Sept., 1907 NESTING OF THE BI-COlvORHD BIvACKBIRD 151 



Davie's "Nests and Eggs" and Bendire's "l^ife Histories" both make only 

 one description of the eggs of the Bi-color; namely, light blue or bluish white, 

 marked around the larger end with waving lines of dark brown, lighter in shade 

 than the markings on the eggs of the common Red-wing (Davie). "The eggs are 

 two to four in number (very rarely more), and resemble those of the Red-wing 

 Blackbird excepting that they are a trifle smaller and perhaps on an average less 

 heavily marked, but otherwise the same description will answer for both" (Bendire); 

 also only two types given on Plate VI. 



I have in my collection a set which is typical of the Bi-colored Blackbird. 

 Also a set of four eggs, which are not marked at all, only plain ground color show- 

 ing, and another with plain ground color, at larger end quite a bit darker, and with 

 only one or two very faint and small dark lines showing. On the whole I think 

 that this blackbird is a very interesting subject ot study, and tho it is somewhat 

 common much can be learned by studying the common birds, as well as those that 

 are less familiar. 



Santa Rosa, California. 



NOTES ON THE PALI^ID WREN-TiT 



By WRIGHT M. PIERCE 



THE Pallid Wren-Tit ( Chamcea fasciata henshawi) , a little bird with a brown- 

 colored back and wings, and a buffy colored breast, lightly streaked with 

 gray, so common on the brush-covered slopes below the foot-hills and even 

 well up into the mountainous districts about here, has always seemed a very inter- 

 esting little subject of bird life to me. With his long tail, common to members of 

 the tit family, and his wren-shaped body, he is unique, showing some character- 

 istics of both wren and tit families. The lower foot-hills and the mesa regions are 

 the favorite haunts of this bird, altho we meet with him at higher altitudes but 

 with somewhat less frequency the farther up we go. But even tho the lower haunts 

 of this bird are very accessible, this little fellow seldom appears to the casual ob- 

 server of bird life, for usually the moment you approach he hops off into the sur- 

 rounding sombre-colored sage which is in exact harmony with his plumage. Then 

 very likely in a moment, from some bush or tree not far away, you hear again his 

 call; but on drawing near to the latest retreat of this unobtrusive little bird, the 

 song suddenly ceases and by the time you have arrived the source has likely dis- 

 appeared again. However I do not wish to have it understood by these remarks 

 that this bird is especially wild or wary; quite the opposite, for he seems to slip 

 away in no hurry and in such a matter of fact way, simply going slowly from 

 branch to branch of some bush, diligently seeking small insects, seeds and grubs 

 that are his food. Then by a short quick flight he is away to the next bush. He, 

 without doubt, relies upon the protective color of his plumage for his escape from 

 his enemies, and incidentally from those who wish to observe his actions. 



Chanicea fasciata henshatvi, as the scientist calls him, must nest commonly about 

 here, for the birds are met with as frequently during the nesting season as at other 

 times of the year; in fact, they are more in evidence during the mating season than 

 at other times because of their distinctive whistle-like song, which is uttered then 

 with more frequency. This song or whistle, tho perhaps not very musical, seems 

 very fitting and appropriate with the surroundings, from which it is uttered: the 

 lonely chaparral-covered canyons and gulches of our foot-hills and lower ranges, or 

 the broad expanse of brown-colored brush, or, perhaps, farther up in the higher 



