THE BUSH-TIT. 183 



twelve inches in length, after they are stretched 

 by wind and rain, longer than any oriole's nest 

 we know of. Both birds work at the nesting, 

 beginning early, while the weather is still wet and 

 cold, like the thrashers and hummers. 



The bush-tits may select any site from the top 

 of any high tree to a low rose or other bush. 

 There is no knowing where you may find it! But 

 when once you have become familiar with the 

 twitter of the wee birds, you will know when you 

 are not far from their nest. Sometimes it is at 

 the tip of a swaying bough, and again it is con- 

 cealed in a thick bush, but it is always hung like 

 a pocket. 



So far as we can make out, one site would be as 

 good as another, but the low conversation the 

 birds have over the matter convinces us that they 

 have some good reason for selecting a certain 

 spot. They must take into account wind and rain, 

 with an occasional flurry of snow, besides a hot 

 spell, especially in southern California. 



We have seen the bush-tits build a good many 

 nests, and examined more, which we have found 

 in different places, and they all look alike. They 

 are exactly the same color on the outside, varying 

 a little in shade, a mixed drab, gray, and white. 

 The nest is composed of mosses, bits of dried 



