Bird Notes, Part 1, v658
Page 85
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
(33) be Green-eyes. This is the first time he has come to me from the nest. Brown Eyes came out of the glade, and as both remained near me and were seen under the same light conditions, it was possible to compare their various points under favorable circumstances. No difference in general coloration can be seen with certainty. G.E. may be slightly lighter, and gives the distinct impression of being slightly smaller; but much depends upon how they are carry- ing their feathers at the moment. At present (whether it is a constant difference remains to be seen) Brown-eyes carries her wings more compactly folded, so that their tips meet above the tail coverts. G.E.'s wing tips are carried lower than the base of the tail so that they both can be seen below the tail when the bird is seen in partial profile somewhat to the rear. G.E.'s superciliary stripe is more prominent. (See note 3, Ap. A) One bird was in full song before sunrise this morning. As far as can be seen at the present time, the nest is used for thinking purposes only, its use being impartially apportioned be- tween the two birds. It looks almost big enough inside for two; but it seems that they do not both have to think at the same time. 10:30 A.M. Went out and stood at the south side of the glade without moving about to see what would happen. Neither bird in sight. Soon B.E. came out of the glade, began walking about my feet, "talk- ing." In about a minute she was joined by her mate. As I made no sound, they appeared to be somewhat mystified, walking around me and occasionally looking up at my face and talking. This continued for several minutes. I then fed them, and when the food was gone, got quickly to the nest and sat in the crotch of the old oak look- ing down into the empty nest.