or
which must be taken as the type of this genus and the calls of the western bird are best understood by reference to this norm. In the song of occidentalis the first note of the type, “high C,” is oftenest repeated three or four times, and has a double character impossible to represent on paper; while the whole ends, or not, with the lower note of atricapillus. These notes may be called the deo deo deo day series. In rare instances they become a ravishing trill on high C, beyond imitation or analysis.
Taken in Oregon. Photo by W. L. Finley.
LADEN WITH DAINTIES.
OREGON CHICKADEE NEAR NEST.
For the rest, Chickadee’s notes divide themselves into squeaks, vocal notes, and whistles. Of the squeaks one is a very high-pitched, whining note, which closely resembles the keep-in-touch, or flocking, cry of the Western Golden-crowned Kinglet. The Chickadees employ this when in company with Kinglets, or while ranging thru the tree-tops when no other sound is audible in the woods. Then there is a regular squeaking trill which is oftenest preliminary to the familiar dee dee dee dee dee (spoken) notes, but which sometimes appears alone, as by suspension or change of intent.
Of the whistled series the commonest are, first, a clearly rendered kuswee, not unlike the “Sweetee” theme, but of lower pitch and more trivial character; and, second the deo deo deo day series, already recorded. There is a striking resemblance between the whistled and the spoken series. The day day words correspond to the deo deo whistles, altho they are oftenest preceded by a fairy sneeze, which we have conventionalized in “Chick”; and there is a spoken, or rather lisped, kuswee, which is very charming and delicate. A spoken trill occurs infrequently, and offers its analogy to both whistle and squeak.
These may seem like fine-spun distinctions. They are offered only to be forgotten; but the enjoyment of the next Chickadee troop you encounter will be enhanced by an effort to realize the striking variety of the notes heard.
Contrary to the wont of most hole-nesting birds, the Chickadee believes in warm blankets. Into the chosen cavity, whether natural or artificial, the birds lug immense quantities of moss, wool, hair, or rabbits’ fur, until the place is half filled; and the sitting bird, during the chilly days of late April and early May, is snug and warm.