234 NESTS AND EGGS OP 



from those of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in size, color and 



shape. 



433. TrocMlus rufus Gmel [340.] 



Bafons Hnmminsliird. 



Hab. Western North America, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast; north to or nearly to 

 Alaska, south over the Table Lands of Mexico. 



The commonest and most extensively distributed Hummingbird 

 of the West; from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, and from 

 Mexico northward. Its favorite nesting site is along the borders of 

 creeks, on the overhanging limbs and branches of trees and bushes. 

 Mr. A. W. Anthony mentions this species as abundant in Washington 

 county, -Oregon, breeding nearly everywhere. Nests were found in 

 ferns, in bushes, trees and vines overhanging embankments ; the lat- 

 ter, he states, seems to be the favorite locality, six nests being found in 

 an old railroad cut, in May and June. The materials used are willow- 

 floss and soft plant-down. Frequently nests are found covered with 

 light-colored lichens, which resemble the small bunches of moss in 

 the trees where they are built. The eggs are not distinguishable from 

 those of T. colubris^ except that they average slightly smaller. 



434. Trochilus alleni (Hensh.) [341.] 



Allen's Hummingbird. 



Hab. Coast district of California, north to British Columbia, south to Arizona. 



Allen's Hummingbird is found throughout the coast region of Cal- 

 ifornia and northward. This species is said to be very lively and active, 

 keeping constantly in open places, and always perching upon the most 

 prominent dead twigs. Compared to the unsuspicious nature of the 

 Rufous Hummingbird, it is extremely shy. Nests usually in thickets 

 and trees along creeks and canons. The outside of the nest is com- 

 posed of fine moss, the lining is the delicate floss of the cottonwood. 

 Eggs same as those of T. colubris. All the Hummingbirds that breed 

 in California are said to rear two broods in a season. 



435. Trochilus heloisa (Less & DeLatt.) [342.] 



Heloise's Hummingbird. 



Hab. Eastern Mexico and Southern Texas. 



In various districts in Southwestern Texas Heloise's Humming- 

 bird is not uncommon. It possesses the same general characteristics 

 as are common to the birds of this family. 



Captain B. F. Goss has a set of two eggs with the nest of this 

 species, taken in El Paso county, Texas, April 14, 1884. The nest was 

 placed in a bush, and is a beautiful structure made of white-cottony 

 fibre from seed pods. On the outside it is sparingly covered with small 

 lichens. The eggs are pure white, and measure .45X.36, .46X.34, re- 

 spectively. 



