^ HARVARD UNIVERSITY Library of the Museum of Comparative Zoology ;EAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIIK >r 1 Brigham Young University 1971 BIRDS OF UTAH iV;os. GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS Editor. Stephen L. Wood, Department of Zoology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. Editorial Board. Kimball T. Harper, Botany; Wilmer W. Tanner, Life Science Museum; Stanley L. Welsh, Botany; Clayton M. White, Zoology. E.x Ojficio Editorial Board Members. A. Lester Allen, dean. College of Biological and Agricultural Sciences; Ernest L. Olson, director, Brigham Young University Press, University Editor. The Great Basin Naturalist was founded in 1939 by Vasco M. Tanner. It has been published from one to four times a year since then by Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. In general, only previously unpublished manuscripts of less dian 100 printed pages in length and pertaining to the biological natural history of western North America are accepted. The Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs was established in 1976 for scholarly works in biological natural histoiy longer than can be accommodated in the parent publi- cation. The Memoirs appears irregularly and bears no geographical restriction in subject matter. Manuscripts are subject to the approval of the editor. Subscriptions. The annual subscription to the Great Basin Naturalist is $12 (outside the United States $13). The price for single numbers is $4 each. All back numbers are in print and are available for sale. All matters pertaining to the purchase of subscriptions and back numbers should be directed to Brigham Young University Press, Marketing Department, 204 UPB, Provo, Utah 84602. The Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs may be purchased from the same office at the rate indicated on the inside of the back cover of either journal. Scholarly Exchanges. Libraries or other organizations interested in obtaining either journal through a continuing exchange of scholarly publications should contact the Brig- ham Young University Exchange Librarian, Harold B. Lee Library, Provo, Utah 84602. Manuscripts. All manuscripts and other copy for either the Great Basin Naturalist or the Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs should be addressed to the editor as instructed on the back cover. iEAT BASIN NATURALIST memoir: BIRDS OF UTAH Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-55878 International Standard Book Number: 0-8425-0663-2 ® 1976 by Brigham Young University Press. All rights reserved Brigham Young University Press, Provo, Utah 84602 Printed in the United States of America 12-76 3M 19790 REAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIR Brigham Young University BIRDS OF UTAH C. Lynn Hayward Clarence Cottam Angus M. Woodbury Herbert H. Frost Photographs by Richard Porter and Robert J. Erwin CONTENTS PAGE Preface 1 List of Figures 2 Introduction 4 Acknowledgments 5 Historical 5 Conservation Organizations 18 State and Federal Waterfowl Preserves 19 Bird Populations in Utah 20 Physiography and Climate of Utah ... 23 Bird Habitats in Utah 25 Aquatic and Semiaquatic Habitats . 25 Land Habitats 26 Accounts of the Species 30 Gaviidae. Loons 30 Podicipedidae. Grebes 31 Pelecanidae. Pelicans 34 Phalacrocoracidae. Comiorants .... 39 Ardeidae. Herons and Bitterns .... 40 Ciconiidae. Storks and Wood Ibises 45 Threskiomithidae. Ibises and Spoonbills 45 Phoenicopteridae. Flamingos 46 Anatidae. Swans, Geese, and Ducks 46 Cathartidae. American Vultures . . 60 Accipitridae. Eagles and Hawks . . 60 Pandionidae. Ospreys 66 Falconidae. Falcons 66 Tetraonidae. Grouse 69 Phasianidae. Quail and Pheasants . 71 Meleagrididae. Turkeys 74 Gruidae. Cranes 74 Rallidae. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots 75 Charadriidae. Plovers 78 Scolopacidae. Snipes and Sandpipers 80 Recurvirostridae. Avocets and Stilts 96 Phalaropodidae. Phalaropes 98 Stercorariidae. Jaegers 99 Laridae. Gulls and Terns 99 Alcidae. Auks and Murres 104 PAGE Columbidae. Pigeons and Doves . . 104 Cuculidae. Cuckoos and RoadRmners 107 Tytonidae. Barn Owls 108 Strigidae. Typical Owls 108 Caprimulgidae. Night Hawks and Poor-wills 113 Apodidae. Swifts 114 Trochilidae. Hummingbirds 116 Alcedinidae. Kingfishers 118 Picidae. Woodpeckers 119 Tyrannidae. Tyrant Flycatchers . . . 122 Alaudidae. Larks 129 Hirundinidae. Swallows 131 Motacillidae. Pipits 133 Laniidae. Shrikes 134 Bombycillidae. Waxwings 135 Cinclidae. Dippers 136 Troglodytidae. Wrens 137 Mimidae. Mockingbirds and Thrashers 139 Muscicapidae. Thrushes 143 Sylviidae. Kinglets 150 Paridae. Chickadees and Titmice 152 Sittidae. Nuthatches 156 Certhiidae. Creepers 157 Emberizidae. Buntings, Sparrows, and Tanagers 157 Parulidae. Wood Warblers 171 Vireonidae. Vireos 178 Icteridae. Meadowlarks and Blackbirds 180 Fringillidae. Finches, Grosbeaks, and Crossbills 184 Ploceidae. House Sparrow 187 Sturnidae. Starlings 187 Corvidae. Jays, Magpies, and Crows 188 Species of Uncertain Status 190 Subspecies of Uncertain Status 199 Literature Cited 200 Index 212 Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs Birds of Utah No. 1 Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 1976 C. Lynn Hayward,i Clarence Cottam,^ Angus M. Woodbury,^ and Herbert H. Frost* Photographs by Richard D. Porter^ and Robert J. Erwin^ PREFACE Prior to 1926 veiy little intensified work on the birds of Utah had been done by local students of ornithology. Several lists of Utah birds had been published earlier, in- cluding those of Baird (1852), Merriam (1873), Henshaw (1874), and Ridgway (1877). Cottam (1927) for a master's thesis at Brigham Young University compiled a list of Utah birds based on a search of pub- lished records up to that time and on con- siderable fieldwork of his own. Behle (1944) produced a check-list of Utah birds. Beginning about 1930 Angus M. Wood- bury, of the University of Utah, Clarence Cottam, then of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and John W. Sugden undertook a comprehensive work on Utah birds. Tliis included a search of the literature, a visit to most of the museums containing Utah birds, and considerable fieldwork. An ex- tensive treatment of ornithological work in Utah and an account of the species includ- ing all collection records, nesting records, and sight records known to the writers con- stituted the major part of the manuscript. A brief description of each species, a treat- ment of the natural histoiy of each species. a key to the birds of the state, and an ex- tensive bibliography were also included. The result of this work was a massive manuscript of some 1,200 typewritten pages, some of it single-spaced. This manuscript was completed about 1948 or 1949, but it appears that there was little search of the literature after 1945. Means for publica- tion were not forthcoming when the manu- script was completed, and, owing in part to the accidental deatli of Woodbury, the work was not published. When it became evident that there was no way of publish- ing the account after its completion, Wood- bury, Cottam, and Sugden determined to produce a check-list based on the larger manuscript (Woodbuiy, Cottam, and Sug- den 1949). In 1968 Cottam, then director of the Welder Wildlife Foundation near Sinton, Texas, invited me to join him in an at- tempt to revive the manuscript and prepare it for publication under the authorship of Hayward, Cottam, and Woodbuiy. Her- bert H. Frost was later added as one of the authors as a result of the considerable work he had done on a bibliography of Utah ornithology. The question tlien arose as to how the 1 Professor Emeritus of Zoology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. ^Former Director of the Rob and Bessy Welder Wildlife Foundation, Sinton, Texas. Deceased. ^Professor of Zoology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Deceased. '^Professor of Zoology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. ^Research Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Provo, Utah 84601. 6892 East 3250 North, North Ogden, Utah 84404. GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 manuscript could be revised to make it of value and yet be reduced to reasonable size for publication. Since the completion date of the original work, a great amount of fieldwork has been done in the state, particularly by personnel of the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. A number of important works have also been published recently. Were all these new data to be added to the original format of the manuscript, the size would have been at least doubled. It was determined, there- fore, that the following plan would be fol- lowed: (1) The section of the original paper dealing with the history of ornithol- ogy in Utah and other general matters has been retained complete with a few revi- sions and additions; (2) descriptions of tlie species and subspecies, as well as identifi- cation keys, have been omitted; (3) most of the references to the early collections and writings of Ridgway, Henshaw, and others were retained inasmuch as these older refer- ences are less accessible to many students; (4) the general status including relative abundance and habitat preference of each species is indicated; (5) in die case of un- usual or rare species found in the state, all records pertaining to them known to us are included. In certain instances a few rec- ords of the more common species are in- cluded where it seems desirable to indicate their widespread occurrence in the state. Every effort has been made to consult all the literature on Utah birds to date, but only the references cited in the text are included in this work. While the original manuscript was freely used and consulted, the present work is essentially an account of the history of ornithology in Utah, an up-to-date check- list and reference list, and a more extensive annotation of each species than usually appears in check-lists. The unfortunate and untimely passing of Clarence Cottam, 30 March 1974, left a great void in the authorship of this publica- tion. However, prior to his death he had critically examined and approved the en- tire manuscript except for the final revision. C. Lynn Hayward LIST OF FIGURES 1. Double-crested Cormorant. Geneva Steel Plant Dike, Orem, Utah County, Utah, 20 May 1970. Photo courtesy United States Steel Corporation. 2. Great Blue Heron. Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, Box Elder County, Utah, 7 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 3. White Pelican. Tremonton, Box Elder County, Utah. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 4. Snowy Egret. Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, Box Elder County, Utah, 23 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 5. Goshawk. Snow Basin, Weber County, Utah, 10 July 1970. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 6. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Ogden Canyon, Weber County, Utah, 10 July 1956. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 7. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utiih, 10 April 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 8. Swainson's Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 30 August 1970. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 9. Red-tailed Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 15 April 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 10. Red-tailed Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 15 April 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 11. Ferruginous Hawk. Promontory Point, Box Elder County, Utah, June 1955. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 12. Peregrine Falcon. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, June 1952. Photo by R. D. Porter. 13. American Kestrel. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 30 September 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 14. Golden Eagle. Dugway, Tooele County, Utah, spring 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter. 15. Marsh Hawk. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, spring 1948. Photo by R. D. Porter. 16. American Kestrel. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 15 June 1959. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 17. Common Snipe. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 30 June 1963. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 18. Long-billed Cudew. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, 21 June 1916. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 6 19. Spotted Sandpiper. Pigeon Lake, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, no date. Photo by R. D. Porter. 20. Black-necked Stilt. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, spring 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 21. Black -necked Stilt. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, spring 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 22. Wilson's Phalarope. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, 20 June 1961. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 23. Black Tern. Rochester, Monroe County, New York, 11 July 1967. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 24. American Kestrel. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 27 February 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 25. American Avocet. Willard Bay, Box Elder County, Utiih, 6 May 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 26. Mourning Dove. Tremonton, Box Elder County, Utah, 30 June 1974. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 27. Barn Owl. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 8 August 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 28. Barn Owl. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 8 August 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 29. Long-eared Owl. Promontory, Box Elder County, Utiih, 30 June 1969. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 30. Long-eared Owl (young). Hogup Mountains, Box Elder County, Utah, 25 June 1974. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 31. Burrowing Owl. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 8 August 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 32. Short-eared Owl. Dugway, Tooele County, Utah, 23 March 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter. 33. Saw-whet Owl. Weber River bottoms, Weber County, Utah, 1948. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 34. Saw-whet Owl (young). Weber River bottoms, Weber County, Utah, April 1948. Photo by R. D. Porter. 35. Horned Lark. Hogup Mountains, Box Elder County, Utah, 11 June 1972. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 36. Willow Flycatcher. Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, Utah, 18 July 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 37. Tree Swallow. Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, Utah, 17 July 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 38. CliflF Swallow. West Weber, Weber County, Utah, 15 July 1954. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 39. Loggerhead Shrike. Dugway Valley, Tooele County, Utah, May 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 40. Rock Wren. Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, Texas, May 1958. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 41. House Wren. North Fork Ogden River, Weber County, Utah, 11 June 1954. Photo by R. J. Er\vin. 42. Mockingbird. Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, Utah, 19 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 43. Hermit Thrush. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 15 June 1959. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 44. Mountain Bluebird. Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, Utah, 18 July 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 45. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, Utah, 18 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 46. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, Utah, 18 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 47. Black -capped Chickadee. Rochester,, Monroe County, New York, 16 October 1968. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 48. White-crowned Sparrow. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 14 July 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 49. Brewer's Sparrow. Vernon, Tooele County, Utah, 2 June 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. .50. Black-throated Sparrow. Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, Utah, no date. Photo by R. D. Porter. 51. Black -throated Sparrow. Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, Utah, 12 June 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter. 52. Sage Sparrow. Rush Valley, Tooele County, Utah, 31 May 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 53. Sage Sparrow. Rush Valley, Tooele County, Utah, 31 May 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 54. Long-billed Marsh Wren. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, 1 July 1969. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 55. Dark -eyed Junco. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 27 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 56. Chipping Sparrow. North Fork Ogden River, Weber County, Utah, 30 June 1930. Photo by R. J. Erwin. GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 57. Yellow Warbler. Rochester, Monroe County, New York, 9 July 1967. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 58. Yellow -rumped Warbler. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 7 July 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 59. Solitary Vireo. North Fork Ogden River, Weber County, Utah, 8 July 1956. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 60. Warbling Vireo. Snow Basin, Weber County, Utah, 30 June 1959. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 61. Northern Oriole. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 18 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 62. Brewer's Blackbird. Tremonton, Box Elder County, Utah, 9 June 1974. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 63. House Finch. Cedar Mountain, Tooele County, Ut;ih, 30 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 64. Gray Jay. Paradise Park, Uinta Mountains, Uintah County, Utah, 30 July 1953. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 65. Scrub Jay. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 10 May 1959. Photo by R. J. Erwin. INTRODUCTION Because of their widespread popular as well as scientific interest throughout the world, birds are the best known group of animals. It is unlikely that tliere is any species living in Nordi America that has not been identified and named, and there are few kinds even in the remote areas of the world diat have not been discovered. With a few exceptions, the numerous species of birds are rather easily distin- guished from one another; and one could assume that their classification might have long since become well stabilized. How- ever, more recent taxonomic studies using some of the newer behavioral, physiological, ecological, genetical, and biochemical tech- niques, as well as the older morphological approach, have resulted in some rather drastic changes in classification of birds. On the subspecies level there has been a tendency by recent workers to eliminate or combine some of the named races in polytypic species, especially among the pas- serine birds. In the complex sparrowlike and finchlike species a number of the kinds formerly recognized as being in separate genera have been combined into fewer genera. The phylogenetic arrangement of the several families, particularly in the pas- serine birds, has been considerably altered by several workers. The phylogenetic arrangement of die orders and families as an indication of their evolutionary relation.ships is still not well understood, due in part to the relative scarcity of fossil material. As a result, there appears to be no standard and universally accepted classification system for birds at the present time. In preparing this list of birds, we are, therefore, faced widi the need of making some arbitrary decisions as to the phylogenetic arrangement and nomenclature to be used. Some of tlie more recent and comprehensive treatments of phylogeny and classification of birds are as follows: Peters, Check-list of Birds of the World, Vols. 9 (1960), 10 (1964), 12 (1967), 13 (1970), 14 (1968), 15 (1962); Wetmore (1960), A Classification for the Birds of the World, Smithsonian Misc. Coll., 139(11):1- 37; Mayr and Short (1970), Species Taxa of North American Birds, Publ. of die Nuttall Ornitli. Club, No. 9:1-322; Storer (1971), Classification of Birds in Avian Biology, Farner, King, and Parkes, eds.. Academic Press, New York; Cracraft (1972), The Re- lationships of the Higher Taxa of Birds, Condor 74(4):379-392; AOU Committee on Classification and Nomenclature (1973), Thirty-second supplement of the AOU Check-list of North American Birds, Auk 90(2):411-419. In the present treatment of Utah birds, the authors have followed, in the main, the arrangement of orders and families and nomenclature of the 1957 (5th) edition of the AOU Check-list of North American Birds and its thirty-second supplement (1973) for the orders up to and including the Pici- fonnes, as well as certain families not yet treated in the series of Peters, Check-list of Birds of the World. For the remaining families (essentially the Passeriformes) Pet- ers, Check-list of Birds of the World, Vols. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 9(1960), 10(1964), 12(1967), 13(1970), 14 (1968), and 15(1962), is followed witli a few exceptions. In the discussion of each species the statement on status includes the relative abundance, general seasonal occurrence, and preferred habitat. Under the subtitle of records reference is made to some of the early records. In the case of uncommon species all acceptable references known to us are included. No attempt is made to in- clude all the known records of tiie more common speices, although most of the early records are cited and a limited number of more recent records are included to indi- cate the extent of their occurrence in the state. In the case of poly typic species, where only one subspecies is known to occur in the state, the entire trinomen is given. Where two or more subspecies are known to occur in Utah, only the binomen is given in the heading, and the subspecific status is discussed in a separate paragraph. For tlie most part, the list of species in the main body of the text is based on die actual collection of specimens within the boundaries of the state. A few species are included based on sight records that are, in the judgment of the authors, well authen- ticated by photographs or repeated obsei^va- tions by competent ornithologists. Division of labor among the authors has been as follows: Woodbuiy wrote most of the original manuscript upon which the present paper is based. Cottam tlssisted materially through his own knowledge of Utah birds and through his search for speci- mens in several museums and records from the literature. Hayward searched die more recent literature and was responsible for writing most of the present text. Frost assisted with the literature search, revised the literature list, and checked the refer- ences to the literature. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The writers wish to express appreciation to the numerous individuals and organiza- tions that have assisted us over the many years of preparation of this work. Financial support for the final typing and publication was obtained through the gen- erosity of the following: Division of Re- search, Brigham Young University, Leo P. Vernon, Director; State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, John E. Phelps, Director; members of the family of the late Clarence Cottam: Mrs. Ivan L. (Glenna) Sanderson, Mrs. Margery Osborne, Mrs. Douglas (Josephine) Day, and Mrs. Dwayne (Caroline) Stevenson; College of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Brigham Young University, A. Lester Allen, Dean; Mt. Timpanogos Chapter, National Audubon Society, Merrill Webb, President; Utah Audubon Society, National Audubon So- ciety, Durrell H. McGarry, President. We also extend our thanks to Dr. Wilmer W. Tanner, Director of the Life Sciences Museum, Brigham Young University, who has generously placed the facilities of the museum at our disposal and aided in ob- taining financial support. Dr. William H. Behle of the University of Utah has been most lilieral in furnishing information re- garding certain records from his own ex- perience and files. HISTORICAL Perhaps the first white persons to make obsei-vations on the birds of Utah were mem- bers of the Dominguez^ and Velez de Esca- lante party who visited Utah Valley and other parts of the state in September 1776. Members of the party were more interested in converting the resident Indians to Chris- tianity than in studying birds but Fatliers Dominguez and Velez de Escalante did ^Fray Francisco Atanasio Dominguez was the leader of the party and the senior author of the report, but he fell into ecclesiastical disfavor and all credit for the expedition was given to his junior companion by the church and subsequent historians until recently (Warner 1975). 6 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 mention that Utah Lake abounded in geese and other waterfowl. In commenting on the situation Dominguez and Velez de Escahinte (Auerbach 1943:70) state: "The Timpanogotzis (Utah Lake) is teeming with several kinds of edible fish in addition to geese, beaver and other land and water animals which we did not see." They also speak of "wild hens" being abundant and being used as food by the Indians. Other writers have translated this to mean "sage- hens" (Philip Harry in Simpson 1876:492). Dominguez and Velez de Escalante also mentioned seeing nests of Cliff Swallows in what is now Spanish Fork Canyon. The next explorer to leave a record of Utah bird life was Captain John C. Fremont (1845) who visited the Great Salt Lake area on his second trip to the West in the sum- mer of 1843. Fremont visited the lake at the mouth of Bear River and the mouth of Weber River and commented particularly on the abundance of waterfowl (p. 149): The water fowl made this morning a noise like thunder. A pelican {Pelecanus onocrotalus) was killed as he passed by, and many geese and ducks flew over the camp. . . . The whole morass was animated with multitudes of water fowl, which appeared to be very wild — rising for the space of a mile around about at the sound of a gun, with a noise like distant thun- der. Several of the people waded out into the marshes, and we had tonight a delicious sup- per of ducks, geese, and plover. The presence of gulls in tire area is attested to by Fremont's statement, that on 12 September (p. 158) "we had tonight a supper of sea gulls, which Carson killed near the lake." Captain Howard Stansbury (1852), under the direction of the War Department, con- ducted an expedition to Salt Lake Valley for the purpose of making explorations of the lake and surrounding areas. He arrived in the valley 28 August 1849 and remained exactly a year. His report (1852) contains a number of references to the birds. From Promontory Point on 22 October 1849 he made the following observation of the bird life of Bear River Bay (p. 100): The Salt Lake, which lay about half a mile to the eastward, was covered by immense flocks of wild geese and ducks, among which many swans were seen, being distinguished by their size and the whiteness of their plumage. I had seen large flocks of these birds before, in various parts of our country, and especially on the Potomac, but never did I behold any- thing like the immense numbers here congre- gated together. Thousands of acres, as far as the eye could reach, seemed literally covered with them, presenting a scene of t)usy, ani- mated cheerfiilness, in most graceful contrast with the dreary, silent solitude by which we were immediately surrounded. Visits were made by Stansbuiy and his party to several of the islands in Great Salt Lake in the spring of 1850. His accounts of some of these visits are as follows (p. 161): Rounding the northern point of Antelope Island, we came to a small rocky islet, about a mile west of it, which was destitute of vege- tation of any kind, not even a blade of grass being found upon it. It was literally covered with wild waterfowl; ducks, white brandt, blue herons, cormorants, and innumerable flocks of gulls, which had congregated here to build their nests. We found great numbers of these, built of sticks and rushes, in the cre- vices of the rock, and supplied ourselves, with- out scruple, with as many eggs as we needed, principally those of the herons, it being too early in the season for most of the other waterfowl. On 8 May Stansbuiy visited Gunnison Is- land and described the gull and the pelican colonies (p. 179): The whole neck and the shores on both of the little bays were occupied by immense flocks of pelicans and gulls, disturbed now for the first time, probably, by the intrusion of man. They literally darkened the air as they rose upon the wing, and, hovering over our heads, caused the surrounding rocks to re- echo with their discordant screams. The ground was thickly strewn with their nests, of which there must have been some thousands. Numerous young, unfledged pelicans, were found in the nests on the ground, and hun- dreds of half-grown, huddled together in groups near the water, while the old ones re- tired to a long line of sand-beach on the south- ern side of the bay, where they stood drawn up, like Prussian soldiers, in ranks three or four deep, for hours together, apparently with- out motion. