386 University of California Publications in Zoology, l^oi.. 7 



It contained five fresh eggs, and was well built, being a firmly 

 woven felt work of horse-hair, willow-cotton, and plant fibers. 

 The nest was 104 mm. (41/3 inches) by 60 mm. (2% inches) 

 across the opening. Average inside diameter was 136 mm. (5% 

 inches). The parents scolded vociferously at my intrusion. 

 They were exceedingly cautious, however, and took care to keep 

 out of firing reach. Orioles were several times seen chasing 

 Brewer blackbirds from the vicinity of their nests. Families 

 made up of both young birds and adults were noted at Alder 

 Creek Ranch on June 17. 



Euphagus cyanocephalus (Wagler) 

 Brewer Blackbird 



Distribution. — Noted at every collecting station visited by 

 the party, the species occurring from Quinn River Crossing 

 (4100 feet), to Duffer Peak Meadow (8400 feet). 



Habits. — A colony of thirty Brewer blackbirds was seen in 

 the willows on a meadow at the head of Leonard Creek (9000 

 feet). Large flocks were observed on the Duffer Peak Meadow 

 (8400 feet) also. Small companies were frequently noted ap- 

 parently crossing the mountains. They did not fly continuously 

 for any great distance, but rested at intervals on convenient 

 boulders or quaking aspens. 



Two individuals were seen at Quinn River Crossing giving 

 chase to a cowbird, but on the whole the Brewers seem to be not 

 nearly so pugnacious as their red-winged cousins. 



On May 13 at Amos individuals were observed mating. Six 

 days later, at Quinn River Crossing, Brewer blackbirds were 

 found nesting in the willow, and bramble thickets along the 

 stream. Whenever a nesting site was approached the birds 

 always set up a vociferous chattering. The nests were situated 

 at a greater distance (2% to 6 feet) from the ground than those 

 of the red-wing. We found very few blackbirds, however, nest- 

 ing in trees, whereas Ridgway (1877, p. 510) observed several 

 ^ests twelve to fifteen feet above the ground, in pinons and 

 junipers. 



On June 10 a colony was found at Big Creek Ranch. Six 

 nests were discovered in a sagebrush area 50 by 150 feet in size. 



