ORNITHOLOGY OF GUADALUPE ISLAND. 295 



author's oological collection), which in consequence of a 

 heavy storm had been deserted, was taken on the 1st of March. 

 From this date began the nesting season of this species. 



The last nest, taken April 7th, contained five eggs, with 

 small embryos in them. In nearly every instance, the birds 

 selected for a nesting place the upper side of a cypress 

 branch in the angle formed by its intersection with the 

 trunk, thus avoiding the storm-shaken foliage. They seemed 

 to show a preference for the leeward side of a tree, where 

 the nest would be protected from prevailing winds. One 

 prudent couple had built in a clump of mistletoe, at a height 

 of twenty feet. 



Several pairs built in the tops of palms. The nests were 

 ordinarily not more than ten or fifteen feet from the ground. 



The birds make but slight demonstrations while their nest 

 is being removed, uttering only a few notes of protest, or 

 silently witnessing a wrong hitherto unknown to them. 



The material used for the outer structure of the nests 

 consisted of the dark, dead stems of weeds, only the finer 

 ones being selected. One nest found in a pine tree, had 

 the foundation and sides made of pine needles, with the 

 invariable lining of goat's hair, black or white being used 

 indiscriminately. The external diameter of the nest is 

 about 130 mm., with a central cavity of about 65 mm. 



The eggs, sometimes four in number, but oftener five 

 during the early part of the season, are colored precisely 

 like the average specimens of C. frontalis rhodocolpus, the 

 spots being either sparingly applied or entirely wanting. 

 They also resemble them in general shape, but the size 

 serves to distinguish them. The five eggs of set No. 792, 

 measure respectively 22 x 15; 22x15.5; 22.5 x 15.5; 23 x 

 15.5; 23 x 16.5 mm. The length measurement varies from 

 19.5-24 mm., and the width 15-16.5 mm. The average of 

 thirty-two specimens is 21.3 x 15.5 mm. 



In the table of measurements, I have selected from a good 



