ept the Pacific coast;
north to British Columbia. This variety is like the Tule Wren but
slightly paler; its nesting habits and eggs are the same.

725.1. MARIAN'S MARSH WREN. _Telmatodytes palustris marianae._

Range.--West coast of Florida.

This species is similar to the Long-billed variety but is darker and
more barred above and below. Its nests and eggs will not be found to
differ materially from those of the others of this genus.

[Illustration 431: Short-billed Marsh Wren. Long-billed Marsh Wren.]
[Illustration: Pale brown.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

Page 430

CREEPERS. Family CERTHIIDAE

726. BROWN CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris americana._

Range.--Eastern North America, breeding from the northern tier of states
northward; winters in the United States.

These peculiar, weak-voiced Creepers are common in northern United
States during the winter, when they may be seen slowly toiling up the
tree trunks, searching the crannies of the bark for larvae. They make
their nests behind loose hanging bark on old tree stubs, usually at low
elevations, building them of twigs, bark, moss, etc., held together with
cobwebs. The eggs, which are laid in May or June, are pure white,
specked and spotted with reddish brown; they average in size .58 x .48.
The nests are most often found under the loosened bark on coniferous
trees.

726a. MEXICAN CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris albescens._

Range.--Western Mexico north to southern Arizona.

The nesting habits of this brighter colored form are the same as those
of the others.

726b. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris montana._

Range.--Rocky Mountains, breeding from New Mexico to Alaska.

The eggs of this grayer variety cannot be distinguished from those of
the eastern birds and the nests are in similar situations.

726c. CALIFORNIA CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris occidentalis._

Range.--Pacific coast from southern California north to Alaska.

An abundant species, especially on mountain ranges, breeding behind the
bark chiefly on pine trees. The eggs are not different from those of the
others.

726d. SIERRA CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris zelotes._

Range.--Sierra Nevada Mountains in California and the Cascade Range in
Oregon.

Very similar to the last and with the same habits; eggs
indistinguishable.

[Illustration 432: White.]
[Illustration: Brown Creeper.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

Page 431

NUTHATCHES AND TITS. Family SIT