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH A full-grown one was surprised and cap- tured by the men, just as he was rising from the ground, and hurried in triumph to the beach. He was very indignant at the uncere- monious manner in which he was treated, and snapped fiiriously with his long bill to the right and left at everybody that came near him. On the top of his bill, about midway of its length, was a projection about an inch long and half an inch high, resembling the old- fashioned sight of a rifle; in the female this is wanting. We collected as many eggs as we could carry. That of the gull is of the size of a hen's egg, brown and .spotted; that of the pelican is white, and about as large as a goose egg. The white of the latter, when cooked, is translucent,, and resembles clear blanc- mange. During the year of tlieir stay in the Salt Lake area, Stansbury's party obtained spe- cimens of 31 species of birds. These speci- mens were later studied by Spencer F. Baird, and he reported upon them in Ap- pendix C of Stansbuiy's report (1852). The year after Stanbury's report ap- peared, Congress provided for a number of expeditions to discover practical routes for establishing a railroad across the United States. One of these routes crossed Utah and was explored during the summer and fall of 1853 by a party of 30 men com- manded by Captain J. W. Gunnison. Mr. F. Kreuzfeldt was die naturalist of the party. In Utah the party entered the Grand River Valley and crossed Green River near the present town of Green River, Utah. They passed through Salina Canyon and arrived on the Sevier River 17 October 1853. A short time later Gunnison and Kreuzfeldt were killed by Indians. The re- mainder of the party, under the command of Lieutenant E. G. Beckwith, traveled to Salt Lake City where they spent tlie winter. Of some 25 species of birds collected by this expedition, 11 were probably taken in Utah. The birds of this and odier railroad survey expeditions were examined and re- ported by S. F. Baird (1854, 1858). Two French scientists, Jules Remy and Julius Brenchley, visited Utah in 1855 pri- marily to study the Mormons. They made obsewations on birds but apparently made no collections. Remy (1860) published in Paris a two-volume report of the trip, and the following year an English translation was published in London by Remy and Brenchley (1861). In both editions a list of 28 birds found in Utah is given. The U.S. government's "Johnston's AiTny" (sent to Utah over a misunderstanding with the Mormons) entered Salt Lake Valley 26 June 1858 and later established Camp Floyd near the present town of Fairfield, Utah County. This camp was maintained until 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. During the Camp Floyd period Captain J. H. Simpson conducted several exploring trips into adjacent areas. During the most important of these expeditions (1859), he was accompanied by Henry Engelmann who served as geologist, meteorologist, and botanist, and Charles McCardiy, a taxi- dermist who collected birds and mammals. On one trip the party passed westward from Camp Floyd through Rush and Skull valleys, past Fish Springs and across Nevada to the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They returned over a more southerly route via the north end of Sevier Lake Valley. McCardiy's collections ap- pear to have included not only those of this expedition (partly from Nevada) but also a good many specimens, mostly water birds from Utah Lake and from a pond near Camp Floyd formed by a large spring in the desert. His collections were identified and reported by S. F. Baird (1876). There were 258 specimens of 114 species included in the list. At that time the Territory of Utah extended further east and west than the present confines of Utah; thus some lo- calities indicated as "Utah" are in present- day Wyoming and Nevada. Thirty-four species appear to have been collected in Utah, although some of the locations are not definitely given and cannot be accu- rately determined. Little or no ornithological work was done during the Civil War, but during the reconstruction period following. Congress GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 (2 March 1867 and 3 March 1869) author- ized the U.S. Army to make geological ex- plorations of the West along the 40th paral- lel. This exploration party conducted by Clarence King included Robert Ridgway, zoologist, who, as a specialist trained in ornithology, made the first intensive col- lection of bird skins, nests, and eggs from the Great Basin. The expedition coming from the Pacific coast in 1867 crossed Cali- fornia and Nevada, reaching the Deep Creek Mountains in Utah in October 1868. After suspending activities for the winter, the expedition resumed collections in Utah 20 May 1869 and continued at Salt Lake Citv, Parley's Park, the west end of Uinta Mountains, Provo Canyon, and Utah Lake until 16 August. The collections of the ex- pedition deposited in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy (foiTnerly U.S. National Museum) included 769 skins and 753 nests and eggs, mainly from the Great Basin in Utah and Nevada. Ridgway (1873a) listed 107 species from near Salt Lake City, 116 species from Parley's Park, 6 from Deep Creek, 23 from Antelope Is- land, 3 from Carrington and Hat Islands, and 9 from Provo River. Tliis report seems to be the first record of birds on Hat (Bird) Island. His total from the Great Basin reached 238 species. In the East, the widespread interest in the specimens beginning to pour in about this time from the zoologically poorly known West stimulated an expedition from the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Hai-vard University, to investigate the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. This expedition, under the leadership of J. A. Allen, with C. W. Bennett as taxideiTnist and Richard Bliss as ichthyologist, crossed the plains in the spring of 1871, passed through the mountains, and reached the Great Salt Lake by fall. They collected along the east side of the lake, especially around Ogden from 1 September to 8 October 1871, cover- ing the valley lands from Salt Lake to Og- den, Ogden Canyon, and the mountains to the northeast. The list of birds collected or obseived by the Allen party totaled 137 species and in- cluded 3 species reported to have been re- cently introduced: the English Sparrow, the California Quail, and the Eastern Bobwhite, the latter being the only one that failed to survive (Allen 1872a, 1872b). In the report the great variety of environmental condi- tions, such as marshes, flat valley lands, abruptly rising mountains, and alpine sum- mits, was offered to account for the rich avian fauna. An increase in the small seed- eating, insectivorous, and fruit-eating birds was accounted for by the settlers' activity in transfoiTning arid plains into farms with orchards and shade trees. In the early 1870s the federal govern- ment paid considerable attention to ex- plorations of the West. As early as 1867 Congress authorized the Interior Depart- ment to undertake a geological survey of the territories. Reports of the first two years' activities were made by tlie commis- sioner of the General Land Office, but thereafter they were directed by F. V. Hayden, United States geologist. In 1870 the work was centered in Wyo- ming and northeastern Utah, and by 1872 it had moved westward to include north- ern Utah and portions of Idaho and Mon- tana. It was the intention that "collections in all departments should be as complete as possible." Biologists accompanying the parties gathered specimens in several dif- ferent fields. The party in Wyoming in 1870 (August to November) was organized by Hayden and included James Stevenson as manag- ing director, Heniy D. Schmidt (Smith) as naturalist, and C. P. Carrington as zoologist, all of whom seem to have helped in the col- lection of specimens. The area covered by the work included Bear River, Muddy Creek, Black's Fork, Smith's Fork, and Henry's Fork on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains in Utah. In Hayden's re- port (1872) of work done in 1870, James Stevenson published a list of mammals and birds collected by the expedition. He re- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH marked that it was a meeting ground be- tween eastern and western fonns and diat it was too late in the season for nests and eggs. The hst included 124 species, of which 31 are reported from the area witliin Utah on the north slope of the Uinta Moun- tains. The work of 1872 was handled by two parties. One party, under Hayden's direc- tion, worked southward from Bozeman, Montana, into Yellowstone National Park, which had been established that year. The other party, led by James Stevenson, started at Ogden, Utah, surveyed a route to Fort Hall, Idaho, and then proceeded to ex- plore by pack train the headwaters of the Snake River in Idaho and Wyoming. This party included John M. Coulter as botanist, Campbell Carrington as naturalist, and C. Hart Merriam as ornithologist. During die work in Utah from 5 to 21 June, Merriam collected 120 bird skins and 52 nests with eggs. Merriam (1873) reported on the mam- mals and birds of the expedition and gave, in addition, a list of 176 species of birds then known from Utah, some of them con- tributed by Allen, Henshaw, and Ridgway. Simultaneous with the geological sur- veys of the Interior Department, Congress authorized the War Department to undertake geographical and geological sur- veys of the West. This was a veiy extensive and elaborate scientific investigation under the direction of Captain George M. Wheeler of the U.S. Army. Developing from King's exploratoiy expedition of 1867- 69, the investigation finally became a plan for a complete detailed topographic suivey with associated natural history observations of the territory west of the one hundredth meridian. At a cost of $2.5 million, this was to have been the first great general survey during initial stages of settlement. In 1872 the expedition concentrated on Utah. It was planned for two parties. Dr. H. C. Yarrow and H. W. Henshaw carried on the ornithological work. The parties were organized at Salt Lake City, and while they were assembling, the two ornithologists moved 50 miles south to Provo on 22 July and plunged into their work during their two weeks' wait for plans to mature. The routes followed by Yarrow and Hen- shaw after they left Provo have been de- scribed by Behle (1938:170). Yarrow ac- companied a party led by Lieutenant Hoxie, who traveled a route westward from Provo through Fairfield and across the Great Basin as far as eastern Nevada. They then went southeastward to Fillmore, Utah, and thence eastward to Panguitch in the valley of the Sevier River. From there the course led southward to the Virgin River and eventually to the town of Toquerville, where they were to meet the other part of the expedition. Henshaw traveled with the party led by Lieutenant Wheeler, who went eastward to Strawberry Valley and then southward to Thistle and Sanpete Valley. The journey continued over Fre- mont Pass to Parowan and thence south- ward to Toquei-ville for a rendezvous with the Lieutenant Hoxie party. Yarrow and Henshaw later explored much of the Virgin River Valley in the vicinity of St. George before returning to Provo where they did additional collecting until the expedition disbanded in December. Five months of field collecting netted the two collectors about 600 skins of 165 species of birds, including a skin from Iron City in Iron County destined to become the type for one of the races of the Plain Tit- mouse. An annotated list of 214 species of birds of Utah, including data furnished by Allen and Ridgway, was read by Henshaw before the Lyceum of Natural History, New York, 6 April 1874 (Henshaw 1874). His list was reprinted the same year with minor modifi- cations as a government publication (Yar- row and Henshaw 1874). This included, in addition, most of the material later incor- porated in Henshaw's paper published in the Wheeler report of 1875, Geographical Surveys west of the lOOtli Meridian. By a coincidence, while Yarrow and Hen- shaw were working at Provo in late July 10 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 1872, the youthful Edward W. Nelson was making a private collection some ten miles north of Salt Lake City. The enthusiastic youth and a companion. Will Wentworth, earlier in the season had come west from Illinois with Samuel Gamian to join E. D. Cope in collecting fossils in Wyoming. While at Fort Bridger Nelson borrowed an old gun from Cope and made a collection of birds from that region (including some from the north slope of the Uinta Moun- tains in Utah). Owing to a disagreement, Carman parted company with Cope and went on west toward the Pacific coast tak- ing the two boys with him. They stopped over at "Sessions' Settlement" (near Bounti- ful, Davis County) from 27 July to 8 August. Nelson obtained a second-hand shotgun and continued bird collecting. They covered the prolific area around the mouth of the Jordan River and the valley lands be- tween there and the Wasatch Mountains, gathering specimens and data on 41 species (Nelson 1875). With all this work concentrated on Utah between the Civil War and 1875, the main outlines of Utah ornithology were fairly well established and most of the national investigations were thereafter directed else- where. Only one other expedition of im- portance was to reach Utah in the period of exploration and that only incidentally as it spread from Death Valley in southwestern Utah, 19 years after Yarrow and Henshaw had been there. In 1886 and subsequent years. Congress provided for studies of tlie geographical distribution of animals and later (1890) of plants under the direction of the Depart- ment of Agriculture. In 1891 these studies were concentrated in Death Valley and tlie surrounding region, including an extension into southwestern Utah. During the pro- gress of the work. Dr. C. H. Merriam and Vernon Bailey left the main camp on 24 April 1891 and set out for a trip to south- western Utah during May and June. They traversed the Virgin River up as far as St. George and Santa Clara, then northward through the mountains via Diamond Valley, Mountain Meadows, and Shoal Creek to the southwestern end of the Escalante Desert. Mr. Bailey's previous trip through Utah during the winter of 1888-89 had taken him down the Virgin River. He spent the forepart of Januaiy at St. George and vicinity, following the Virgin down to the Colorado River in the latter parts of the month. The ornitliological results of the Deatli Valley studies were reported by A. K. Fisher (1893) and covered a list of 290 species which included a large number that extended into Utah. It seems that C. Hart Merriam and his assistant Vernon Bailey made sporadic col- lections of birds in Utah Valley on some of their travels through the area. Specimens now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History were collected at Provo in the fall of 1888. These include the Moun- tain Chickadee {Parus gambeli). Plain Tit- mouse (Parus itiornatus), and Winter Wren {Troglodytes troglodytes). Bailey also col- lected a few specimens at Cedar Fort west of Utah Lake in the summer of 1890. Speci- mens of the Lazuli Bunting {Passerina amoena) and die Rufous-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) from that locality are in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History collection. It is entirely possible that Merriam and Bailey made other ornithological collections in Utah Valley, but these workers were more interested in mammals. Consequently, the collection of birds was somewhat incidental. The arrival of the Mormon pioneers in Utah in tlie summer of 1847 led to the establishment of pemianent white settle- ments and the eventual development of interests and institutions whereby ornitho- logical work of a local nature could take place. The Mormons themselves, con- fronted with the grim necessity of obtaining a livelihood from a rather hostile environ- ment, were mainly interested in the eco- nomic aspects of ornithology. Soon after their arrival they organized drives to ex- terminate all kinds of "vermin," both birds 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 11 Fig. 1. Double-crested Cormorant. Geneva Steel Plant Dik{ 1970. Photo courtesy United States Steel Corporation. Orem, Utah County, Utah, 20 May and mammals, an indication that these animals were present in noticeable num- bers. An example of one of these drives of ex- termination is as follows: "Articles of agree- ment between Captains John D. Lee and John Pack, made this 24th day of Decem- ber 1848 to carry on a war of extermination against all the ravens, hawks, owls, wolves, foxes, etc., now alive in the valley of the Great Salt Lake" (Journal Histoiy 24 De- cember 1848). 