4 THE O. & O. SEMI-ANNUAL. 
the thick chaparral in which it is generally found. 
Perhaps their is no bird more interesting in this vicinity than 
the little California Bush Tit. I know of no species that ap- 
proaches nearer to the size of the Hummingbird than the ‘*Tom 
Tit,” as the bird is generally called about here. Plain and unpre- 
tending as is its dress, its nest is a perfect marvel of bird architec- 
ture, and surprisingly large in proportion to the size of the bird. 
It is generally built in one of the clusters of lichens which festoon 
the live oaks, and is frequently over a foot in length. It is usually 
gourd-shaped, with a narrow neck, and greatly expanded within. 
The only opening is a small hole.in the top, barely large enough 
to insert the finger. The nest is composed of bits of moss, 
lichens and similar material, and lined with soft feathers. I know 
of no bird that builds a more perfect or artistic nest, and think 
even the Baltimore Oriole must yield the palm to this pygmy of 
an architect. 
The species, even in the breeding season, is generally gregar- 
ious, and small bands of from eight to twenty are usually seen in 
company. The parent birds are very solicitous when any intruder 
approaches their nest, and their anxiety often betrays the prox- 
imity of their home. 
In voice and plumage, no bird could be more unpretending. Its 
note consists of a fine ‘‘zip-zip,’’ which is uttered almost con- 
stantly, and its dress is of the plainest quaker drab. The back is 
of a dark ashy-grey color, with the head, wings and tail darker 
and inclining to brownish. The breast is dirty white, becoming 
darker on the flanks and belly. With all its unpretending plu- 
mage, it is still a merry little fellow, and makes up for its want of 
dress by the sprightliness of its actions. 
Another very interesting little bird, which is characteristic of 
the California fauna, is the Wren Tit (Chamcea fasciata) or’ 
‘‘Ground Wren” as it is frequently called. For some time after 
coming to California, I frequently heard a song that I was unable 
to place. It might be represented by the syllables ‘‘tit-tit-tit-tr- 
r-r-r-r-r,” the ‘‘rs’” being trilled. Frequently two birds would 
be heard singing at the same time, one uttering a note during the 
pause in the other’s song, and both chiming in on the final trill. 
The effect of this was beautiful, as it was heard coming from the 
dry hillsides in a canon, and I was determined to find the musician. 
