“VES ZGL 000 veel € | JID BU) JO Splig 8681 !g98DZ9'r89 1D Aseaqyy Ayissaaquny tlauzoa ajabuy so7 40 adojs Ol PASADENA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. PUBLICATION NO. II. BIRDS OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE OF Los Angeles County. BY JOSEPH GRINNELL. PRESS OF G. A. SWERDFIGER PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. MARCH, 1898. PASADENA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. PUBLICATION NO. I1. IBWIRDS OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE OF Los Angeles County. A LIST WITH BRIEF NOTES. BY JOSEPH GRINNELL, A. B., Assistant Instructor in Biology, Throop Polytechnic Institute. Press oF G. A. SWERDFIGER PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. MARCH, 1898. Pasadena Academy of Sciences, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. OFFICERS: PROF. CHARLES F. HOLDER, ‘ : . : President. PROF. ERNEST B. HOAG, 5 ; ; First Vice-President. HON. DELOS ARNOLD, . : ‘ Second Vice-President. FRANK S. DAGGETT, : i 5 F : Secretary. OLIVER M. GALE. 5 ; ; , : j Treasurer. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Pror. Ernest B. Hoac, Frank S. Daccert, Dr. Gxzo. S. Hutt, JosEPH GRINNELL, Major H. N. Rust. REGULAR MEETINGS: Assembly Hall, Throop Polytechnic Institute, first and third Friday evenings of each month. INTRODUCTION. The present list is intended to include all hirds which have been so far proven to occur within the limits of the region under consideration. Besides their common and scientific names, brief notes are added on their comparative abundance and distribution; definite dates of arrival and departure, in the cases of migratory birds; the extent of the breeding season, giving exact dates and citing extreme instances. No species or subspecies has been entered except upon the best of evidence. Thus many, especially water birds, which I am certain do occur, have been ex- cluded because specimens have not been actually secured and properly identified. All notes have undergone careful consideration and if the least doubt has existed as to their authenticity, they have been stricken out. Thus certain recently re- corded breeding notes have not been admitted on account of a doubt as to the identity of the species in question, although I could not prove it to thave been wrong. All species and subspecies, concerning the relationship of which there was any uncertainty, have been carefully looked up or submitted to the best authori- ties for verification. In case of slight races, comparative series have been exam- ined, and their status as accurately as possible determined. The present list, with the accompanying notes, is the result mainly of ob- servations made by members of the Southern Division of the Cooper Ornitholog- ical Club, and cover little more than the past six or eight years, a very short time as compared with the years of careful observation carried on in some of the East- ern states. Yet the results of our work are so favorable that it is hoped we are not judged conceited or hasty in publishing at least this annotated list. The region dealt with may seem to be rather idl-defined, but I think that, as restricted, it comprises a neat little geographical area, quite distinct from the sur- rounding country. It is very seldom that faunal areas coincide with political di- visions, and frequently a state or county may lie in parts of two or more entirely different regions, as in the case of Los Angeles County, which is about half and half in the desert and in the Pacific district. As indicated by the title of this paper, the region here dealt with is the por- tion of Los Angeles County lying southwest of the divide between the desert and the Pacific slopes. The lower part of Orange County lying west of the Santa Ana mountains is also included, as it is topographically identical with the contiguous portion of Los Angeles County. The region under consideration presents considerable variation as regards to- pographic characters, and to this fact may be attributed the large number of hirds found in so limited an area. It is approximately sixty miles square in extrem€ dimensions. Beginning at the seacoast, there is a gradual rise to the base of the main mountain ranges when there is an abrupt elevation to the divide, which va- ries from 4000 to goo00 feet in altitude. Along the coast there are several bayous with extensive salt marshes. A litle further inland, in the artesian well districts 4 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. and along the streams, there are numerous fresh water ponds and swamps. The plains which comprise the major part of this region, extend almost unbrokenly, gently sloping up to the base of the mountains. However, on the eastern and western margins are ranges of hills or low mountains, furrowed by ravines and canyons. The dry, elevated slopes lying along the base of the Sierra Madre range, at an elevation