EG-G-S : 
The complement of eggs varies from five to seven. They measure from .45 to .51 in short-diameter, 
and from .54 to .64 in long-diameter. Four eggs from as many sets measure respectively; .46 x .59, .47 
x .54, .48 x .55, .48 x .60. The ground-color of the shell is pure white. The marks consist of large 
blotches, spots, speckles, and short lines of light reddish-brown ; at times almost pure burnt sienna. One 
egg before me contains about three dozen blotches, none of which are smaller than a pin’s head, and 
several are four times this area, scattered from tip to base. Interspersed between these are about twice 
as many spots which are occasionally confluent with each other and the blotches; and upon the back- 
ground still unmarked are some very fine and indistinct speckles. The deep shell-marks are few and 
have none of the purple or lavender tint so common to them, but are simply paler than the sui'face mark- 
ings. Another egg is similarly but less heavily marked, except on its basal half, which resembles closely 
the same part of the egg just described. Another contains at its basal end several small, deep reddish- 
brown blotches and a number of spots and speckles of lighter shades, superimposed upon about as many 
and very similar deep shell-marks ; the rest of the egg is sparingly dotted with rectangular spots, speckles, 
and short, fine lines. Another contains blotches, spots, and speckles at its base. The larger marks form 
a. slightly confluent wreath, within the circle of which are numerous spots and speckles ; the remainder 
of the egg is sparingly speckled. There are but few deep shell-marks, these have a faint lavender tint. 
The above described specimens show the variations which commonly occur. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 
For detailed description and comparison of the nests and eggs of P. carolinensis and P. atricapillus, 
the reader is referred to the text upon the nesting habits of the latter species. 
REMARKS : 
Fig. 5, Plate LX, represents three eggs of the Carolina Chickadee, of the usual sizes, shapes, and 
markings. Two of these were collected by Mr. Chas. Dury, in Hamilton County, May 27th, 1869. The 
third is one of a set taken in Pickaway County, May 20th, 1884. 
The Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees are frequently confounded on account of their very close 
resemblance to each other. The subject of this sketch is in fact a little the smaller bird, averaging 
about half an inch less in length than its relative referred to, but their plumage is so similar that it is 
impossible for one not familiar with both species to say with which he has to deal when he only sees 
them at a distance in the woods. The most apparent difference between the two birds is in their habits. 
The Carolina Chickadee has a softer and more deliberate manner, and its voice is less loud. It is also 
shyer, seldom coming into towns, and seems in every way to be a more delicate and more finely organ- 
ized bird. It is not gregarious like atricapillus, but is usually seen in pairs. 
Dr. Coues, in his “ Key to Horth American Birds,” makes only a variety of Carolinensis, but lately 
it has taken rank as a species, as it formerly did with Audubon, who named it. 
228 
