_Penthestes carolinensis carolinensis. Case 4, Fig. 68_
Smaller than the Black-cap; without white margins
on the wing-coverts. L. 4-1/2.
_Range._ Southeastern United States, north to
northern New Jersey and central Missouri. The
south Florida form (_P. c. impiger_) is slightly
smaller and darker.
Washington, very common P.R., particularly in
winter.
Whether because of a different temperament or because milder winters
make him less dependent on man's bounty, the Carolina Chickadee does not
show that unquestioning confidence in our good faith which makes the
Black-cap so dear to us.
The _chick-a-dee_ note is less clearly and more hurriedly given by the
Carolina, and the _pe-wee_ whistle is not so loud and usually consists
of four notes instead of two. The nesting habits and eggs of the two
species are alike, but the southern bird begins to lay in March.