of 600 to 1200 feet, I have termed the mesa region in dis- tinction from the lower plains lying toward the coast. The high mesas are crossed by broad sandy washes and arroyos, and thus more nearly resemble the desert on the opposite side of the mountains. ‘The brush-covered foot-hills rise in successively higher spurs and ridges, culminating in the lofty mountain ranges which form the desert divide. The higher mountains are clothed with heavy con- iferous forests, while the canyons are lined with alders and sycamores. Exten- sive oak forests cover portions of the mesas and lowlands, especially along the western border of the county. The water birds known to occur around the neighboring islands of Santa Cat- alina and Santa Barbara, and in the intermediate Santa Barbara Channel, are of course considered as belonging to the Los Angeles County fauna, but the land birds of the mainland only are included. The water birds of this county have been given but very little attention. Mr. A. M. Shields, to whom I am greatly indebted for notes on the major part of the game birds, has in fact done almost the only work in that line. The sea birds can be but poorly represented, when we consider the number which should and undoubtedly do occur along our coast and in the adjacent ocean channel. The land birds, however, I believe to be very well covered, at least those of regular occurrence, and besides these it will be noted that there are several rather unexpected stragglers. It is hoped that this initiatory effort at cataloguing our native birds will be a basis for further and more extended observations in this comparatively little known region. I wish to extend my thanks especially to Messrs. Frank S. Daggett, Horace A. Gaylord and G. F. Morcom for aid and suggestions and for critically reading the manuscript. I am also indebted to the following observers for more or less extended local lists or notes: Ralph Arnold, Walter E. Bryant, Lee Chambers, A. J. Cook, Evan Davis, Chas. E. Groesbeck, Frank J. Illingworth, Frank B. Jew- ett, Will B. Judson, Harry J. Leland, A. I. McCormick, Virgil W. Owen, Earl D. Parker, Howard Robertson, Edward Simmons, Frank Stephens, Harry S. Swarth and M. L. Wicks, Jr. For identification of specimens I owe my sincerest thanks to Prof. Robert Ridgway and Mr. William Palmer of the National Museum, and to Messrs. A. W. Anthony and William Brewster. Finally, to the Pasadena Academy of Sciences, I express my gratitude for en- abling me to publish this paper. Pasadena, California, JOSEPH GRINNELL. February 21, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 1—1.* 4&chmophorus occidentalis (Lawr.). Western Grebe. Tolerably common winter visitant along the coast, and occasional in the interior on the larger ponds. A disabled individual of this spe- cies was found by Arthur Hewitt on one of the streets of Pasadena, Feb. 21, ’95. 2—4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heerwm. ). American Eared Grebe. Occasional in summer on the larger fresh water ponds, and in winter along the coast. I found it numerous at Catalina Island in the last week of December, ‘97. It breeds at Elizabeth Lake in the north- ern part of the county, and abundantly at Bear Valley Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. W.H. Wakeley has an immature male of this species in perfect albino plumage, shot near San Pedro, Sept. 30, ’86. 3—6. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe. Common resident on ponds and lagoons throughout the lowlands. It appears in the fall in localities where it is not seen at other times; V. W. Owen has tak -n specimens at that season on a reservor at Gar- vanza. Breeds in May. 4—7, Urvinator imber (Gunn.). Loon. Tolerably common along the coast as well as inland on fresh wa- ter ponds in midwinter. For several years, before the reservoirs in North Pasadena were cemented, Loons were of regular occurrence, subsisting on the fish which were then abundant in the reservoirs. One bird in particular became very tame and was regularly fed by the ‘‘zanquero’’ until it disappeared in the spring. 6—z0. UOrvinator pacificus (Lawr.). Pacific Loon. Tolerably common midwinter visitant along the coast. A. M. Shields shot an adult male specimen at Nigger Slough in January, ’93. I found it common at Catalina Island in the latter part of December, ’97, and took two specimens. 6—rzr. Urinator lumme (Gunn.). Red-throated Loon. Tolerably common winter visitant along the coast. F. S. Daggett took a specimen at San Pedro, Jan. 4, ’96, and several others were seen. I have noted it in the spring as late as the first week in April. * Numbers and nomeclature are according to the A. O. U. Check-list. 6 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. 7—12. Lunda cirrhata Pall. Tufted Puffin. I observed a few in May, ’97, at Santa Barbara Island, where they were probably nesting. 