Sept. , 1912 DISCOVERY OF NEST AND EGGS OF CALIFORNIA PINE GROSBEAK 185 
nest in construction, having a flimsy platform of small dead hemlock twigs from 
three to eight inches long, intermixed with a few stems of some tough wire-like 
shrub. On this platform rested the nest proper, of fine light-colored grasses. 
The whole structure is in no way fastened ■ to the branch but simply rests on 
several twigs. Altho the nest can be easily seen through, in the tree it was en- 
tirely hidden, from above by the thick green foliage which hung over it only two 
inches away, and from below in like manner. The main branch on which the 
nest rests is well covered with the bright yellow moss peculiar to most trees in 
these altitudes. The nest measures eight inches over all, and the grassy interior 
is 3^x354 xlM inches deep. 
The second set of eggs is similar to the type set except that they rather ap- 
proach elongate-ovate in shape, the ground color is slightly paler and duller, and 
the markings lig;hter and less scattered, except on one specimen wheie they are 
Fig. 78. EGGS OF THE CALIFORNIA PINE GROSBEAK; UPPER 
ROW TYPE SET, LOWER ROW SECOND SET; 
EXACTLY NATURAL SIZE 
finely distributed over the entire surface. In the position shown (fig. 78) they 
measure in inches 1.02x.68, LOOx.68, and 1.06x.68. 
It may be of some interest to compare the rarity and difficulty of securing 
the type set of eggs of the Gray-crowned Leucosticle, or Rosy Finch, with that 
of the California Pine Grosbeak. The former, although inhabiting a region more 
difficult to reach, can usually be relied upon being found in certain localities. The 
Pine Grosbeak on the other hand is extremely erratic in its distribution. The 
habitat of the Rosy Finch along the timberless Sierran Crest is open while that 
of its neighbor just below is in the dense forests of a great woodland. While we 
saw several Rosy Finches engaged in nest building in our search of 1910 we 
were only able to definitely locate and reach but a single nest. On the other 
hand both nests of the Pine Grosbeak, while difficult to locate, were easily acces- 
