Jan., 1918 THE BREEDING BIRDS OF BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS 4.3 



This colony contains only a small number of birds and is confined to an isolated inlet, 

 where they nest in May and June. 



Vireo griseus griseus. White-eyed Vireo. While this species is frequently seen, 

 we have been able to locate only a limited number of nests, usually found in May and 

 June. 



Vireo belli belli. Bell Vireo. Common in the mesquite area but rarely met with 

 in the hill country. This is especially true during the breeding season. A nest of this 

 species is rarely found without one or more eggs of the Dwarf Cowbird. Nests from the 

 latter part of May to July. 



Dendroica chrysoparia. Golden-cheeked Warbler. In June, 1914, we located a 

 nest containing four newly hatched young of this species. This nest was in a thick 

 clump of cedars and it is only in these cedar brakes that we have been able to find the 

 birds. 



Oporornis formosus. Kentucky Warbler. A nest containing four fresh eggs was 

 found on June 10, 1916, in a large patch of weeds in a river bottom; and two weeks later 

 a nest containing one fresh egg was found in the same locality. 



Icteria virens virens. Yellow-breasted Chat. We have been able to locate this 

 species in only one locality, a dense patch of very thick brush and cactus, covering 

 about twenty acres and situated about four miles north of San Antonio. Although there 

 are other equally dense thickets of this same type of brush in other portions, we have 

 been unable to find this bird in them. What special attraction this particular patch of- 

 fers we have not been able to determine, but the Chats are there and there they seem 

 contented. They nest in May and June. 



Mimus polyglottos polyglottos. Mockingbird. These tireless songsters are every- 

 where. They sing from practically every bush and tree, and seemingly nest in every 

 other one. Many of them apparently unable to sing their appointed numbers during the 

 day, continue on into the night, and the summer camper may be sure of a nightly sere- 

 nade from one or more of them. They nest from the latter part of April through July. 



Toxostoma curvirostre curvirostre. Curve-billed Thrasher. Common throughout 

 the mesquite area, where they nest in the low thorny bushes and larger clumps of prick- 

 ly pear cactus. The construction of the nest is peculiar, as only those twigs bearing the 

 largest and sharpest thorns are used. The walls are often four to eight inches in height 

 and extend almost that distance above the lining. Whether this is done for protection 

 or merely ornamentation, we are unable to say, but we do know that, it is the cause of 

 punctured wrists and hands of those who inspect them. Nests from the middle of May 

 to the middle of July. 



Heleodytes brunneicapillus couesi. Cactus Wren. Common in the mesquite area 

 and sometimes found in the hills. These birds undoubtedly construct nests which are 

 intended only as roosting places. The difference in construction between these nests 

 and the others in which they deposit their eggs is marked, the former being small com- 

 pact affairs, rather scantily lined and flat in appearance, while the latter are pouch- 

 shaped, large, firmly built, profusely lined with feathers, and having a deep depression 

 in which the eggs are placed. Nests in April, May and June. 



Catherpes mexicanus ccnspersus. Canyon Wren. Fairly common in the hilly 

 portions, where nests are placed in the limestone cliffs along the various creeks. These 

 birds have a wonderfully sweet song, which can be heard at an incredible distance as it 

 echoes along the canyon walls. They nest in the latter part of April through June. 



Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus. Carolina Wren. Fairly common through- 

 out the county, where nests are to be found from the latter part of April through June. 



Thryomanes bewicki cryptus. Texas Bewick Wren. Our most common wren, 

 found in great numbers in the mesquite area, where it nests in all sorts of cavities and 

 often in clumps of cactus. Nests from the latter part of April through June. 



Baeolophus atricristatus sennetti. Sennett Titmouse. Found only in the heavier 

 timbered sections of the hill area. So far we have located only a few nests, as they seem 

 to defy our most careful searches. Nests in May and June. 



Penthestes carolinensis agilis. Plumbeous Chickadee. While we have had better 

 success with this species than the preceding, we find it by no means common. The birds 

 are frequently seen in a large park at the edge of the city, but as one is not permitted to 

 search for nests there our data is limited. Nescs in May and June. 



Auriparus flaviceps flaviceps. Verdin. Common throughout the county, and nest- 