8—z5. Cerorhinca monocerata (Pall.). Rhinoceros Guklet. Apparently a common winter visitant. I found it comparatively numerous at Catalina Island in the last week of December, ’97, and secured ten specimens in one day’s collecting. F. Stephens took a specimen in the same locality in the latter part of March, ’93. Evan Davis has a specimen taken near Newport Bay in winter. 9—76. Ptychorampus aleuticus (Pall.). Cassin’s Auklet. Abundant resident around the Islands. I found it numerous at Catalina Island in December, ’97, and breeding in large numbers on Santa Barbara Island in May, ’97. On May 16, badly incubated eggs and young of all sizes were secured, so that the breeding season prob- ably begins in March. 10—25. Brachyramphus hypoleucus Xantus. Xantus’s Murrelet. Seen frequently out in the Channel at all seasons. I took a spec- imen near Santa Barbara Island, May 13, ’97. 11—29. Cepphus columba Pall. Pigeon Guillemot. Common resident about the Islands. I saw several at Catalina Island in December, ’97, and found it breeding numerously at Santa Barbara Island in May, ’97. Fresh sets of two eggs each were taken on May 15. 12—-37. Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.). Parasitic Jaeger. A female of this species was taken at Santa Monica, Sept. 29, ’95, by H. S. Swarth. Jaegers are not infrequently seen along the coast in winter, and probably include other species besides this. 1844. Larus glaucescens Naum. Glaucous-winged Gull. W. B. Judson has an immature specimen taken near Redondo in winter. I identified this species at Catalina Island in December, ’97. It undoubtedly occurs as a regular winter visitant. l4—yo. Larus occidentalis Aud. Western Gull. Abundant throughout the year along the coast. Especially nu- merous in San Pedro Harbor, where they are protected by law as be- ing useful scavengers. Breeds in large numbers on Santa Barbara Is- land. In May ’97, full sets of three fresh eggs were found by the 18th. Nests also on an outlying rock near the Isthmus at Catalina. March, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 7 15—5ra. Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues. American Herring Gull. This species is frequent in winter along the coast. I found it in small numbers in December, ’97, at Catalina Island, and a specimen was obtained. 16—53. Larus californicus Lawr. California Gull. Common winter visitant along the coast. This species also fre- quents the fresh water marshes back from the coast, feeding on dead ducks at the sporting grounds, and I have even seen it along the river bottom near Los Angeles. 17—54. Larus delawarensts Ord. Ring-billed Gull. Tolerably common along the coast in midwinter. J. F. Illing- worth has a specimen taken at Long Beach, Dec. 20, ’92, and I have one taken at the same place, Dec. 4, ’96. 18—57. Larus heermanni Cass. Heermann’s Gull. Generally a common winter visitant along the coast. I have seen it in spring as late as May 11 (’97), and in the fall by Sept. 1 (’97). When the fishermen draw their seines along the beaches, clouds of gulls are usually attracted and of these, this species generally forms about one-fourth, while the Western Gull forms about one-half. The greater part of our winter visitants among the Laridze are in immature plumage, and consequently in most cases difficult to distinguish at a distance. I suspect that a systematic slaughter of the swarms of gulls attracted by the fishermen would result in the addition of several more species to our list. But this would be a practice that is certainly rep- rehensible in the extreme, although I understand it has been resorted to, to a successful degree, by a ‘‘lover of birds’’ near San Francisco. 19—60. Larus philadelphia (Ord). Bonaparte’s Gull. Occasional winter visitant along the coast. I have an adult male taken near Santa monica, Dec. 8, 89, by E. C. Thurber., I saw a pair in San Pedro Harbor on May 11, ’97, and a single individual at the same place, Jan. 30, ’97. 20—65. Sterna maxima Bodd. Royal Tern. More or less common throughout the year along the coast. Very numerous in winter around Catalina Island. I do not know of its breeding north of Lower California. 21—69. Sterna forstert Nutt. Forster’s Tern. Common spring and fall migrant; seen generally about the sloughs and bays. I secured specimens at San Pedro, Sept. 1,’97. H. A. Gaylord saw several individuals at Alamitos Beach, Dec. 4, ’96. 8 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication If. 22—74. Sterna antillarum (Less.). Least Tern. Abundant in summer, coastwise. Arrives about the middle of April and leaves for the most part late in August, although Vv. W. Owen noted a few near Long Beach on Sept. 24 ('97)- This tern nests abundantly in suitable places along the sea coast. A strip of sandy beach separating the surf from a tide marsh seems to be generally se- lected. Such nesting sites are on Terminal Island and Ballona Beach, where good-sized colonies are usually found breeding. Sets are most often of two, occasionally of three. Breeds mainly in June. Evan Davis has found fresh eggs as early as May 20, and as late as Aug. 12, at Newport Beach. 