Mountain-Chickadee 507 
higher elevations of the mountains, occasionally associating with 
the Long-tailed Chickadee, but as a rule keeping higher up among the 
pines and spruces, where it breeds, chiefly between 8,000 feet and 
timber line. In winter it is often found at lower elevations among 
the pifions and cedars of the foothills, even as low as Grand Junction 
(4,500 feet), where it has been noticed from October to April (Rockwell), 
and Pueblo at 4,600 feet (Beckham). It has been recorded from Estes 
Park (Kellogg) and Sulphur Springs (Warren) in the north to Fort 
Lewis (Gilman) in the south, and appears to be a common bird 
throughout the mountainous part of the State. 
Habits.—This Chickadee does not appear to differ 
very materially from its long-tailed congener. It is 
generally noticed in small bands or parties actively 
engaged in its search for insects, their larve and eggs, 
about the rough bark and the buds of trees in the 
winter. 
Gale took a large number of nests near Gold Hill in 
Boulder co., between 8,200 and 10,000 feet ; these were 
generally in aspen trees or stubs, sometimes in pines. 
They were either excavated by the birds themselves or, 
as often as not, an old Woodpecker’s or other hole was 
taken possession of. The nest itself is composed of a 
felted mass of rabbits’ fur or hairs, with occasionally 
a little moss as well. The eggs, usually seven, but 
varying in number, are sometimes pure white without 
spots, as was first pointed out by W. G. Smith to Elliot 
Coues (83), and sometimes faintly speckled with reddish, 
the proportion of spotted to plain eggs being about 
equal. The birds are courageous in defence of their 
nest-holes, and often contend with House-Wrens and 
Bluebirds for the possession of a desirable habitation. 
Before the young are hatched the nest is very difficult 
to locate, but afterwards the constant requirements of 
the large number of young soon betray the spot. Gale 
noted that fresh eggs were to be found between May 
20th and June 15th. 
