The Least Vireos 
Description. —Similiar to V. belli pusillus, but browner gray above, with decided 
increase of olivaceous; underparts less purely white, more strongly tinged with olive- 
yellow on breast, and with olivaceous on sides. 
Nesting. —Quite as in preceding form, save for narrower choice of nesting trees— 
chiefly confined to mesquite. Av. size of 34 eggs in the M. C. O. colls: 16.5 x 12.2 
(.65 x .48). Seasoti: In the Colorado Valley, April. 
Range of V. b. arizonce. —Southeastern California and southern Arizona east to 
western Texas and south through the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Sonora, and 
Sinaloa. 
Distribution in California. —A common breeder in the Colorado River valley; 
possibly entitled to recognition throughout the southeastern desert area. 
Authorities.—Cooper ( Vireo bellii ), Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 1861, p. 122 (s. e. 
Calif.); Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vol. vii., 1882, p. 144 (s. Ariz.; descr. nest, 
meas., etc,); Auk, vol. ii., 1885, p. 197 (descr. young); Morcom, Bull. Ridgway Orn. 
Club, no. 2, 1887, p. 51, part (Fort Yuma, breeding); Grinnell, Univ. Calif. Pub. Zool., 
vol. xii., 1914. p. 189 (Colo. Valley; habits, desc. nest and eggs). 
UNLESS one is already acquainted with the vivacious White-eyed 
Vireo of the East, or, better, with Vireo belli of the Middle West, he 
is likely to be somewhat mystified at first in his efforts to place this 
little stranger. At least, he will hardly be helped by any recollection 
of sedate Cassin or drawling Hutton. The Least Vireo hunts from 
the lower levels, from the ground up to a height of six or eight feet. 
He is very partial to the willow association, but includes alders and 
sycamores and whatever else may grow in the near vicinity of water. 
Those who know the bird as a familiar spirit of the irrigating ditches, 
Taken in the Ojai 
Photo by Dickey 
A DOLL'S HOUSE 
587 