23—8r. Diomedea nigripes Aud. Black-footed Albatross. Tolerably common out to sea, probably occurring throughout the year. Follows in the wake of steamships and other large vessels, and at such times known to the sailors as ‘‘Goonies.”’ 24—82. Diomedea albatrus Pall.} 2 Short-tailed Albatross. Dr. J. G. Cooper informs me that he has taken this species near Catalina island. I once found a partly decomposed specimen in the surf at Long Beach. Evan Davis has a fine specimen which was killed with an oar near Newport Beach. 25—86b. Fulmarius glacialis glupischa Stejn. Pacific Fulmar. Irregular visitant out in the Channel. Very numerous in the vicinity of Catalina Island in the fall of ’97. F.S. Daggett founda specimen dead on the sand at Long Beach, Oct. 11, 95. 27—93. Puffinus creatopus Coues. Pink-footed Shearwater. Occasional out to sea. Seen and positively identified near Catalina Island on May 12, ’97, by H. A. Gaylord. 27—93. Puffinus opisthomelas Coues. Black-vented Shearwater. More or less common at all times out in the Channel. During the spring and early summer of ’97 they were very abundant off San Pe- dro. They are said to have formerly bred on Santa Barbara Island. 28—95. Puffinus griseus (Gmel.). Dark-bodied Shearwater. Occasionally common out in the Channel. During the spring of ‘97 they were not uncommon off San Pedro, associated with the Black- vented Shearwaters. Considerable nttmbers are sometimes found washed up on the beaches in the fall of the year. W. B. Judson noted many of these birds, dead or disabled, on the beach at Santa Monica toward the end of August, ’97. March, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 9 29—106. Oceanodroma leucorhoa (Vieill.). Leach’s Petrel. I found the remains of one at Long Beach, Sept. 7, ’95. Dr. J. G. Cooper informs me that he has observed a white-rumped petrel out in the Channel near Catalina which he considered of this species. 380—z07. Oceanodroma melania (Bonap. ). Black Petrel. _ During the spring of '97, this species was observed on several occa- sions out in the open Channel. It is probably a more or less common resident. d1l—z20c. Phalacrocorax dilophus albociliatus Ridgw. Farallone Cormorant. Common throughout the year, though less so in summer. Those which remain about San Pedro Harbor in summer are mostly imma- ture. This is the only cormorant found further inland than the coast, it being frequent in winter on the larger ponds and marshes. Breeds abundantly on Santa Barbara Island in the latter part of May. It also breeds, according to A. M. Shields, on Gull Rock near the Isthmus at Catalina Island. Three or four eggs constitute a set. 32— 122. Phalacrocorax penicillatus (Brandt). Brandt’s Cormorant. The most abundant cormorant. Very numerous along the coast and breeding in large numbers on Santa Barbara Island. On this is- land, May 15, ’97, I found small young as well as eggs in all stages of incubation. Sets were of two to four. Probably the small size of some of the sets was due to the thieving propensities of the gulls, which are always ready to carry off unprotected eggs. This cormo- rant is the usual one observed about San Pedro, and sometimes hun- dreds are seen roosting on the breakwater. Large beds of ‘'shags,”’ as the fishermen call either species of cormorant, are frequently met with just outside the harbor. 88—17236. Phalucrocorax pelagicus resplendens (Aud.). Baird’s Cormorant. Tolerably common resideut among the islands. Breeds numer- ously on Santa Barbara Island in May. Probably occurs in winter along the mainland coast, but I have not learned that it has as yet been positively identified there. 34—r25. Pelecanus erythrorhyncos Gmel. American White Pelican. Occasionally during the fall and winter good-sized flocks appear on the fresh water marshes and lagoons near the coast. A. M. Shields says that during the migrations he has seen V-shaped flocks further inland flying at a considerable height. B5—re27. Pelecanns californicus Ridgw. California Brown Pelican. Abundant in winter all along our coast, and a few remain through 10 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication LI. the summer about San Pedro Harbor. It does not breed within our limits that I know of, though I am told that it does north of us on Ana Capa Island and south, on Los Coronados. 36—728. Fregata aguila Linn. Map-o’-War Bird. Of not infrequent occurrence along our coast in_ winter. W. B. Judson reports seeing it at Santa Monica, and H. A. Gaylord, at Long Beach. There isa specimen in a Los Angeles taxidermist’s, which was taken near Santa Monica. A specimen was shot about August, 92, in North Pasadena (R. H. Lawrence in “Auk,” Vol. X). HS. Swarth reports seeing three of these birds circling overhead near Los Angeles, in December, ’97. 