130 
THE CONDOR 
Vo i,. XI 
a few feet from the trail in Miller Conyon at an altitude of 8000 feet, and was 
placed under a bunch of ferns and grass. The female sat close and w 7 as very tame 
after being fluslit, coming within a few feet of me. These are common 
characteristics of the species, particularly when the eggs are incubated, as in this 
instance. 
Both birds come around when a nest is disturbed and are very noisy. Their 
outcries frequently bring other species to their assistance. On one occasion a pair 
each of Plumbeous and Western Warbling Vireos, Red-faced and Black-throated 
Gray Warblers, Bridled Titmouse, Western House Wren and a small female hummer 
responded and added their voices to the clamor. 
The Juncos build their nests very fast, gathering the material nearby and 
carrying it in huge mouthfuls to the nest. The female alone does the nest building 
and, as far as I have observed, assumes all the duties of incubation. The nest is 
NEST ANI) EGGS OF ARIZONA JUNCO 
always well concealed, no hint of its presence showing from the outside. 
In feeding on the ground they usually go in couples, hopping around under 
logs, stones and brush, uttering an' occasional contented “chip”. They also feed 
warbler-like in the trees, usually singly. They possess a very pretty little song, the 
strongest part of which closely resembles the song of the Olive Warbler. This is most 
noticeable when heard at such a distance as to lose the softer passage. When sing- 
ing they frequently sit motionless on a lower branch of a pine or fir, uttering their 
short song from time to time with such ventriloquistic effect as to completely 
deceive the listener as regards their position and distance. 
The birds are quite fearless and will come right up to a person who remains 
still. Their confiding ways make them great favorites with the prospectors who 
frequently feed several pairs around their camps. The Juncos get along well with 
the other birds but are quite quarrelsome among themselves. 