12 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 The agreement provided for a social din- ner to be given by the losers and indicated that ". . . the game shall count as follows: the right wing of a raven counting one, a hawk or owl two, the wings of an eagle five, the skin of a mink or pole cat five, the skin of a wolf, fox, wild cat, or catamount ten, the pelt of a bear or panther, fifty" (Journal History 24 December 1848). The episode of the so-called "sea" gulls and MoiTnon crickets is the best known of the ornithological events in the early histoiy of the settlements. Judging from the fre- quent references in diaries and tlie press from 1848 to 1850, there was a spectacular saving of the crops by the California Gull. Apparently crickets were numerous in Salt Lake Valley when the pioneers ar- rived 22-24 July 1847. Orson Pratt's Journal under date of 22 July stated: "We found the drier places swarming with very large crickets about the size of a man's thumb" (Pratt 1926:211). And William Clayton recorded about die same time: "The ground seemed literally alive with large black crickets crawling around on grass and bushes. They look loathsome but are said to be excellent for fattening hogs which would feed on them voraciously" (Clayton 1921:311). Presumably in 1847 there was little con- cern about the crickets and no damage to crops, since the crickets would be on the wane for winter before the first summer and fall plowings could be started into pro- duction. In 1848, however, the crops were growing when the crickets hatched in the spring and furnished enticing bait when the insects began to move. The earliest avail- able reference in that year is in Eliza R. Snow's journal of 28 May: "This morning's frost in unison with the ravages of the crickets for a few days past produces many sighs" (Snow 1848). Isaac C. Haight's diaiy, 4 June 1848, said: "The crickets have destroyed some crops and are eating the heads of the grain as soon as it heads out" (Haight 19.36 :.56). Again on 6 July he remarked: "The pros- pects for crops begin to brighten although some have lost their crops by insects" (Haight 1936:57). From a letter to Brigham Young, who was in the East, written by John Smith, Charles C. Rich, and John Young in Utah, 9 June 1848, came the following: "The crickets have done considerable damage to both wheat and corn, which has dis- couraged some, but there is plenty left if we can save it for a few days. The sea gulls have come in large flocks from the lake and sweep the crickets as they go" (Journal History 9 June 1848). Writing again on 21 June, they infomied Brigham Young: "The crickets are still quite numerous and busy eating, but be- tween the gulls, our efforts and the growth of our crops, we shall raise much grain in spite of them. Our vines, beans and peas are mostly destroyed by frost and the crick- ets; but ... we will still raise many pump- kins, melons, beans, etc." (Journal History 21 June 1848). Thomas Callister, writing in retrospect on 13 February 1869 and referring to the "cricket war" in 1848, said: When the crickets descended upon every- thing green, [sic] All the nursery trees had been destroyed, and much of the grain, and the inevitable destruction of everything was apparent to all. ... So dark were the circum- stances that the hearts of the strongest Elders were faint. ... In a very short time after this, the gulls from the Lake made their appear- ance and devoured the crickets (Journal His- tory 9 June 1848). Despite all the evidence to the contrary and the corrections in the literature (Good- win 1904a; V. Bailey 1905), occasional refer- ences still indicate the Black-headed Frank- lin instead of the California Gull as the one involved in saving the Monnon crops. The evidence is clear and definite to the con- traw. In response to a queiy of the origin of the mistaken idea, Vernon Bailey (1905) wrote: Yes, I know the whole and the history of the report of Franklin's Gull in Utah and am in part responsible for it. In the first edition 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 13 of Mrs. Bailey's Handbook of Birds, the name franklini was edited into the note I gave on the gulls that destroyed the crickets and I did not notice it until the book was out. It was corrected in a later edition, but has been copied and used over and over and will never be eliminated. It was just one of the many editorial blunders that occur and keep re- appearing. We knew Franklin's Gull perfectly at the time and knew that it did not occur in the Salt Lake Valley.^ The California Gull was the common species there then as it is now. As has been pointed out, the principal concern with respect to birds and other wildhfe of Utah in the early days of settle- ment centered on the economic aspect of these animals. Local people exhibited little interest in studying them scientifically. Limited studies in natural history arose with the establishment of institutions of higher learning, and over the years these studies have resulted in continual progress. The University of Deseret, which later be- came the University of Utah, after a brief prior existence was revived in 1869 widi Dr. John R. Park as president. From 1869 to 1874 Park taught natural science work him- self, and during this time he initiated some "cabinets" to hold specimens including some bird eggs and skins. Following Park, Francis Marion Bishop was responsible for natural histoiy work, but it was during the time of Orson How- ard, who followed Bishop, that ornithology received considerable emphasis as a part of the natural histoiy curriculum. Howard began his work as a student and by 1884 was teaching zoology and botany. The next year, he was professor of natural science and English literature as well as curator of the museum which had grown from the "cabinets." He left the University in 1890 to obtain an M.D. degree, returning in 1898, after which he was active, particularly in the museum, until his retirement in 1912. Following the retirement of Howard, there was little interest in ornithology at the university for a period of time. A collec- tion of some 1,500 bird skins and mounted specimens with scientific data were, in the main, lost, or at least they disappeared. At about this time J. H. Paul, who was teach- ing courses in nature study, had access to the specimens which he used in classwork. The tags containing the data were often removed for convenience in class use. Ralph V. Chamberlin returned to the university in December 1924, after which biological work was rapidly expanded and specialized. At that time die bird skin col- lection had reached a low point of about 100 mounted specimens and even fewer study skins. In 1927 a special course in orni- thology was initiated by Angus M. Wood- bury and continued by him until 1940. In 1931 a research collection of vertebrate specimens was established with Woodbury responsible for the birds and reptiles, and Stephen D. Durrant die mammals. William H. Behle took over the ornithological work in 1940. He and his students have been active since then in building at the univer- sity a collection of birds now containing some 25,000 specimens. Utah State University, formerly Utah State Agricultural College, began the de- velopment of a museum soon after its estab- lishment in 1888. Display cases were pro- vided and mounted specimens were in- stalled from time to time. By 1895 the cases contained 25 species of birds and by 1899, 44 species. The president's biennial report for 1901-1902 contained the follow- ing statement: "For the zoological museum, a collection of Utah birds, male and female, their nests, eggs, and young, should be commenced at once. Such a collection would grow in value with the years" (Bi- ennial Report 1903:45). By 1917 the display collection at Utah State had grown to about 100 mounted birds as well as a collection of mammals. When J. Sedley Stanford joined the zoology staff in 1930, the collection contained ao- ^The Franklin Gull does, of cou rse, occur in Salt Lake Valley and may have occurred the 14 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 proximately 150 mounted birds and 50 study skins. As a result of Dr. Stanford's efforts and those of his students, the collec- tion had increased by 1942 to include about 225 mounted birds and 1,300 study skins. At present (1976) the bird skin collection consists of about 2,000 specimens. Stanford introduced the study of ornithology as a separate course in the summer school of 1939 and instituted it in the regular school year in the spring of 1936. Following the retirement of Dr. Stanford, the work in ornithology at Utah State has been con- tinued by Keith L. Dixon and Gene H. Linford. In 1903 Brigham Young Academy be- came Brigham Young University. Prior to that time courses taught in the biological sciences were on a high school level. In 1904-1905 Chester G. Van Buren offered a course in ornithology on a college level. In 1906-1907 courses in ornithology and zoological collecting and taxidermy were taught presumably by Professor Van Buren. Before that time Van Buren had col- lected birds and other natural history ob- jects in Central and South America and had had some training in taxidermy. Be- ginning in 1908 a department of biology was established with Dr. Ralph V. Cham- berlin as teacher, assisted by Van Buren and others. The biological curriculum was enlarged, but the course in ornithology was apparently discontinued. Van Buren and Chamberlin left about 1911 and the interest in ornithology died. When I (Hayward) came to Brigham Young University as a student in 1923, there was a small collection of bird skins that, presumably, had been prepared by \'an Buren or his students. At that time Walter P. Cottam taught a course called Field Biology which covered local trees, shrubs, spring flowers, and birds. The above mentioned collection was used for teaching purposes. As I recall, the speci- mens bore little data. With the arrival of Dr. Vasco M. Tanner on the campus in 1925, the Department of Zoology and Entomology was organized. Soon afterward the building of a bird skin collection was begun. Clarence Cot- tam was the first student of birds at the institution. He began his work toward a master's degree in 1926 and wrote his thesis on the birds of Utah (Cottam 1927). Dur- ing the early part of the summer of 1926 a field party led by Dr. Tanner and including Clarence Cottam, Claudeus Brown, and my- self, visited parts of northern Utah collect- ing various natural history objects but prin- cipally insects and birds. The following school year I worked considerably with Cot- tam while he was preparing his thesis; and I became interested in birds, although at that time my chief interest was in ento- mology. Clarence Cottam remained at the university as a teacher until 1929 when he left to take a position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington. Dur- ing his years at the university he continued to collect birds in Utah Valley as well as other parts of the state. However, his thesis was never published. His writings on the birds of the valley were confined to a few short papers. When I returned to Brigham Young Uni- versity as a teacher in 1930, my interests were at first primarily in entomology. They soon shifted more toward ornithology and mammalogy and resulted in the building of a collection. With the help of other mem- bers of the staff and numerous students, the collection of bird skins at Brigham Young University has grown continuously until at present it contains about 5,500 skins and some 300 mounted specimens. In addition, the university has obtained several large bird-egg collections, including those of R. G. Bee, Ashby Boyle, Merlin J. Killpack, Lloyd Gunther, J. Donald Daynes, and part of the John Hutchings collection. Another institution of importance in the early histoiy of Utah ornithology was the Deseret Museum, which had its origin in 1869. It was established by John W. Young and Guglielmo Giosue Rosetti Sangiovanni ("Sangio" for short). Following a trip to 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 15 Europe, these two men decided they would start a museum and menagerie that would present "Utah at a glance" as a means of showing "tourists what we are doing." John W. Young was proprietor, under the patronage of his father, Brigham Young, and Sangio became curator of the menag- erie. They published requests for specimens from the public, and Sangio was soon busy housing the relics in a two-room adobe house at about 43 East on South Temple in Salt Lake City and building cages and pens outside for the great variety of animals that came pouring in to him. Sangio was principally occupied