387—129. Merganser americanus (Cass. ). American Merganser. Probably a not uncommon winter visitant. F. Stephens took a male at Alamitos Bay, Dec. 15, ’79. 38—r30. Merganser serrator (Linn. ). Red-breasted Merganser. Common winter visitant, occurring mostly along the coast. I saw it at Catalina Island in December, ’97. H. S. Swarth took a specimen near Los Angeles, Dec. 27, ’94. 89—132. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn. ). Hooded Merganser. A. M. Shields states that this Saw-bill is a common fall and win- ter visitant, arriving in November and leaving by February. Mostly found along the coast in the vicinity of the salt marshes. F. Stephens took an adult male at Alamitos Bay, Dec. 23, ’79. 40—732. Anas boschas Liun. Mallard. Abundant resident in the neighborbhood of fresh water marshes, and along irrigating ditches and streams. A.M. Shields states that it breeds from the first of April to the last of June. 41—735. Anas strepera Linn. Gadwall. Tolerably common resident in the vicinity of fresh water lagoons. A. M. Shields took a set of eleven eggs, considerably incubated, on April 16. 42—737. Anas americana Gmel. Baldpate. Abundant winter visitant. A. M. Shields states that after the first rains, as soon as the new growth of grass appears, this duck ar- rives in thousands, They generally spend the day, iti common with many other species of ducks, several miles out at sea, resting on the water in beds of acres in extent. Here they are safe from the Gunner during the day, and only after nightfall they go inland, dispersing over alfalfa and grain fields to feed. This duck remains late in the spring, March, 1898. — Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. ii A. M. Shields states as late as May 15, and arrives early in the fall. Known generally among hunters as ‘‘ widgeon.”’ 43—139. Anas carolinensis Gmel. Green-winged Teal. Abundant in winter throughout the lowlands. This is the com- monest duck in the game markets. 44—17g0. Anas discors Linn. Blue-winged Teal. Rare visitant. F.S. Daggett took an adult male near El Monte, March 12, ‘97. It was on a small pond and no others were seen. W. B. Judson shot a female near Los Angeles, Oct. 31, ’96. 45—rgr. Anas cyanoptera Vieill. Cinnamon Teal. An abundant fresh water duck during spring, summer and fall, going south in midwinter. Breeds in considerable numbers throughout the lower country in the vicinity of ponds and lagoons. A set of twelve fresh eggs was taken by A. M. Shields near Compton, May 7, *95. Evan Davis took sets of seven and nine fresh eggs each at New- port Bay, April 20,’97. Breeds mostly in May. 46—z42. Spatula clypeata (Linn.). Sboveller. Abundant winter visitant about any body of water.. I have seen it on ponds near Pasadena as late in the spring as May 3 (’95). Gen- erally called ‘“‘spoonbill’’ by local hunters. 47—143. Dajfila acuta (Linn.). Pintail. Abundant in winter, and a few remain through the summer about lagoons and marshes. A. M. Shields states that he has taken sets of eggs in May. Commonly called ‘‘sprig’’ by hunters. 48—rg4g. Aix sponsa (Linn.). Wood Duck. Occasional midwinter visitant. A. M. Shields states that it breeds in this State further northward, along the San Joaquin river. 49—746. Aythya americana (THyt.). Redhead. Tolerably common in summer. Breeds sparingly in fresh water marshes, 50—rg7. Aythya vallisneria (Wils.). ' Canvas-back. Tolerably common winter visitant. Our most highly prized game bird. A.M. Shields writes me that he believes it to occasionally breed within the county. 5l—ry9. Aythya affinis (Eyt.). Lesser Scaup Duck. A. M. Shields says that this duck is found commonly in fall, win- 12 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication IL. ter and spring on the lagoons and bays along the coast, and sometimes on the deeper bodies of fresh water a few miles inland. 52—r150. Aythya collaris (Donov.). Ring-necked Duck. : A. M. Shields states this duck to occur in company with the last, but only about one-third as numerous. H. S. Swarth has taken it near Los Angeles. 68—r152. Clangula clangula americana (Bonap. ). American Golden-eye. Only one record, that by A. M. Shields of a male shot at Ballona, Dec. 14, ’94. H.S. Swarth reports seeing Golden-eyes frequently in the vicinity of Los Angeles, but he is in doubt as to the species. 54—153. Charitonetta albeola (J.inn. ). Buffle-head. Abundant winter visitant, especially on the lagoons along the coast. 55—163. Oidenria americana Swains. American Scoter. A. M. Shields states that he has found this duck in limited num- bers during the winter months along the coast and on the tide marshes. Dr. J. G. Cooper took it at Catalina Island, many years ago. 56—165. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. White-winged Scoter. A. M. Shields writes that he has found this to be the commonest Scoter along the coast and on the tide marshes. F. Stephens found it common at Catalina Island in the latter part of March, ’93. 