es; they also build in crevices in ledges or among
the hanging roots near the tops of embankments, and on the rafters or
beams of old buildings. The nests are made of mud, moss and grass, lined
with feathers. The four or five eggs measure .75 x .55. Occasionally,
eggs will be found that have a few minute spots of reddish brown. Freak
situations in which to locate their nests are often chosen by these
birds, such as the brake beam of a freight car, in the crevices of old
wells, hen houses, etc. The birds are one of the most useful that we
have; being very active and continually on the alert for insects and
beetles that constitute their whole bill of fare.

[Illustration 289: Buffy.]
[Illustration: Phoebe.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

Page 288

[Illustration 290: G. E. Moulthrope.
PHOEBE ON NEST.]

Page 289

457. Say's Phoebe. _Sayornis sayus._

Range.--Western United States, breeding from southern United States,
north to the Arctic regions, and from Kansas and Wisconsin westward.
Winters in Mexico.

This bird is slightly larger than the last (7.5 inches long), and is
rusty brown color on the belly and lower breast. Like the eastern Phoebes
they are one of the earliest birds to return in the spring and are
abundant in the greater parts of their range. Like the latter, they
often raise two broods a season, one in April and another in July. Their
nests are generally placed on narrow shelves and crevices of ledges, but
they also nest as commonly about houses and farms as does the eastern
bird. The nests are made of weeds, mosses, fibres and wool, and are
quite flat. They lay four or five white eggs. Size .78 x .58.

458. BLACK PHoeBE. _Sayornis nigricans._

Range.--Mexico and north in summer into the bordering States.

This species is of the size of the last but is blackish (darkest on the
head and breast), with a white belly and under tail coverts, the latter
streaked with dusky. Their habits and nesting habits are the same as
those of the eastern Phoebe, they building their nests of mud, moss,
weeds and feathers on ledges or about buildings, and generally close to
or in the vicinity of water. They breed during April or May, laying four
or five white eggs which cannot be distinguished from those of the
common Phoebe. Size .75 x .55.

458a. WESTERN BLACK PHoeBE. _Sayornis nigricans semiatra._

Range.--Pacific Coast of Mexico and the United States, breeding north to
Oregon.