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 Sept., x9o 7 NESTING OF THE BI-COLORED BLACKBIRD t5t Davie's "Nests and Eggs" and Bendire's "Life Histories" both make only one description of the eggs of the Bi-color; namely, light blue or bluish white, marked around the larger end with waving lines of dark brown, lighter in shade than the markings on the eggs of the common Red-wing (Davie). "The eggs are two to four in number (very rarely more), and resemble those of the Red-wing Blackbird excepting that they are a trifle smaller and perhaps on an average less heavily marked, but otherwise the same description will answer for both" (Bendire); also only two types given on Plate VI. I have in my collection a set which is typical of the Bi-colored Blackbird. Also a set of four eggs, which are not marked at all, only plain ground color show- ing, and another with plain ground color, at larger end quite a bit darker, and with only one or two very faint and small dark lines showing. On the whole I think that this blackbird is a very interesting subject ot study, and tho it is somewhat common much can be learned by studying the common birds, as well as those that are less familiar. nla Josa, Cahbrnia. NOTES ON THE PALLID WREN-TIT By WRIGHT M. PIERCE HE Pallid Wren-Tit (Chaintea fasciala hensawi), a little bird with a brown- colored back and wings, and a buffy colored breast, lightly streaked with gray, so common on the brush-covered slopes below the foot-hills and even well up into the mountainous districts about here, has always seemed a very inter- esting little subject of bird life to me. With his long tail, common to members of the tit family, and his wren-shaped body, he is unique, showing some character- istics of both wren and tit families. The lower foot-hills and the mesa regions are the favorite haunts of this bird, altho we meet with him at higher altitudes but with somewhat less frequency the farther up we go. But even tho the lower haunts of this bird are very accessible, this little fellow seldom appears to the casual ob- server of bird life, for usually the moment you approach he hops off into the sur- rounding sombre-colored sage which is in exact harmony with his plumage. Then very likely in a moment, from some bush or tree not far away, you hear again his call; but on drawing near to the latest retreat of this unobtrusive little bird, the song suddenly ceases and by the time you have arrived the source has likely dis- appeared again. However I do not wish to have it understood by these remarks that this bird is especially wild or wary; quite the opposite, for he seems to slip away in no hurry and in such a matter of fact way, simply going slowly from branch to branch of some bush, diligently seeking small insects, seeds and grubs that are his food. Then by a short quick flight he is away to the next bush. He, without doubt, relies upon the protective color of his plumage for his escape from his enemies, and incidentally from those who wish to observe his actions. Chaintea fasciala henshawi, as the scientist calls him, must nest commonly about here, for the birds are met with as frequently during the nesting season as at other times of the year; in fact, they are more in evidence during the mating season than at other times because of their distinctive whistle-like song, which is uttered then with more frequency. This song or whistle, tho perhaps not very musical, seems very fitting and appropriate with the surroundings, from which it is uttered: the lonely chaparral-covered canyons and gulches of our foot-hills and lower ranges, or the broad expanse of brown-colored brush, or, perhaps, farther up in the higher