5i—166. Otdemia perspicillata (Linn.). Surf Scoter. Quite numerous at times during the mid-winter months along the coast. I have noted considerable numbers about San Pedro Harbor in December and January. In December, ’97, it was very numerous at Catalina Island. 58—z767. Erismatura jamaicensts (Gmel.). Ruddy Duck. Tolerably common resident. A. M. Shields states that it breeds from late in May until the last of June. Evan Davis took a set of twelve eggs, considerably incubated, near Orange on May 28th. 59—169. Chen hyperborea (Pall.). Lesser Snow Goose. A. M. Shields considers this a common winter visitant in the low- lands. Immense numbers feed during the winter and spring months on the Centinela grain fields. This goose, in common with the other species, does considerable damage to grain and alfalfa crops. They feed almost entirely at night; during the day they stay out at sea rest- ing on the water in large beds a few miles off shore along with swarms of ducks. March, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 18 60—s69a. Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.). Greater Snow Goose. __ Evan Davis writes me that he secured specimens of this race along with the Lesser Snow Goose in winter near Santa Ana. 61—z7ra, Anser albifrons gambeli (Hartl.). American White-fronted Goose. Quite numerous during winter and spring on the fresh water marsh lands. A. M. Shields states that this is the goose usually dis- played in the Los Angeles game markets, being most easily secured by the pot-hunters. 62—r772. Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. Tolerably common in midwinter in the vicinity of fresh water marsh lands. I saw good-sized flocks at Bixby, Dec. 26, ’95, when several specimens were secured. A. M. Shields states that this goose was formerly much more abundant than it now is. 638—r72a. Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Rich.). Hutchins’s Goose. A. M. Shields regards this as nearly as numerous as the Lesser Snow Goose, and occurring in company with that species. 64—774. Branta nigricans (Lawt.). Black Brant. A. M. Shields is the sole authority for adding this species to our list. He states that the Black Brant is an occasional winter visitant along the coast. It appears in small flocks after severe storms further north. 65—778. Dendrocygna fulva (Gmel.). Fulvous Tree-duck. A. M. Shields furnishes all the information we have in regard to this interesting species. He has found it to be a regular visitant in the spring months from the last of January until the latter part of April or even later. In the spring of ’96 a flock of about seventy-five remained in the vicinity of Nigger Slough until the middle of May. They then abruptly disappeared, probably returning southward where this species is known to breed, in Northern Mexico. 66—78&r. Olor buccinator (Rich.). Trumpeter Swan. A regular winter and spring visitant in small numbers on fresh water ponds and lakes. A.M. Shilds has taken two fine specimens. 67—187. Plegadis guarauna (Linn.). White-faced Glossy Ibis. Of common occurrence in fall, winter and spring. A few remain through the summer in the Ballona marshes, and A. M. Shields be- lieves that they breed there. 14 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication IL 68—788. Tantalus loculator Linn. Wood Ibis. ; J. F. Illingworth observed a large flock of this species on the bar- ley fields in the vicinity of Claremont during June, ’97. On June 20 a specimen was secured and preserved, and a few days later a local hunter shot another. 69—r90. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). American Bittern. Common throughout the winter on any marsh lands. A. M. Shields has observed these birds in the Alamitos swamps in June, and believes that they breed, though in very small numbers. 70—rgr. Ardetta exilis (Gmel.). Least Bittern. Probably as numerous as its larger relative, the American Bittern, but on account of its small size, and habit of skulking to one side in the herbage rather than taking flight at the approach of a person, it is not commonly seen. Breeds in small numbers on swamp lands. A. M. Shields has taken several sets in the early part of May. 7l—rog. Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron. Common throughout the year, but most numerous in spring and fall. Usually seen standing singly at the margins of ponds or irrigat- ing ditches. Occasionally companies of a dozen to twenty or more are to be seen on the salt marshes along the coast. Breeds sparingly in the county. L. Chambers reports finding a small colony nesting in a grove of sycamores north of Santa Monica. There were thirty-five nests there in ’95, but in ’97 their number had decreased to six. May 13, 95, three considerably incubated sets of four each were taken. A.M. Shields found a single nest of the Great Blue Heron near Cerritos on the San Gabriel River, May 5, ’89. ‘The set consisted of five fresh eggs. Evan Davis has located a small breeding colony near Orange. He secured a set of four fresh eggs on June 15. 