CHAM^AD.E — THE GROUND-TITS. 



85 



Dr. Cooper's observations in I'egartl to this bird are a little different in 

 some respects. He found it common everywliere west of tlie Sierra Nevada 

 on dry plains ana hillsides, among the shnibby unde^^^rowth, but not in the 

 forests. Instead of preferring damp places, he found it living where there is 

 no water, except occasional fofxs, for six or eight months at a time. Their 

 movements can be observed by patient watching and keeping perfectly 

 tjuiet, when they seem attracted by curiosity to such a degree as to approach 

 one within a few feet, and fearlessly hop ound him as if fascinated. 



Dr. Cooper found their nests near San Du^go built about three feet fi*om 

 the ground in low shrubs. They were comj)OSLd of straw and twigs mixed 

 with feathers and firmly interwoven. The cavity, about two inches wide 

 and an inch and three fourths deep, is lined with grass and hair. The eggs, 

 three or four in number, are of a pale greenish-blue, and measure .70 by .52 

 of an inch. 



