176 DENIZENS OF THE DESERT 



pigeons, which build their nests high and roost 

 in the trees, lay but one egg. 



The phainopeplas which remain throughout 

 the year on the desert breed much earlier than 

 those which nest nearer the coast. In such 

 locations as Banning and Beaumont, California, 

 which are close to the desert, and yet high 

 enough to have a later season, the desert-reared 

 young are often found sporting among the trees 

 when the adults which have come to the higher 

 zones to nest are just beginning to incubate 

 their eggs. 



The male phainopepla is a very helpful mate, 

 always taking a very conspicuous part in con- 

 structing the nest and rearing the young; in- 

 deed, he often does the major part of the work, 

 the female only passively showing her interest 

 by sitting on some twig close by and looking 

 on approvingly. Instances are recorded in 

 which the male, having lost his mate through 

 some mishap, took entire charge of the nest- 

 lings and brought them up until they were able 

 to care for themselves. 



Sometimes phainopeplas consort in small 

 flocks, but most often you see individuals 