72—196. Ardea egretta Gmel. American Egret. A not infrequent winter and spring visitant on the marshlands. Seldom more than one is seen at a time, though I have noted as many as eight in sight at once in the salt marshes near San Pedro. A. M. Shields states that formerly this beautiful bird visited us in great numbers, and that its present scarcity is probably due to the plume hunters. 73—197. Ardea candidissima Gmel. Snowy Heron. Formerly a common visitant like the American Egret, but now only seldom seen. W. H. Wakeley, the Pasadena taxidermist, has plumes and skins of both species taken in the county. He says that in the early 80’s he received many specimens from hunters and sports- men, but that of late they are very rarely brought in. March, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 15 74—20r1¢. Ardea virescens anthonyi Mearns. Anthony’s Green Heron. Common spring and fall migrant, appearing singly along streams and ponds. It is not only found in the lowlands, but I have taken specimens in the mountain cafions back of Pasadena. Noted in the vicinity of Pasadena in the fall of ’94, from Aug. 21 to Sept. 22. 7a—202. Nycticorax nycticorax nevius (Bodd.). Black-crowned Night Heron. Abundant migrant and common throughout the wincer. Found along the margins of any body of water or stream, frequently at a con- siderable elevation in the mountain cafions. Although this bird has not been found nesting within the limits of the County, it probably does not go far, as I have shot specimens toward the latter part of April which contained well-developed eggs. 76—206. Grus mexicana (Mull.). Sandhill Crane. . Principally in evidence during the migrations in large V-shaped. flocks high in the air, flying northward or southward according to the season, A.M. Shields states that a few stay through the winter and spring months up to May first, among the Centinela hills and grain- fields. F.S. Daggett has noted them in grain-fields in winter near Pasadena. T7—a2zro. Rallus obsoletus Ridgw. California Clapper Rail. Tolerably con-on resident in the salt marshes along the coast. Among the lagosus between San Pedro and Long Beach, their loud cackling notes are frequently heard, especially at high tide, when they are driven to the higher ground. They probably nest in moderate abundance, though few eggs have so far been taken. W. B. Judson took a set of six slightly incubated eggs at Ballona, May 16, ‘94. 78—a2r2. Rallus virginianus Linn. Virginia Rail. Of not infrequent occurrence in spring and fall. A few have been noted in summer, So they probably breed. 79—a2rg. Porzana carolina (Linn.). Sora. Wherever there are swampy lands overgrown with marsh grass and tules, the Sora isa more or less common resident. During the migrations it is somewhat more numerous and appears in locasities where it is not found at any other season. A. M. Shields writes me that he has taken many sets, allin May. The nest is built usually on the ground, and well concealed within a clump of § grass or tules. Sets are of 7 to 14 eggs. 80—276. Porzana jamaicensis (Gmel.). Black Rail. This very small and secretive bird is but rarely noted. Evan 16 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication IT, Davis took a specimen near Orange, Dec. 12, 96. G. F. Morcom saw one in the Ballona marsh, May 16, ’95, and thinks it must have had a nest nearby. 81—2z9. Gallinula galeata (Licht.). Florida Gallinule. Common resident on large tule-bordered ponds. | Wherever there are Coots this species is likely to be found, though its secretive habits render it far less conspicuous than the Coot. Nests in tule beds mostly in May. O. W. Howard took a set of nine slightly incubated eggs near Los Angeles, April 15 (’90); W.B. Judson took a set of nine considerably incubated eggs, June 19 (’95), near Redondo. These represent the probable extent of the breeding season. 82—227. Fulica americana Gmel. American Coot. Abundant resident on any permanent body of water, especially if there is a border of tules. During the winter it is more generally dis- tributed, and even appears along irrigation ditches and on small reser- voirs. These birds are popularly known as ‘‘mud-hens,’’ and are killed by hundreds on the duck preserves, as they are considered a nuisance by the hunters. Breeds in the latter part of April, and in May. S3—222. Crymophilus fulicarius (Linn.). Red Phalarope. Specimens were taken by Walter Richardson in the fall on a reser- voir near Pasadena. A. M. Shields states it to be occasionally common on the sloughs along the coast during the spring months. S4—223. Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.). Northern Phalarope. Abundant migrant. H. S. Swarth took it at Nigger Slough, Juue 19 (’97), and G. F. Morcom saw several in July at the same place. F.S. Daggett found them in large flocks on the fresh water ponds at Bixby, Aug. 10 to Aug. 27 (’96). Thus, they occur nearly through the summer, though none are known to breed. 