witli the menagerie and paid little attention to die museum. In May 1871 the museum, shorn of the menagerie, was moved to an abandoned store building opposite the south gate of the Temple Block, and "Professor" Joseph L. Barfoot, a studious, self-educated Eng- lishman, was made curator. About 1878 ownership of the collection passed to the Monnon Church under the name of the Deseret Museum, made popu- lar by common usage. Professor Barfoot died 23 April 1882, leaving the museum in the hands of "custodians" who merely attempted to hold it intact, making no pre- tense of progress in museum building. The degree to which Professor Barfoot had de- veloped the museum seems to be indicated by a statement in the University of Deseret catalog of 1882 that students of the univer- sity would have access to the extensive and diversified collections of the Deseret Mu- seum. In 1885 ownership of the museum passed to the newly organized Salt Lake Literary and Scientific Association, which there- after maintained the museum and directed its policies for several years. In 1890 the museum building was sold and it became necessary to move the materials. After several months part of the exhibits were set up in a small room, inadequate for the pur- pose, in the Templeton Building (soudieast of Temple Block) and reopened to the pub- lic in Januaiy 1891. At diis time James E. Talmage was made curator and J. Reuben Clark, Jr., assistant curator. The museum was now to witness a renaissance and second growth similar to that made under Professor Barfoot. The col- lection could not expand at that location, so two years later it was moved to the top floor of a new building erected by the Asso- ciation on the Ellerbeck property at First North between First and Second West. Here the museum expanded and grew for ten years. In 1894 the Salt Lake Literary and Sci- entific Association endowed the chair of Deseret Professor of Geology at the Uni- versity of Deseret, then located at the pres- ent site of West High School. A building housing die museum was a part of the en- dowment. Seven years later, in July 1910, the ex- hibits were installed in the new Vermont Building erected on a site across the road from the south Temple gate (now the Bene- ficial Life Building). In this location James E. Talmage was director and his son. Ster- ling B. Talmage, curator. Here it remained for eight years. In October and November of 1918 die collection was dismembered, the fossils, minerals, and animals being allocated to the LDS University across the road east from the Temple, and the balance, mainly relics, being assigned to the Bureau of In- foniiation of the Mormon Church. The specimens of birds and odier animals from the LDS University later (June 1931) passed to Brigham Young University at Provo. The birds are all mounted specimens, and only part of them bear complete data. Some of the other colleges in the state have been active at times in collecting birds and have accumulated a number of specimens. At Dixie Junior College in St. George, Utah, Vasco M. Tanner, Angus M. Woodbury, D Elden Beck, and C. Ross Hardy, along with some of dieir students, have been active in adding to the bird col- 16 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No.l lection. Some papers resulting from these Studies have been published. There is also a collection of some 300 skins at Weber State College at Ogden. Much infomiation on Utah birds was assembled, particularly during the first half of the present century, by nonprofessional naturalists or persons interested in birds as a hobby. Most of these workers were in- terested primarily in the collection of eggs and nests, but some of the collectors exer- cised great care in presei-ving data on nest- ing habits and on the birds tliemselves. Since the building of private collections is no longer permitted, most of these collec- tions have gone to the institutional museums of the state or to museums elsewhere, and some, unfortunately, have apparently be- come lost. One of the earliest egg collectors in Utah was Alberto Treganza, an architect by pro- fession, who with his father and other mem- bers of the family began collecting in Utah in 1901. They eventually amassed a collec- tion of about 30,000 eggs, although many of these were obtained by exchange from all over the world. The Treganza family remained active in Utah until about 1927, when financial reverses forced them to move to Florida and later to California. The Treganza collection has been scattered to a number of localities, most of it at tlie Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology at Los Angeles. A number of sets from the collection are to be found at the Royal On- tario Museum, Toronto, Canada; Field Mu- seum of Natural History, Chicago; American Museum of Natural History, New York; Car- negie Museum, Pittsburgh; U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.; and elsewhere. Another of the early-day naturalists and egg collectors was Harry Aldous, whose collection was made principally in northern Utah. About 1924 he loaned a collection of birds and eggs to be displayed in the State Capitol. Following his death in 1929 most of his collection went to J. Donald Daynes of Salt Lake City. Parts of the Aldous col- lection are to be found at the U.S National Museum of Natural History, American Museum; Cleveland (Ohio) Museum, Field Museum, and at other localities. Mark Jackson, a building contractor who lived in Panguitch and Parowan, Utah, learned taxidermy from his father in En- gland and later practiced this art as a hobby after coming to America. He pre- pared more than a hundred specimens of local birds and mammals which were later given to the University of Utah. Claude T. Barnes, a prominent lawyer and legislator of Salt Lake City, was an ardent student of birds who did much to promote public interest by writing a series of illustrated articles in the magazines called the Improvement Era and Juvenile Instructor, published by the Mormon Church. He also collected a number of skins and kept extensive notes on birds based on his own observations. Mr. Barnes was well acquainted with other naturalists, particularly in the Salt Lake area, and with their help was instrumental in establishing a chapter of the Utah Audubon Society in 1913. Another early-day oologist of Utah was George R. Walker, who became an active collector in the early 1900s, partly through the encouragement of A. O. Treganza. In addition to his own material, he obtained part of the collections of W. H. Parker. Many of these eggs went at first to the Uni- versity of Utah but were later transferred to the Harrison collection at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology in Los Angeles, California. Parts of the Parker col- lection, however, are to be found at the Florida State Museum, Carnegie Museum, and Field Museum of Natural History. Smaller numbers of sets are located in other places. John W. Sugden, who came to Utah in 1869, made a large collection of bird eggs and insects. Following his death in 1933 his son, John W. Sugden, Jr., inherited the collection and continued to add to it for many years. The bulk of the Sugden collec- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 17 tion went to the University of Utah and eventually to the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, Los Angeles. Some 30 sets of eggs of the collection are to be found at the Field Museum of Natural History, while lesser numbers are located in six other institutions. Ashby D. Boyle, a Salt Lake City lawyer, began a collection of bird eggs about 1915. Following his death, this collection was pre- sented to Brigham Young University where it is now housed. Around 1922 John H. Brandt made a col- lection of nearly 300 sets of eggs in Utah. These are presently located at the Carnegie Museum. About diis time (19251930) Lieutenant (now Colonel) L. R. Wolf, an army officer stationed at Ft. Douglas, Utah, collected bird eggs in the state. Most of this material is to be found in the Harrison collection at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology. Another active egg collector in the Salt Lake area in recent times is J. Donald Daynes. Mr. Daynes has accumulated a large and well-prepared collection which he donated recently to the Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum. The U.S. National Museum of Natinal History collection of bird eggs contains a number of sets obtained in Utah by early ornithologists. About 61 sets of eggs and nests were collected by Robert Ridgway in 1869. Lesser numbers were obtained by C. Hart Merriam in 1872 and later by A. K. Fisher and Alexander Wetmore. In the meantime a few amateur orni- thologists, interested primarily in the col- lection of eggs as a hobby, were active in the Utah Valley area. H. C. Johnson of American Fork was developing an egg col- lection, but persons who knew him indicate that much material was brought to him by others. Most of the Johnson material even- tually found its way to the Harrison collec- tion at the Western Foundation of Verte- brate Zoology, the Cleveland Museum of Natural Histoiy, and the Field Museum of Natural History. Johnson published a num- ber of short papers dealing with the breed- ing of Clarke's [sic] Nutcracker (1900, 1902b), Duck Hawk (1899b), Raven (1899c), Wilson's Snipe (1899a), Pigmy Owl (1903), Pinyon [sic] Jay (1902a). Widi W. H. Par- ker he also privately published a pamphlet on die nesting of birds in Utah (1899?). In 1887 the Congregational Church estab- lished an institution in Provo known as the Proctor Academy, which continued until about 1912 or 1914 or about the time Provo High School was established. One of the teachers in the latter part of its history was Professor S. H. Goodwin, an accomplished naturalist. He and some of his students apparently took considerable interest in the local bird fauna. One of his pupils was Robert G. Bee, who later adopted ornithol- ogy as a hobby and gathered an extensive collection of eggs and several volumes of notes and photographs, all of which are now at Brigham Young University. Good- win published a few notes in the Condor which include observations on the nesting of the White Pelican on Rock Island in Utah Lake (1904b), the California Gull (1904a), and the presence of die Bohemian Waxwing in Utah (1905). Robert G. Bee began his collecting of eggs in 1892 when he was only 10 years old. Although throughout his later life he directed most of his efforts toward the col- lection of nesting data and eggs, he also kept extensive notes on other items of ornithology. A contemporaiy of Bee was John Hutchings, who was born in Lehi, Utah, and has lived there ever since. An accomplished taxidemiist, he was brought many interesting and unusual bird speci- mens to mount. His early collections in- cluded many sets of eggs with full data. Part of this material is at Brigham Young University and the remainder is in a small museum in Lehi, Utah, built for him by the citizens of that area. Bee and Hutchings (1942) summarized the records of breeding birds in Utah based on their previous years of collecting and obsei^vation. Most of these collections were 18 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 made in Utah Valley and closely adjoining areas. In more recent years Lloyd Gunther, who was superintendent of the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, has made a collec- tion of bird eggs in Utah. His collection has recently been acquired by Brigham Young University. A small collection of eggs made by Merlin L. Killpack is also housed at Brigham Young University. CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS During Utah's biological "past history" several private organizations and interested groups have fostered the study of natural histoiy and have been active in consewa- tion. During the 1880s a natural history move- ment under the auspices of the Agassiz Association gained momentum in Utah, and although it never became institutional- ized like the University of Utah and the Deseret Museum, it continued as an im- portant force for several years among en- thusiastic members of the populace. This movement was designed to encourage the observation and study of natural phenomena including birds. The founder, Harlan F. Ballard, in the November 1880 issue of St. Nicholas Magazine issued a general invitation for the formation of chapters. In response, Utah Ghapter A was organized 1 August 1882, Ghapter B in the spring of 1883, and Ghap- ter G later that same season, all in Salt Lake Gity. They continued with varying degrees of enthusiasm until 1 November 1885, when they were combined into one chapter and reorganized. This organization initiated a small monthly publication under the title of Agassiz Notes, which ran through seven numbers between November 1885 and May 1886 before publication was suspended. During the life of the organization many field trips were conducted, many specimens collected (minerals, insects, bird nests and eggs, plants, etc.), cabinets installed, print- ing press acquired, and notes published, all largely under the leadership of Marcus E. Jones, botanist, explorer, and general natu- ralist. Many of the members of this society were egg collectors on a semi-commercial basis and could scarcely be considered con- servationists, although their efforts contri- buted somediing to the scientific knowledge of the birds of the area. During the second decade of the twen- tieth centuiy, a group of nature enthusiasts including such individuals as Glaude T. Barnes, J. H. Paul, Walter Gluff, N. W. Rey- nolds, J. W. Sugden, E. G. Titus, G. T. Vorhies, A. O. Treganza, A. O. Garrett, J. Gecil Alter, G. O. AiTnstrong, Florence Knox, M. R. Gheeseman, F. A. Wrathall, Fred W. Chambers, Josephine Seamen, and Royal G. Barnes became active in bird study and formally incoiporated the Utah Audubon Society on 3 Januaiy 1913 at Salt Lake Gity. During that year they were instrumental in pushing two important laws through the legislature: one providing for the observ- ance of bird day in all public schools on the last Friday of April, and the other pro- viding for protection of all birds in the state except game birds in open season and a few pest birds that damage crops, poultry, or fish. Certain members remained active for many years, but the group's activity grad- ually subsided. Soon after this, a chapter of the Cooper Club was organized in Salt Lake Gity. This group included such per- sons as the Treganzas, tlie Sugdens, Ashby Boyle, J. L. Mullen, G. Ray Walker, and others, most of whom were held together by a common interest in oology. In 1935 and 1936, after the previous movements had more or less subsided, a new group in- cluding A. M. Woodbury, William H. Behle, Charles W. Lockerbie, Rex B. Snow, J. Donald Daynes, Nettie Bradford, Beth Han- sen, and others revived and reorganized the Utah Audubon Society. This society is still functioning. It has held monthly meet- ings, conducted monthly field trips, par- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 19 Fig. 2. Great Blue Heron. Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, Box Elder County, Utah, 7 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. ticipated in the Christmas bird census, kept field records, pubHshed mimeographed articles, sponsored the Junior Audubon Clubs, supported special programs for bird day in schools, promulgated winter bird feeding campaigns, and in general sup- ported conservation movements. Recently chapters of the Audubon So- ciety have been organized at Provo (Mount Timpanogos Chapter), Logan (Bridgerland Chapter), and Vernal (Uinta Chapter). STATE AND FEDERAL WATERFOWL PRESERVES During the early expansion of Utah no restrictions were placed upon hunting. The time arrived, however, when not only game birds but big game animals as well were so reduced in numbers that many of the species were threatened with local extermination. Belatedly, the drastic game depletion was recognized and more definite steps were taken toward conservation and the restora- tion of reduced game populations. One of the early steps was the establish- ment of a fish and game department by the legislature in 1893 which reported back to the legislature in 1895. It was this agency which first reported duck sickness around Great Salt Lake in 1910. In 1913 a compre- hensive set of fish and game laws was placed in the statutes, providing for fairly adequate protection for many kinds of birds 20 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 of the state. The law at one time (State Fish and Game Commissioner 1929) provided that: Except game birds as hereiniifter enu- merated, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to take, kill, ensnare, net trap, or shoot at any native or imported bird in the state of Utiih. Provided, that when farmers or poultry - men or others find it absolutely necessary to protect their interests, the following named birds may be destroyed, to wit: English spar- row, magpie, sharp -shinned hawk. Cooper hawk, goshawk and prairie falcon or bullet hawk. Provided, further; that the blue and black- crowned night heron and pelican may be de- stroyed under regulations issued by the state Fish and Game Commissioner. Under the law "game birds" included both waterfowl and upland game birds. In accordance with federal regulations at that time, hunting of the following waterfowl could be permitted by the Commission: ducks, geese, swans, snipes, sandpipers, plovers, willets, curlew, godwits, avocets, and coots. The Commission has powers under certain conditions and with certain precautions to provide open hunting sea- sons of the following upland game birds: Pinnated Grouse, Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Willow Grouse, Sage Hen, Pheas- ant, Quail, Hungarian Partridge, and Mourning Dove. Problems of game management, particu- larly of big game, led in 1917 to the estab- lishment of the first game presei-ves, a number of which are now distributed through the state of Utah. The formation of such preserves was based on the idea that they could serve as breeding centers from which game would overflow into sur- rounding areas where it could be hunted. Over the years the Utah State Depart- ment of Fish and Game, now known as the Division of Wildlife Resources, in coopera- tion with federal wildlife agencies, has been instmmental in expanding the number of gamebird management areas within the state. Such management areas include Lo- comotive Springs, Salt Creek Public Shoot- ing Grounds, Ogden Bay, Farmington Bay, Timpie Springs, Harold Crane, and Howard Slough, all of which are around the borders of Great Salt Lake. Powell Slough and Rock Island management areas are located at Utah Lake. Other state owned areas are Clear Lake and Topaz Marsh, Millard County; Stewart Lake, Uintah County; Brown's Park, Daggett County; Desert Lake, Emeiy County; Bicknell Bottoms, Wayne County; and Olsen Slough, Sanpete County. Federally owned and operated refuges include the large Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Box Elder County, Fish Springs Refuge in Juab County, and Ouray Reflige in Uintah County. BIRD POPULATIONS IN UTAH The abundance of water and shore birds around the Great Salt Lake was vividly de- scribed by Fremont (1845) and by Stans- bury (1853). Quotations from their writing have been mentioned elsewhere. These early explorers as well as the early pioneers were understandably interested in the more conspicuous and larger birds as well as the game birds and predatory species. As has been previously mentioned, the early Mor- mon settlers soon after their arrival orga- nized campaigns against the "vennin." In addition, market hunting of ducks, geese, and other edible species was a regular oc- currence. The fact that these larger species were able to suivive at all attests to the fact of their original abundance. The abundance of upland game birds in favorable habitats throughout the state and in adjoining areas was evident in my (Hay- ward's) experience in the early 1900s in die Bear Lake area of northern Utah and south- eastern Idaho. Sage Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, and Blue Grouse were all present in large numbers in their particular habitats. Sage Grouse tended to gather around springs in late summer, and I have seen them rise in great clouds when disturbed. Some ruthless hunters would shoot these easy targets by die dozens, re- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 21 move the breasts, and leave the rest of the carcasses in piles to decay. In the vicinity of Utah Lake there was an abundance of waterfowl and wading birds similar to those of the Great Salt Lake area in the early days. Fortunately Robert G. Bee obtained some infonnation from early fishermen, trappers, and hunters around Utah Lake and recorded some of their statements in his notes. ^ Mr. Gus Slade of Lehi fished and hunted around Utah Lake before 1900. There was extensive fishing for bass from about 1894-1900, but the introduction of caip killed out the so-called "moss," and the bass largely disappeared for a time. Mr. Slade stated that in 1895 the "moss" was so tliick you could hardly row a boat through it. There were "millions of ducks, so thick that when you shot a rifle you couldn't see through them as they arose." He mentions hunting ducks on Skippers Bay and killing 125 to 150 per day. He stopped the shoot- ing in 1898 owing to the decrease in ducks and blamed the decrease to the destruction of the "moss" and other duck food by the carp. While Mr. Slade's descriptions seem to be somewhat exaggerated, he was no doubt impressed by the high populations of birds. About the year 1896-97 a bounty was offered on all types of herons, pelicans, cor- morants and all other fish-eating birds. At that time, and for some years before, states Mr. Slade, there were large heronries in the cedars (junipers) in die vicinity of Soldier Pass and Goshen Pass (west of Utah Lake). He estimated that the colony was three or four miles long and a mile wide and con- tained 100,000 birds. The Great Blue Heron also nested in the marshes of Goshen Bay. Mr. Slade visited this area with several other men, killed 1,290 birds (presumably nestlings) with sticks, cut their heads off, and placed them in sacks. They received $129 bounty for this kill. Ad Bobbins was another early hunter and trapper interviewed by Mr. Bee. Rob- bins also participated in market hunting of ducks, on one occasion killing 75 to 100 in a single day. The principal ducks killed were teal, scaup, and canvasbacks. On the market these brought from $1.25 to $1.75 per dozen. He also took part in the killing of what he called "quaks" and "cranes," These were Black-crowned Night Herons and Great Blue Herons. He reported being at the rookeiy before daylight and collect- ing heads and eggs. Many birds were shot. Bobbins mentions visiting Rock Island (year not given) and killing 1,000 pelicans "until the smell made us all sick." Pete Johnson of Provo who was inter- viewed by Mr. Bee in March 1937 was then 79 years of age. He was another of the early trappers, fisheimen, and hunters. He stated that he made $6 to $7 a day hunting fish-eating birds for bounty. He estimated that 10,000 herons and four or five hundred pelicans were slaughtered but there is no indication in the notes concerning the length of time involved. He said that in 1928 he killed over 1,200 mudhens (coots). They ate tlie hearts and gizzards, saved the feathers, and then threw the remaining parts of the birds away. The destruction of fish-eating birds in the vicinity of Utah Lake continued into the thirties. When I (Hay ward) first came to Brigham Young University to teach in 1930, tlie State Fish and Game Department furnished ammunition to hunters in Utah Valley to kill pelicans and other fish-eating birds. Thus many of tliese birds, along with numerous hawks, were killed. During the past 46 years important changes affecting bird life in the central valleys of the state have been evident. Habitats of the water and shore birds have fluctuated and changed considerably. Utah Lake has fluctuated from a point of nearly diying up during a series of low precipita- 9Robert G. Bee's unpublished notes and journals are in the Life Sciences Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. 22 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 tion years in the early 1930s to a high peak where it flooded adjacent farmlands in 1948-49. Pumping of water from the lake in varying amounts for irrigation purposes has resulted in some seasonal fluctuations. The area of shallow water known as Provo Bay or Mud Lake, partially surrounded by swampy land and emergent vegetation, has been an important area for the nesting of wading birds and waterfowl. In early spring of 1936 certain irrigation interests dug drainage canals through the area in an attempt to carry the water into Utah Lake to reduce surface evaporation. There was no attempt to install headgates to control the drainage, and for a time this important resource was nearly drained. Protests by local conservation interests (Evening Her- ald 15 April 1936:18) retarded the process of this program. The drainage canal has since been abandoned and has partially filled up. For many years raw sewage from the cities and towns of the valley flowed into Provo Bay and other parts of the lake. However, within the past decade most of these communities have established sewage plants, although they have not been entire- ly effective. Another source of pollution, still not entirely controlled, has been the by-products of the Geneva Steel plant, in- stalled during World War II, and other smaller industries of the area. Various other activities of man on and around Utah Lake have had their influence on bird life. The construction of a small boat harbor at the mouth of Provo River and the establishment of several other boat landings at other points on the lake, to- gether with the increasing popularity of boating, have undoubtedly increased the disturbance factor, especially during the nesting season. Habitats for the nesting of certain species have varied markedly over the past years. Following the construction of the previously mentioned canal in Provo Bay, willow trees and poplars sprang up along its banks and on drained land. Later these trees were flooded and consequently died. For several years these dead trees served as important nesting sites for colonies of Great Blue Herons and Cormorants. During the drought years of the early 1930s tamarisks and willows became established on the ex- posed land as the lake receded. When the lake rose again, these dense stands be- came flooded and for a short time were ideal habitats for the nesting of the Yellow- headed Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, American Coot, Western Grebe, Marsh Wren, and other species. The effects of housing expansion, con- struction of roads, development of indus- tries, and the reduction of farm lands along the Wasatch Front over the past twenty years have had some effect on the land bird populations, but an exact measurement of the effect is difficult. Only general observa- tions are possible. The riparian habitat of Provo River and other streams issuing from the mountains along the more densely populated Wasatch Front — an area im- portant to many forest dwelling species of birds — is rapidly disappearing and being replaced by homes. Certain species that formerly inhabited these areas in the late 1920s and early 1930s seem to have nearly or completely disappeared. These include the Redstart, Veery, and Fox Sparrow. On the other hand, the establishment of hous- ing units, parks, and university campuses where ornamental shrubs and trees bearing edible fruits have been introduced seems to have attracted more of the smaller birds that have adapted well to human occupa- tion. Water conservation activities in Utah over the past several years have resulted in the construction of a number of reservoirs that have had some effect on the distribution and populations of birds in the state. Most of these reservoirs are of value principally as resting areas for waterfowl, but do not afford suitable breeding grounds. An ex- ception to this is Pelican Lake, a small shal- low body of water in the Uinta Basin near Vernal. Because of the abundant growth of emergent vegetation, the ample food, 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 23 and some open shores, this lake has liecome an important nesting ground for American Coots, Black-crowned Night Herons, Black and Forster's Terns, Eared and Western Grebes, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and several kinds of ducks. It is also serving as a resting and feeding area for many kinds of shore birds, both in spring and summer migration. The creation of several waterfowl refuges by previously mentioned state and federal agencies has also helped to balance against the loss of habitats resulting from human occupation, industries, and the pollution resulting there- from. PHYSIOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE OF UTAH Great Basin. — That portion of the Great Basin lying in Utah was formerly a part of ancient Lake Bonneville, which extended from southern Idaho southward into Iron County and from Salt Lake City westward nearly to Nevada. With tlie disappearance of that lake, the drainage was broken into several separate basins which are now inde- pendent of each other. Some of these have brackish or salty lakes or playas in the bot- torn. The principal ones are the Great Salt Lake and Sevier Lake basins, but there are also several smaller ones. Bordering the Great Basin on the east side are a series of high mountain ranges, peaks, and