Jan., 1918 THE BREEDING BIRDS OF BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS 43 This colony contains only a small number of birds and is confined to an isolated inlet, where they nest in May and June. Vireo grlaeus grieeus. White-eyed Vireo. While this species is frequently seen, we have been able to locate only a limited number of nests, usually found in May and June. Vireo be]U belU. Bell Vireo. Common in the mesquite area but rarely met with in the hill country. This is especially true during the breeding season. A nest of this species is rarely found without one or more eggs of the Dwarf Cowbird. Nests from the latter part of May to July. Dendroica hryeolaer?a. Golden-cheeked Warbler. In June, 1914, we located a nest containing four newly hatched young of this species. This nest was in a thick clump of cedars and it is only in these cedar brakes that we have been able to find %he birds. Oporornis formosus. Kentucky Warbler. A nest containing four fresh eggs was found on June 10, 1916, in a large patch of weeds in a river bottom; and two weeks later a nest containing one fresh egg was found in the same locality. {cteria virens virens. Yellow-breasted Chat. We have been able to locate this species in only one locality, a dense patch of very thick brush and cactus, covering about twenty acres and situated about four miles north of San Antonio. Although there are other equally dense thickets of this same type of brush in other portions, we have been unable to find this bird in them. What special attraction this particular patch of- fers we have not been able to determine, but the Chats are there and there they seem contented. They nest in May and June. Mimus polyglottos polygiottos. Mockingbird. These tireless songsters are every- where. They sing from practically every bush and tree, and seemingly nest in every other one. Many of them apparently unable to sing their appointed numbers during the day, continue on into the night, and the summer camper may be sure of a nightly sere- nade from one or more of them. They nest from the latter part of April through July. Toxostoma curvlrestre curvirestre. Curve-billed Thrasher.. Common throughout the mesquite area, where they nest in the low thorny bushes and larger clumps of prick- ly pear cactus. The construction of the nest is peculiar, as only those twigs bearing the largest and sharpest thorns are used. The Walls are often four to eight inches in height and extend almost that distance above the lining. Whether this is done for protection or merely ornamentation, we are unable to say, but we do know that it is the cause of punctured wrists and hands of those who inspect them. Nests from the middle of May to the middle of July. Hsleodytss brunnsicapillus coussi. Cactus Wren. Common in the mesquite area and sometimes found in the hills. These birds undoubtedly construct nests which are intended only as roosting places. The difference in construction between these nests and the others in which they deposit their eggs Is marked, the former being small com- pact affairs, rather scantily lined and fiat in appearance, while the latter are pouch- shaped, large, firmly built, profusely lined with feathers, and having a deep depression in which the eggs are placed. Nests in April, May and June. Catherpss mexicanus c?nspsreus. Canyon Wren. Fairly common in the hilly portions, where nests are placed in the limestone cliffs along the arious creeks. These birds have a wonderfully sweet song, which can be heard at an incredible distance as it echoes along the canyon walls. They nest in the latter part of April through June. Thryothorus ludoviclanus iudoviclanus. Carolina Wren. Fairly common through- out the county, where nests are to be found from the latter part of April through June. Thryomanes bewicki cryptus. Texas Bewick Wren. Our most common wren, found in great numbers in the mesquite area, where it nests tn all sorts of cavities and often In clumps of cactus. Nests from the latter part of April through June. Baeolophus atrlcristatus sennetti. Senneft Titmouse. Found only in the heavier timbered sections o'f the hill area. So far we have located only a few nests, as they seem to defy our most careful searches. Nests in May and June. Penthestes carolinensis agUis. Plumbeous Chickadee. While We have had better success with this species than the preceding, we find it hy no means common. The birds are frequently seen in a large park at the edge of the city, but as one !s not Permitted to search for nests there our data is limited. Nests in May and June. Auriparus flavlceps fiaviceps. Verdin. Common throughout the county, and nest-
