382 University of California Publications in Zoology. [Vol. 7 



inches) deep. A third was found on IMay 31 three feet above 

 the water in the same clump of tnles. It was about the same 

 size, contained two eggs, and was made and fastened in the same 

 way as were the others. 



On June 1 the birds were heard in full song. 



Although it is not rare, Xanthocephalus xantJiocephaliis can- 

 not be said to be a common species in the region, probably 

 because the type of environment to which it is suited is so 

 restricted. 



Agelaius phoeniceus (subspecies indet.) 

 Red-wing 



Distrihution. — Common in almost every locality which was 

 at all suitable for their habitation. Specific localities at which 

 they were noted: Winnemucca (4300 feet) ; Quinn River Cross- 

 ing (4100 feet) ; Big Creek Ranch (4350 feet) ; Alder Creek 

 (5000 to 7000 feet) ; Virgin Valley (4700 feet) ; and Little High 

 Rock Canon (5000 feet). 



This bird is considered by Mr. Grinnell to be nearest Agelaius 

 p. sonorieusls, though it is said not to be that form. 



Habits. — On more than one occasion was the belligerent dis- 

 position of this blackbird in evidence. Flocks of four to eight 

 individuals were frequently seen pursuing some distressed raven; 

 they swooped at the fleeing bird with every appearance of intent 

 to do bodily harm, but I was not able to observe that they did 

 actually strike the fugitive. Individuals do not seem to be par- 

 ticularly timid about attacking a raven, even when no other 

 red-wings are about. Magpies come in for a share of abuse. 

 Apparently the red-wings do not confine their attacks to birds 

 of their own size or larger, for one was o])served driving a 

 Savannah sparrow from a gra.ss stem. Upon the flight of tlie 

 sparrow, the blackbird settled down on the vacated perch. 



The male apparently guards the female and nest very care- 

 fully. If the female flies up from the grass he often follows 

 her with tail and wings widely spread, singing most persistenlly. 

 If another male intrudes lie is immediately attacked and ejected. 

 The males are much more in evidence than the femah^s. 



Both this species and Euphagus cyiiii(>c( plialus showed very 