plateaus running in a north- south direction. The summits of these mountains range from 9,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation. Drainage from the westward slopes formerly ran into the lakes and other lower areas of the Great Basin, but now much of this water is held back by reservoirs from whence it can be released into the cities and farmlands of the basin for irrigation or culinaiy purposes. Between this series of mountains and the Nevada line, rising out of die lowlands of the basin (4,200 to 5,500 feet), lie a large number of small mountain ranges rising 3,000 to 5,000 feet above the basin floor. Most of these have north-south axes. Be- tween these mountain ranges lie lowland areas on the floor of the basin, most of which present desert characteristics. The extreme in desert soil is illustrated in the Great Salt Lake Desert where large areas of "salt flats" occur. These flats are covered with crystalline salt on the surface and are com- pletely barren of vegetation. Nearly all gradations from these extreme desert condi- tions to rich agricultural soil may be found somewhere in the basin. Colorado Basin. — The Green River arises in northwestern Wyoming and then enters Utah about thirty miles west of the northeast corner of the state. From there it makes a detour around the east end of the Uinta Mountains, into northwestern Colo- rado, and back into Utah. After that it flows southward through half of the state before joining the Colorado River. The latter river arises in Colorado in the mountains of the continental divide, crosses western Colorado, entering Utah near the middle of the east boundary, and then flows south- westward through remarkable canyons be- fore it passes into Arizona near the middle of the soudiern boundary of die state. A series of tributaiy rivers — Uinta, Price, San Raphael, Fremont (Dirty Devil), Es- calante, Paria, Kanab, Virgin, and many lesser streams — drain the eastern slopes from the Great Basin divide in Utah. The chief tributaries of the Green and Colorado rivers from the Colorado Rockies include Yampa, White, Dolores, and San Juan rivers. The slopes of the Uinta Mountains also contribute numerous tributaries to the Colorado River drainage. The Uinta Mountains, with an east-west axis, lie just south of Wyoming and include the highest areas in the state: Kings Peak at 13,498 feet and six other peaks over 13,000 feet. South of the Uinta Mountains lies the Uinta Basin, underlaid by strata which rise slowly to the south and form high plateaus that break off in escaipments known as the Roan and Book cliffs. Two isolated sets of mountains. La Sal 24 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 and Abajo, arise from the Colorado Basin to heights of more than 11,000 and 12,000 feet in the region southeast of the Colorado River. The Henry Mountains foiTn a con- spicuous landmark west of the Colorado River. Green River enters Utah from Wyoming at an altitude of 5,855 feet. The Colorado River enters from Colorado at 4,330 feet. The two join at an elevation of 3,875 feet and pass out of Utah into Arizona at 3,160 feet. The lowest altitude of the state, how- ever, is found in Washington County in the southwest comer where both the Virgin River and the Beaver Dam Wash pass into Arizona at an approximate altitude of 2,250 feet. The Virgin River Basin is consequent- ly the lowest basin of the state and is the only portion that is similar to the Lower Sonoran or Southern Desert shRib com- munities of Arizona and southern Nevada. Columbia Plateau. — A small area in the northwesteiTi corner of the state be- longs to the Snake River drainage. Some small streams originating on the north slope of the Raft River Mountains flow northward into the Snake River. Climate. — Particularly in the summer, moisture-laden air may sweep into Utah from the Gulf of Mexico, but the major source of water is the Pacific Ocean. Winds from that source must cross ranges of high mountains that parallel the coast and ab- stract much of the moisture. Utah, lying in the rain shadow of these mountains, is a part of the driest physiographic province of North America. The desert valleys receive four to ten inches of precipitation annually. Moun- tains get more according to their altitudes above adjacent valleys, roughly increasing about one inch for each 160 to 200 feet rise. Higher mountain passes, however, may re- ceive 30 to 50 inches annually. Precipitation is unequally distributed throughout the year. In southern Utah, there are on the average two periods of de- ficiency, one in late spring and early sum- mer, the other in the fall, and two periods of maxima, one in late winter, the other in late summer. Farther north, this double cycle tends to be replaced by a single sea- sonal cycle in which the maximum occurs in early spring and the minimum in mid- summer. The proportion of precipitation which falls as rain and snow varies from the Virgin River Basin, where snow seldom occurs, to the high Uinta Mountains where it is nearly all snow. Part of the summer rains occasionally come in the form of thunder showers. In some years these thun- der showers assume torrential proportions. The actual conditions of climate vary a great deal in different years from average conditions. Prolonged drought, heavy rains, or blizzards may cause a wide departure from normal in any given year. Such de- partures often subject living organisms to extremes of climate that tax their endur- ance. Temperatures in Utah are extremely vari- able and wide ranging. There is often a 20- to 30-degree F difference between day and night and 100-degree F difference between winter minimum and summer maximum, occasionally much more. During warm weather the relative humidity is extremely low, especially during the day. This is cor- related with a high evaporation rate, particularly in southern Utah at low alti- tudes. The combination of low precipita- tion, high evaporation, and low relative humidity results in extensive desert areas with scanty vegetation, especially in the rain-shadow of mountains. The average relative humidity of Utah, like that of Nevada and Arizona, is near 50 percent in contrast with the sea coasts with averages of 75 to 80 percent, the plains with 70 to 75 percent, and the western mountain states with averages of 50 to 65 percent. The rate of evaporation in Utah, because of the low humidity and bright sunshine, is ex- tremely high, amounting to 45 to 55 inches per year from a free-water surface in the valleys west of the Wasatch Mountains. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 25 BIRD HABITATS IN UTAH There are, perhaps, few areas of compa- rable size on the North American continent that offer a wider range of habitats suitable to birds than those found within the state of Utah. The aquatic habitats range from large freshwater and salt lakes in the low- lands to small natural glacial lakes of the mountains, from slow-nmning streams of the valleys to swift rivers and brooks in the mountains. Added to these natural water bodies are several man-made lakes and reservoirs at varying elevations. Land com- munities vary from a small area of hot desert in the Dixie country of southwestern Utah to true alpine in the Uinta Mountains of northern Utah. Since birds are among the most mobile of vertebrates, it is difficult to define many of them in terms of their confine- ment to any special community. To attempt to assign birds to particular life zones or biomes often fails or applies to them only at certain seasons of the year. Attempts to assign birds to particular community types are usually based on their activities during the breeding and nesting seasons when the populations are most stable as to numbers and territorial needs or to resident species that do not migrate or wander far. Nevertheless, in viewing the Utah avian population it is possible, as it is elsewhere, to describe several types of bird habitats and to predict certain species that one would expect to find there during each of the seasons. Aquatic and Semiaquatic Habitats Utah Lake, located west of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah County, is the largest natural freshwater body in the state. It is a shallow lake some 20 miles long and 8 miles wide. Its shoreline varies from swampy areas with much emergent vegeta- tion to rocky or sandy beaches. Until the beginning of the last decade, much raw sewage from the towns on the east side of the lake was poured into the lake, and the water became badly polluted. Most of the settlements now have sewage disposal plants, but even so there is still consider- able waste material from sewage and indus- trial products entering the lake. While Utah Lake probably does not have the potential for water fowl that it had prior to the coming of the white man, it and the adjacent sloughs and ponds of the val- ley lowlands still produce a great variety of birds. The open waters of the lake serve prin- cipally as a daytime refuge, especially in early spring and autumn, for large numbers of ducks and geese that fly to surrounding fields or marshlands to feed at night. These birds inhabit the lake as long as it is free of ice. In addition, the White Pelican, Double- crested Cormorant, and Western Grebe feed on fish in the open waters. Some of the larger refuges such as Farmington Bay and Bear River areas adjacent to the Creat Salt Lake and Fish Springs Refuge of west- ern Utah afford similar habitats of open water but are better controlled and less polluted. The large man-made reservoirs including Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge, Deer Creek, Strawberiy, and several others within the boundaries of the state are at present most- ly areas of refuge and rest for waterfowl. In time they may develop surroundings suitable for breeding and feeding. The shallow reservoirs such as Pelican Lake in the Uinta Basin and Mona Resei"voir in eastern Juab County seem to be more suit- able for open water birds as well as for marsh and shore birds. The Great Salt Lake supports no fish and is, tlierefore, not an important area for fish- eating birds, although there are colonies of White Pelicans, California Gulls, and other species of birds nesting on some of its islands. Dense populations of brine shrimp and brine fly occur in the salty water and are utilized for food by a few species of birds. Marshlands that have developed around the lakes, particularly Utah Lake and the GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Great Salt Lake, consist of areas subject to periodic flooding and draining and are somewhat unstable. However, they furnish cover, food, and nesting habitats for many kinds of birds. The tall tules (Scirpus), cat- tails (Typha), and reeds (Phragmites), as well as other emergent vegetation, afford valuable nesting habitats for several species. Colonies of Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, and White- faced Ibis occur from time to time but suf- fer considerable shifting about, depending upon the amount of disturbance and drain- age. Numerous coots and grebes build floating nests in these marshes especially where their waters are continuous with those of the lake. Marsh Hawks and occa- sionally Black and Forster's Terns build platform nests or nest on the tops of musk- rat houses or masses of dead water plants. Colonies of Yellow-headed and Red- winged Blackbirds nest in the marshes. Also characteristic are Long-billed Marsh Wrens and Yellow-throats. On slightly higher ground the marshes with their emergent plants give way to wet meadow situations that are often flooded in spring and early summer but become dry later in the summer. Numerous species of grasses, sedges, and rushes grow here, and much of the land is used for pasture or the vegetation is cut for wild hay. The Red- winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Bobolink, Wilson's Phalarope, Willet, Long- billed Curlew, and Common Snipe are char- acteristic nesting species in this habitat. Shallow open waters on the margins of lakes and ponds as well as the shores them- selves afford an important feeding and nesting area for a number of species. Char- acteristic nesting birds of open beaches are tlie Killdeer, Snowy Plover, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, and Spotted Sandpiper. Numerous kinds of migrating shorebirds, with Western and Least Sand- pipers, Northern Phalaropes, and Sander- lings being the most common, feed in the shallows and wet mud flats near shore. The state of Utah, particularly the Colo- rado River drainage portion, is crossed by numerous streams fed by the watersheds within the state and in bordering states. The largest of these are the Green and Colo- rado rivers. In the lowlands these streams flow slowly or form rapids, depending upon the topography. Within the Great Basin there are numerous streams flowing from the Wasatch and other mountain ranges. Among the larger of these streams are Bear, Weber, Sevier, and Provo rivers. In the canyons and at higher elevations where these streams have their origin the water usually runs swiftly over a rocky streambed. The slow-flowing streams of the lowlands serve as refuges and resting places for a variety of waterfowl. Canada Geese some- times nest along the stream banks and may be seen in summer swimming with their young in the open water. Ducks, particular- ly of the diving type such as Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Buffleheads, and Common Goldeneyes, frequent these streams in winter. Small, quiet estuaries, flooded by high water in spring, frequently develop pond situations with emergent vegetation and are inhabited by Cinnamon Teal, Pintails, Mallards, and other species. Swift streams of steeper canyons support the Dipper and occasionally the Belted Kingfisher, although the latter is more fre- quent near smaller valley streams. High mountain lakes, especially abundant in the Uinta Mountains of northern Utah, do not support many waterfowl, although small flocks or individuals of most species of ducks common to Utah may be seen on them occasionally. Little if any nesting occurs around these high lakes since they are still frozen over at the regular nesting time for ducks. Land Habitats The lowland country of Utah, which occurs in valleys ranging in elevation from 2,800 to 6,000 feet, is taken up with agricul- tural lands, cities, and towns wherever there is sufficient water for irrigation and suitable soil. This, however, takes up a 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 27 relatively small portion of the total area of the state. The remainder of the lowland country is semidesert and desert vegetated by a variety of low-growing shrubs and is used principally as winter range for live- stock. The lowland streams are typically bor- dered by a flood plain or riparian wood- land composed of cottonwood and box elder trees and a variety