456 



NUTHATCHES AND TITS 



parts plain gray ; under parts white. Young : usually with black of crest 

 mixed with ash ; upper parts slaty gray, washed with olive ; under parts 

 with sides washed with brown ; throat and middle of belly lighter. Length : 

 5-6, wing 2.70-3.05, tail 2.50-2.90. 



Distribution. From southeastern Texas west to El Paso, south to east- 

 ern Mexico. 



Nest. Often in old woodpecker holes, 4 to 12 feet from the ground, 

 made of wool, inner bark, and snake skin. Eggs : usually 6, white, flecked 

 with reddish brown. 



In Uvalde, Texas, I have seen this little Mexican stranger singing 

 on the ridgepole of a village house. His black crest gave him a 

 jaunty, dressed-up air, but withal he was the same winning, fluffy, 

 domestic little body as the rest of his race. He sang a cheery abbre- 

 viation of the Peter-Peter of his United States relatives, a Pete- 

 Pete-Pete-Pete. In the Chisos and Davis mountains, Mr. Baile} r 

 found the black-crest one of the most abundant birds of the Upper 

 Sonoran zone, flying about conspicuously among the jumpers, nut 

 pines, and scrub oaks. 



733. Parus inornatus Gamb. PLAIN TITMOUSE. 



Adults. Plain, unmarked ; upper parts brownish or olive gray ; under 

 parts gray, becoming whitish on belly. 

 Young : upper parts washed with brown ; 

 under parts ashy white. Length : 5.00- 

 5.00, wing 2.68-2.90, tail 2.20-2.60, bill 

 .3S-.40. 



Distribution. Resident in Pacific coast 

 region of California and Oregon. 



Nest. In holes of trees or stumps, 

 made of soft felted materials and feath- 

 ers. Eggs : 6 to 8, plain white. 



There is an indefinable eharm about 

 the slow, clearly enunciated tu-whit, 

 tu-whit, tu-whit, that echoes through 

 the oaks, telling of the presence of the 

 plain titmouse. Its soft quaker garb 

 and quiet, gentle ways suit well with 

 the feeling of rest and content that comes under the sun-filled live- 

 oaks. There is a pleasant sense of mystery, too, till one has discovered 

 which particular knot-hole has been intrusted with the safe keeping 

 of the little bird's treasures ; and after the discovery there is an added 

 delight in watching them, for the titmouse parents are gentle lovers 

 and most attractive housebuilders. 



733a. P. i. griseus Eidgw. GRAY TITMOUSE. 



Similar to inornatus, but lighter ; upper parts light gray ; under parts 



- 2.40-2.70, bill .40- 



whitish gray. 



-.48. 



Length : 5.75-6.10, wing 2.80-3.00, tail 



