The Wren-Tits 
“breeding cycle,” than in the case of any comparable species. There are 
fluctuations of vocality, due to weather conditions, moult, current dis¬ 
tribution, etc.; but, in 
general, it may be said 
that Wren-Tits of both 
sexes sing throughout 
the year. Vocal utter¬ 
ance with birds is an ex¬ 
pression of high spirits, 
and as for the Wren-Tit 
he (or she) is feeling 
pretty well, I thank you, 
most of the time. 
Wherefore, we nod sig¬ 
nificantly, and say 
“California!” 
The analysis and 
classification of the 
Wren-Tit notes is a 
most fascinating pur¬ 
suit for the bird student. 
Dr. Grinnell 1 has given 
us the best account of 
them to date, and I am 
indebted to his outline, 
although differing from 
him slightly. While no 
two observers will hear 
exactly the same ca¬ 
dences, nor attach the 
same importance to 
minor sounds, all will 
agree upon the startling 
originality and vigor of 
the Wren-Tit’s major 
call. This consists of a 
series of staccato notes 
which may be whistled 
admirably, and which 
are of so pure a quality 
Taken in Pasadena 
Photo by Donald R. Dickey 
PALLID WREN-TIT ON SALVIA 
1 The Condor, Vol. XV., Sept. 
1913 . P- 179 - 
828 
