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LOPHOPHANES INORNATUS.
PLA IN -C R E S T E D CH I CA D E E .
PARUS INORNATUS. Gamb. P'roe. Acad. Nat. Seien., Phil., (1845,) vol. II, p. 265. Ib. Journ. Acad. Nat. Seien., Phil., 2d Ser., '(1847,)
vol. I, p. 35.
LOPHOPHANES INORNATUS. Cassis. Ul., vol. I, p. 19. Baibd. B. o f N. Amer. p. 386.
This plainly colored little bird was first brought to the notice of Ornithologists by Dr. Wm. Gambbl, who discovered it near Monterey, and
afterwards found it very common in Upper California where it was in the habit of frequenting the evergreen oaks in company with other
Western species of the family.
’ j)r. Gambbl in his account of this species, says that the first time he saw the bird it “ was actively flitting about among the evergreen oaks of
the vicinity, in company with large flocks of the Chestnut-backed and Least Titmouse, all in restless activity, searching every branch for insects.
Among the busy throng I could not well distinguish its notes, but they appeared to resemble very much those of the common Black-cap, and on
my following it up, uttered a loud scold, erecting its high and pointed crest, and looking as angry as possible at the intrusion. I afterwards found
it common, frequenting in small flocks tall bushes and branches o f small trees, uttering a weak and slender tsee day day, tsee day day dait.”
The L. Inornatus bears some resemblance to the L. Bicolor, but besides being considerably less, it differs in having a whitish instead of a
black front, no rufous upon the flanks; and in having the back more o f an olive color.
Upper part o f the body dark olive; under part whitish. Head and crest similar to the back, forehead whitish. Bill and feet lead color.
The figures are life-size.