492 Birds of Colorado 
Distribution.—Western North America, breeding from British 
Columbia and Alberta south, probably to northern Mexico, and from 
the Pacific to the Mississippi Valley. In winter throughout the greater 
part of Mexico. 
In Colorado the Western House-Wren is quite a common summer 
resident, reaching the State early in May from the south and departing 
again in October. It breeds both in the plains and mountains, but 
most commonly in the latter, up to about 10,000 feet, and is occasionally 
met with up to timber line. It has been recorded from all over the 
State, from Estes Park (Kellogg) and Weld co. (Markman) to Baca co. 
(Warren) on the east, and from Routt co. (Warren) and Mesa co. 
(Rockwell) to La Plata co. (Morrison) on the west. The highest definite 
breeding record seems to be Breckenridge, where it was met with by 
Carter. 
Habits.—This quaint little bird is found about cliffs 
and rocky hill-sides as well as in the thickets along the 
streams, and is also, as its name implies, frequently in 
the neighbourhood of dwellings. It has a great variety 
of song with a number of clear, ringing and ebullient 
notes ; this is generally poured forth from a perch with 
considerable vigour, the head being thrown back and 
the wings trembling. In search of the insects which 
constitute its food, it is very industrious, creeping about 
and looking over dead leaves, with tail erect and with 
a quick, nervous manner. 
The nest is to be found almost anywhere where a 
suitable cavity, chink or cranny can be found—under 
logs, in old Woodpeckers’ holes, between the logs of 
miners’ cabins, among the timber of old mining shafts, 
in deserted cabins; these are all sites made use of. 
Warren (09) relates how a pair tried to nest in his wagon- 
box, but when turned out of that, took possession of an 
empty fruit can nailed up against a cotton-wood tree 
close by. 
On the whole, perhaps a decayed and hollow branch 
or stub is most frequently used. The greater part of 
the cavity is filled up with small twigs and other rubbish, 
