456 
NUTHATCHES AND TITS 
parts plain gray; under parts white. Young : usually with black of crest 
mixed with ash; upper parts slaty gray, washed with olive; under parts 
with sides washed with brown; throat and middle of belly lighter. Length: 
5-6, wing 2.70-3.05, tail 2.50-2.90. 
Distribution. — From southeastern Texas west to El Paso, south to east¬ 
ern Mexico. 
Nest. — Often in old woodpecker holes, 4 to 12 feet from the ground, 
made of wool, inner bark, and snake skin. Eggs: usually 6, white, flecked 
with reddish brown. 
In Uvalde, Texas, I have seen this little Mexican stranger singing 
on the ridgepole of a village house. His black crest gave him a 
jaunty, dressed-up air, but withal he was the same winning, fluffy, 
domestic little body as the rest of his race. He sang a cheery abbre¬ 
viation of the Peter-Peter of his United States relatives,—a Pete- 
Pete-Pete-Pete. In the Chisos and Davis mountains, Mr. Bailey 
found the black-crest one of the most abundant birds of the Upper 
Sonoran zone, flying about conspicuously among the junipers, nut 
pines, and scrub oaks. 
733. Parus inornatus Gamb. Plain Titmouse. 
Adults. — Plain, unmarked; upper parts brownish or olive gray; under 
parts gray, becoming whitish on belly. 
Young : upper parts washed with brown; 
under parts ashy white. Length: 5.00- 
5.60, wing 2.68-2.90, tail 2.20-2.60, bill 
.38-.40. 
Distribution. — Resident in Pacific coast 
region of California and Oregon. 
Nest. — In holes of trees or stumps, 
made of soft felted materials and feath¬ 
ers. Eggs: 6 to 8, plain white. 
There is an indefinable charm about 
the slow, clearly enunciated tu-whit , 
tu-whit, tu-whit , that echoes through 
the oaks, telling of the presence of the 
plain titmouse. Its soft quaker garb 
and quiet, gentle ways suit well with 
the feeling of rest and content that comes under the sun-filled live- 
oaks. There is a pleasant sense of mystery, too, till one has discovered 
which particular knot-hole has been intrusted with the safe keeping 
of the little bird’s treasures; and after the discovery there is an added 
delight in watching them, for the titmouse parents are gentle lovers 
and most attractive housebuilders. 
733a. P. i. griseus Bidgw. Gray Titmouse. 
Similar to inornatus , but lighter; upper parts light gray; under parts 
whitish gray. Length : 5.75-6.10, wing 2.80-3.00, tail 2.40-2.70, bill .40- 
.48. 
Fig. 582. 