85—225. Recurvirostra americana Gmel. American Avocet. Found in marshy districts in varying numbers throughout the year. Breeds commonly in the vicinity of the Alamitos swamps and Nigger Slough. A.M. Shields took a set of four fresh eggs at the latter place, May 27 (’92), and W. B. Judson took a similar set, June 26 (’95), in the same locality. Evan Davis reports taking eggs near Santa Ana from May 3 toJuly6. Fullsets are almost invariably of four. 8H—226. Himantopus mexicanus (Mull. ). Black-necked Stilt. Common in spring and fall on the margins of ponds and marshes. Breeds locally in considerable numbers. Evan Davis has taken eggs at Alkali Lakes near Santa Ana from the first of May until August. Sets were of three and four eggs each. March, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 17 87—230. Gallinago delicata (Ord). Wilson’s Snipe. Abundant game bird in fall, winter and spring, on grassy swamps and wet pastures. 88—232. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say). Long-billed Dowitcher. Common winter visitant. Perhaps most often taken in early spring, 89—2g2. Tringa minutilla Vieill. Least Sandpiper. A common winter visitant. Generally seen on margins of ponds or sloughs in small scattering companies. 90—2¢3a. Tringa alpina pacifica (Coues). Red-backed Sandpiper. Common migrant and scarcely less numerous through the winter- Usually observed in good-sized flocks on the sea beach at the mouth of a slough or ‘‘river.”’ W. H. Wakeley has specimens in the bright summer plumage, taken at a pond near Pasadena early in May. 91—2g7. Eveunetes occidentalis Lawr. Western Sandpiper. Appears along the coast in immense flocks during September and April. G. F. Morcom has noted this species in July. 92—2g8. Calidris arenaria (Linn. ). Sanderling. Common throughout the winter in flocks on the sandy sea beaches. It remains common until the middle of May, and H. S. Swarth has taken specimens at Redondo as late as June 4 ('97). 93—2¢9. Limosa fedoa (Linn.). Marbled Godwit. Noted occasionally along the coast during the migrations. 94—254. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). Greater Yellow-legs. Tolerably common winter visitant. Generally flushed from the margins of fresh water ponds and sloughs. G. F. Morcom saw this bird at Nigger Slough, June 19 (’97), and H. S. Swarth has observed itin July. These were probably stragglers, as there is no evidence of their breeding. 95—256a. Totanus solitarzus cinnamomeus Brewst. Western Solitary Sandpiper. Common migrant on the interior lowlands. W. B. Judson reports it as numerous along the Los Angeles River in the fall. He tock the earliest specimen, Aug. 27 (’95). H. S. Swarth has taken it in the spring near Los Angeles from April 21 to May 2 (97). 96—258a. Symphemia semipalmata inornata Brewst. Western Willet. Common migrant and occasional through the winter on the tide marshes along the coast. I took specimens near San Pedro, Sept. 3, ’97. 18 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication £1. 97—259. Heteractitis incanus (Gmel.). Wandering Tattler. Two specimens were shot by F. Stephens in the latter part of March. ‘93 at Catalina Island. Probably occurs in winter along the rocky shores west of San Pedro. 98—263. Actitts macularia (J.inn.). Spotted Sandpiper. Common migrant over most parts of the county. I have taken it in the vicinity of Pasadena from April 21 ('97), until May 12 (’96), during the spring migrations. F.S. Daggett found it common along the San Gabriel Cafion several miles back in the mountains, May 8, (97). In the fall it occurs most commonly along the coast; observed at San Pedro, Aug. 31 (’97). It was tolerably common at Catalina Island in December, ’97. 99—264. Numenius longivosiris Wils. Long-billed Curlew. Common winter visitant on the tide marshes along the coast. I have seen solitary pairs near Long Beach in July, so possibly a few breed. 100—265. Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Hudsonian Curlew. Common spring and fall migrant in marshy places throughout the lowlands. A.M. Shields states this species to be numerous at Alamitos and Ballona during the spring migrations from March 15 to May 1. 101—270. Sguatarola squatarola (Linn.). Black-bellied Plover. Common spring and fall migrant along the coast. Uusually noted on the beaches and mud-flats at the mouths of the sloughs. 102—273. Agialitis vocifera (Linn.). Killdeer. Abundant resident on wet meadows and about any fresh water streams or ponds. Sometimes they gather in large flocks in newly- mown alfalfa fields where they are very beneficial in destroying army- worms and other insects. A.M. Shields says that the breeding season extends ordinarily from the middle of March to the last of May. Evan Davis took a set of four near Santa Ana on June rsth. 103—274.