to the desert ranges of the Great Basin ; also in 

 northern Mexico ; migrates from southern Wyoming to southern Mexico. 



Nest. In pine or oak, pendant, made of inner bark and vegetable fibers, 

 lined with fine grass stems and rootlets, and decorated with lichen, cocoon 

 cases, web, plant blossoms, and sometimes feathers. Eggs : often 4, white, 

 lightly specked around the larger end with black and brown. 



In the wooded canyons of the Guadalupe Mountains in Texas the 

 loud, rich whistle of plumbeus often calls your attention to the gray 

 bird with the white eye rings who stops his work to sing in a sunny 

 pine top. There is something peculiarly attractive about him ; it 

 may be the harmony of his quaker garb with his sweet, rich voice 

 and quiet ways. 



In New Mexico, through the breeding season, Mr. Henshaw found 

 the birds as high as 10,000 feet ; but in migration he found that they 

 scattered over the country, taking to the deciduous trees along 

 streams. 



Subgenus Vireo. 



Spurious primary equal to or longer than tarsus. 



630. Vireo atricapillus Woodh. BLACK-CAPPED VIREO. 



Adult male. Top and sides of head black in sharp contrast to white 

 loral streak, orbital ring, and median under parts ; 

 back bright olive green ; wing bar yellowish white. 

 Adult female : similar, but duller, and black of 

 head usually slaty. Young in first winter : top and 

 sides of head dull brownish ; lores, orbital ring, 

 and median under parts dull buffy ; upper parts 

 brownish green. Length : 4.40-4.75, wing 2. 15- 

 2.30, tail 1.80-2.00. 



Distribution. Breeds from southwestern Kan- Fig 490. 



sas to central and western Texas ; winters in south- 

 ern Mexico. 



