The Wren-Tits 
quest progresses the birds exchange confidences 
now and then in a low peep, or else give voice to 
suspicion in an absurd little 
series of low ratchety notes. 
But the birds in these circum¬ 
stances rarely exhibit fear, and 
will venture up repeatedly with¬ 
in three or four feet. Even 
after they have correctly diag¬ 
nosed your case, they will oftener than not 
potter about in friendly lazy fashion. One 
has ample opportunity to observe the “lax” 
plumage with diffuse or hair-like feather- 
tips, and these all fluffed out in comfortable, 
dowdy fashion. The tail, oftenest uptilted 
at an angle of forty or fifty degrees, is quite 
mobile, not, indeed, nervously twitching, 
but still compensating by bobs or side-long 
sweeps for every major motion of the body. 
Sometimes this member is carried half open, 
and we note its fan-like graduation, while 
in every short flight attempted the tail 
“pumps” vigorously. The bird is an adept 
climber, but never attempts compromising 
“stunts” as a Chickadee would. Indeed, 
all the Wren-Tit’s movements are moderate and languid, and we should 
attribute to the bird a considerable dignity, were it not for the droll 
white iris which belies its claims. This “glass eye” gives to its owner 
a sort of impersonal cast, and we feel that we are dealing with a pixy in 
masquerade, rather than with a flesh-and-blood bird. 
While wedded to the chaparral, the Wren-Tit is no recluse. If 
half civilized connections are maintained by means of hedge or neglected 
fence-row or weed-grown hollow, the bird will pay dutiful visits to orchard 
or garden, and he will announce his or her presence—for both sexes sing 
indistinguishably—by no less dutiful sounding of the challenge notes. 
As an authentic mark of Californiity, therefore, the pleasant call of the 
Wren-Tit, whether near or remote, comes to be one of the most cherished 
features of country or suburban life in our State. 
Occasional visits to orchard or garden need not be resented, either, 
on economic grounds; for while the Wren-Tit does indulge in fruit, it 
is chiefly wild fruit such as elderberries, coffee berries ( Rhanmus), twin 
berries (Lonicera interrupta ), etc. Its chief interest is in insect food, and 
Taken in Pasadena 
Photo by Dickey 
EYEING THE CAMERA 
82s 
