7. Harporhynchus rufus, Cab. Brown Thrush.—Common during the winter months in the thick underbrush of the woods near Spring Creek, in the northern part of Harris County. Very silent and extremely shy.
8. Sialia sialis, Hald. Bluebird.—A very abundant winter sojourner and a common summer resident; but not so abundant as in the Northern States, and not so familiar. Commences to breed as early as February 15. I found a nest March 6, which contained newly hatched young. A nest discovered April 29 contained four pure white eggs.
9. Regulus calendula, Licht. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and
10. Regulus satrapa, Licht. American Golden-crested Kinglet.—Both are common during the winter months, when, in company with Titmice, they inhabit the pine woods near Houston. Are to be observed during the whole winter in the mountain cedars (Juniperus occidentalis texanus), which are common in the gardens of the city.
11. Polioptila cærulea, Sclat. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.—Common in the heavy wooded bottom lands on the Brazos, Spring Creek, and San Jacinto, and especially abundant on Buffalo Bayou when the magnificent Magnolia grandiflora is in bloom. Almost with the agility and grace of a Hummingbird, it flies around the showy flowers in pursuit of insects. Nest-building commences early in May. This beautiful little domicile is built very high, in small branches of elms, swamp oaks (Quercus palustris) and other densely leaved forest trees.
12. Lophophanes bicolor, Bon. Tufted Titmouse.—A very common bird and resident throughout the year, even in the city gardens, where it is exceedingly tame and confiding. Breeds as early as the beginning of March. Nests in deserted Woodpeckers’ holes, in old stumps, in cedar-posts, in hollow branches, etc.
13. Parus carolinensis, Aud. Southern Chickadee.—Very common and familiar. Resident throughout the year. April 15 I discovered a nest of this diminutive bird in an old fence-post; it contained six nearly fledged young. The cavity was filled up about nine inches with soft mosses, cow’s hair, and the fur of smaller animals. Usually the nest is built in the hollow of a branch.
14. Thryothorus ludovicianus, Bon. Carolina Wren.—Very common in all low wooded localities with dense underbrush. Thickets of smilax, blackberry bushes, snowball (Viburnum molle and V. dentatum), Rhamnus carolinianus, Bumelia lanuginosa, intermixed with a few larger trees (oaks or elms), which are commonly overgrown by the mustang-grape and the grotesque forms of the supple jack (Berchemia volubilis), are its favorite resorts. In a few instances I have known a pair to build their nest in a bird-box near a dwelling.
15. Thryothorus bewicki, Bonap. Long-tailed House Wren.—Abundant in all suitable localities and very familiar, breeding in bird-boxes, stables, corn-cribs, and even in houses over doors, etc. One pair built their nest in the pocket of an old coat, hanging out doors.
16. Troglodytes aëdon, Vieill. House Wren.—Only a winter visitant, occurring in considerable numbers in secluded localities.