BIRDS OF KANSAS 55 



being somewhat paler and grayer, with less rufous on 

 rump and tail, more noticeable upon the plains (as would 

 naturally be expected), but it shades so gradually back 

 into the color of the eastern bird the dividing line cannot 

 well be determined. 



With all deference to the committee, it is my opinion 

 that the differences are too inconstant to warrant the sep- 

 aration of either form, and that T. aedon should be the 

 recognized bird from coast to coast. 



Iris brown; bill upper dusky, under pale; legs and 

 feet brown; claws dark brown. 



These interesting, familiar little birds are very com- 

 mon, or rather locally so, throughout their range abun- 

 dant in some localities, and, perhaps in the near vicinity, 

 rare, or not to be found. They frequent the open, shrubby 

 hills and mountain sides, and scanty growths bordering 

 the streams upon the plains and unsettled ^portions of the 

 country; but, within the settlements, prefer for their 

 haunts the orchards, gardens or shrubbery about the dwell- 

 ing houses and outbuildings. Pugnacious little fellows, 

 that boldly attack the larger birds, and, by scolding and 

 harassing, drive the house-cat and other prowling enemies 

 away; and, regardless of property rights, take possession 

 of the Bluebird and Martin houses, and are often able to 

 retain possession. 



They are industrious insect hunters, searching in the 

 bushes, vines, woodpile, etc., and creeping and peeping 

 into every nook and cranny for the same. They move 

 about with tail erect, in a quick, nervous manner. 



Their song, heard almost incessantly during the early 

 breeding season, is poured forth from a perch, in a vigor- 