of tall shmbs and willows. In agricultural areas this com- munity has expanded along irrigation canals and a similar community type occurs in orchards, ornamental trees and shrubs of city streets and parks. As a result, there is probably a more extensive and produc- tive habitat of this sort suitable for a large variety of smaller birds than there was prior to die settlement by white man. Summer bird inhabitants of these wooded communi- ties include a large variety of passerine birds such as the Yellow Warbler, Yellow- breasted Chat, Gray Catbird, American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, Starling, Western Wood Pewee, and House Finch. Other kinds include the Mourning Dove, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Screech Owl, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Cooper's Hawk. In winter the buds, fruits, and berries of both native and ornamental shrubs and trees offer an increasing supply of food for such wintering species as Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, Evening Grosbeaks, California Quail, American Robins, and Townsend's Solitaires. The community type described above, while relatively small in comparison to the total area of the state, is of great ornitho- logical value and interest since it supports the greatest variety and population of small birds, most species of which seem to be able to withstand the pressures of the continuing expansion of human populations. The principal factors detrimental to their success would seem to be the increasing use of insecticides and the growth of the predator population, especially the house cat. The desertlands of Utah are of two Gen- eral kinds. A small portion of the Mojave Desert extends into the lower elevations of extreme southwestern Utah. Its vegeta- tion is characterized by such shrubs as creosote bush, mesquite, giant yucca, and numerous hot desert cacti. A few species of birds including LeConte's Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Abert's Towhee, and the Black Phoebe seem to be rather strictly con- fined to this community. The Mockingbird is common but by no means confined to it. A second general desert type occupies most of the valleys and plains of the state. It has been variously described as the Upper Sonoran Life Zone or the Northern or Cold Desert. It is characterized in the main by a vegetation of low-growing shrubs, many of them of a dull gray appear- ance, the species of which depend often on the amount of salinity of the soil and the degree of human disturbance. Bird life is rather sparse, but a number of interesting species occur. The Horned Lark is the most widespread and conspicuous species. Odier species include the Sage Thrasher, Brewer's Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, and in limited areas the Sage Grouse. Another type of community that par- takes primarily of desert characteristics is the pinyon-juniper forest, sometimes called tlie pygmy forest. This community is wide- spread in Utah but is especially well de- veloped on the low mesas and hills of the eastern portion of the state. The juniper is universally present in the community, and the pinyon pines, of which there are two species, are often present. Bird life in this community is sparse and widely scattered both as to numbers and kinds, but a few species are rather characteristic. These in- clude the Pinon Jay, Plain Titmouse, Black- throated Gray Warbler, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Another land community found within the state is the so-called mountain brush. This is mostly a deciduous chaparral type with the scmb oak (Quercus gamhelii) be- 28 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 ing the predominant plant. Other common shrubs include the big-toothed maple {Acer grandidenatum) and hackberry (Cel- tis douglasii). Cliff rose {Cowania stans- buriana), antelope-bush {Purshia triden- tata), and mahogany (Cercocarpus) often grow on the more rocky ridges. This com- munity is well represented above the pinyon-juniper in the more isolated moun- tain ranges of southeastern Utah and along the Wasatch front or die west slope of the Wasatch Mountains where pinyon-juniper is lacking as a distinct belt. The avifauna of this community consists of many of the species that live also in the riparian com- munities of the valleys. Perhaps die most characteristic species are the Rufous-sided Towhee, Virginia's Warbler, Orange- crowned Warbler, and Scrub Jay. At elevations on the mountains above the mountain bush are several types of ever- green and deciduous forests. The yellow pine forest {Pinus ponderosa) is one of these. This community is rather sparsely repre- sented in Utah, with the largest stands oc- curring along the south and east base of the La Sal Mountains and other mountains of southeastern Utah and in some portions of the Uinta Mountains. Perhaps the most characteristic bird of this community is the Pygmy Nuthatch. The White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Clark's Nutcracker, and Solitary Vireo are also characteristic of the yellow pine forest. The two more widespread types of coni- ferous forests found in the mountains of Utah are the Lower Montane Forest, in which the white fir {Abies concolor) and the Douglas fir {Pseudosuga menziesii) are the predominant trees, and the Upper Mon- tane Forest, wherein the Englemann spruce (Picea engelmanni) and the subalpine or black fir {Abies lasiocarpa) are character- istic. A subclimax conifer forest of lodge- pole pine {Pinus contorta) occurs, particu- larly in the Uinta Mountains following bums. While these coniferous forests are quite different botanically, the bird life seems to be rather similar in all of them. The Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden- crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond's Fly- catcher, Steller's Jay, and the Northern Three-toed Woodpecker are a few of the common representatives. A deciduous forest of aspen {Populus tremuloides) frequently occurs in the moun- tains of the state at the level of the Lower Montane Forest where there have been fires. Ultimately these forests are usually replaced by conifers, but the process is often slow and mature stands of old aspens may occur. Such forests, with large stand- ing live or dead trees are particularly suit- able for a variety of hole-nesting birds in- cluding the Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Purple Martin, House Wren, Black-capped Chickadee, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Common Flicker. Other common birds of the aspen forests are Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Cas- sin's Finch, Black-headed Grosbeak, West- ern Wood Pewee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Mountain Bluebird, and Hermit Thrush. Alpine communities are represented in some of the higher mountain ranges of Utah, particularly in the Uinta Mountains, Wasatch Mountains, and La Sal Mountains. They occur usually at elevations above 11,000 feet and are most extensive in the Uinta Mountains. These treeless, cold areas are rather inhospitable to most birds. The Rosy Finch and Water Pipit and some- times the Rock Wren nest there but migrate to lower elevations in winter. Several kinds of birds feed in the alpine meadows in late summer. These include the Ameri- can Kestrel, Green-Tailed Towhee, and several species of sparrows. More specific habitat relationships will be considered under the accounts of the Utah species. BIRDS OF UTAH 29 30 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 ACCOUNTS OF THE SPECIES Family Gaviidae Gavia immer (Biiinnich) Common Loon Status: The Common Loon is a rather habitual and consistent migrant in both spring and fall, and a few may remain throughout the summer, especially in the northern part of the state. There seem to be no records of nesting. Records: Specimens taken at Great Salt Lake in 1849 or 1850 were reported by Baird (1852:324 325) who stated that this record "enables us to give to it a locality more west- ern than any yet recorded." Remy (1860 [2] :450) included the loon in a list of birds of Utah observed in 1855. Henshaw (1875:488) reported that "this diver was said bv the fishermen of Utah Lake to be rather common, remaining in their waters till quite late in the fall." More recent col- lection records include the following: mouth of Jordan River, Salt Lake County, 30 October 1885; near Brigham City, Box Elder County, 9 June 1928; Utah Lake, Utah County ,^30 October 1932; Veyo, Wash- ington County, 27 October 1933; Gunnison Island, Box Elder County, 31 July 1938; Jordan Fur Farm, Davis County, Novem- ber or December 1938; north of Scipio, Juab County, 14 August 1939 (Long 1940: 122). There are numerous sight records in recent years including obsei-vations by Donald Nielson of a single individual in a brinepond near Wendover, Tooele County, 10 June 1942 (Behle 1955:111) and Dugway, Tooele County, 18 May 1960 (Behle et al. 1964:450) and by Hay ward and Frost of two specimens at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 15 May 1970 (field notes). Fig. 3. White Pelican. Tremonton, Box Elder County, Utiih. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 31 Fig. 4. Snowy Egret. Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, Box Elder County, Utah, 23 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. Gavia arctica pacifica (Lawrence) Arctic Loon Status: A rare transient probably acci- dental in the state. Records: Hardy (1941a:125) reported that a bird of the subspecies pacifica was found dead near Beaver, Beaver County, 18 October 1940. Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan) Red-throated Loon Status: A rare and seemingly accidental visitor to Utah. Records: A specimen in the University of Utah collection was found at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during the summer of 1973. According to Behle (1973b:243), the bird was first seen at the refuge on 28 July 1973. It was later cap- tured and died from the effects of a catfish spine lodged in the esophagus. A picture of this specimen is in American Birds (Able 1974:22). Family Podicipedidae Podiceps auritus (Linnaeus) Horned Grebe Status: The Horned Grebe is a sparse but rather consistent migrant in Utah both in spring and fall. Formerly nesting in 32 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 5. Goshawk. Snow Basin, Weber County, Utah, 10 July 1970. Photo by R. J. Er northern Utah (AOU Check-hst 1957:5). Records: Allen (1872b: 173) collected a specimen near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:489) re- ported that it was present in small numbers at Rush Lake, Iron County, in September 1972. A specimen in the U.S. Biological Survey collection was taken at Bear River, Box Elder County, 4 September 1916, by Fisher. Webster' (1947:40) published a sight record for Pine View Reservoir, Weber County, 19 April 1945, and Behle et al. (1964:450) reported two females taken at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 8 April 1962. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 33 Podiceps nigricoUis californicus Heennan Eared Grebe Status: This is the most common grebe found on tlie lakes and reseiA/oirs of the state, appearing often in large numbers especially in spring. It breeds commonly in suitable habitats throughout the area. Most of the nesting records are for early June, July, and August. Records: Robert Ridgway (1877:369) noted tliis grebe especially in the vicinity of the Jordan River marshes and Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake County as early as 1869 but took no specimens. Young collected specimens near the lake in April 1897. These specimens are in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy, Washington, D.C. Numerous specimens are in die Univer- sity of Utah and Brigham Young Univer- sity collections. Dates of collections and observations range from April dirough De- cember. Cottam (1929:80) reported diat on the night of 13 December 1928 many hun- dreds of grebes were forced to the ground by heavy storms at Caliente, Lincoln Coun- ty, Nevada; at Enteiprise, Washington County; and at Uvada and Modena, Iron County, Utah. They were undoubtedly in mass migration, but it is not certain from whence they came. Wauer (1969:331) re- ported a migration through the Virgin River Valley from 20 April to 14 May and from 30 September through 27 October. Aechmopliorus occidentalis (Lawrence) Western Grebe Status: The Western Grebe is a com- mon migrant and breeding species in Utah. It is most abundant from mid-March to mid-November, but a few individuals occur in winter. Cottam et al. (1942:51) saw tliem at the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, and near Ogden, Weber County, 14, 27-28 December 1941 and 10 January 1942. For breeding puiposes these grebes prefer the marshy borders of the larger lakes and reservoirs, although they often feed in rivers and larger canals espe- cially if diese are bordered by marshlands. Records: Early records of this species in Utah include the observations of Ridgway (1877:369) who saw it in ponds and marshes near Great Salt Lake in May and June 1869. Henshaw (1875:488) recorded col- lecting a specimen at Utah Lake, Utah County, 24 July 1872. There is an abun- dance of sight records and numerous col- lected specimens especially from northern and central Utah where more extensive habitats occur that are suitable for breeding. There are also many records of nesting in May and early June. Behle (1960a:21) re- ported seeing two migrants on the Colorado River at river mile 163 near Red Canyon, San Juan County, 5 July 1958. PodiJijmbtis podiceps podiceps (Linnaeus) Pied-billed Grebe Status: A resident throughout the year in the state wherever tliere are suitable habitats. Less common in winter than in other seasons, diis grebe is more likely to inhabit small slow-flowing streams and secluded ponds than are the Eared and Western Grebes. The Pied-billed Grebe is usually seen as individuals or pairs especial- ly during breeding and is less common than either the Western or Eared Grebe. Records: Early-day ornithologists re- ported that this species was common around Great Salt Lake and Ogden, Weber County (Allen 1872b:173; Ridgway 1877:369). Hen- shaw (1875:490) found it to be rather numer- ous at Rush Lake, Iron County, in Septem- ber 1872. Most of the more recent records are from the northern counties of the state. However, Hardy and Higgins (1940:95) reported a migrant taken from the Virgin River at St. George, Washington County, 24 November 1934. Although it appears periodically in streams and ponds of south- ern Utah, presumably as a transient, nesting has been reported only in northern Utah. 34 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 6. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Ogden Canyon, Weber County, Utah, 10 July 1956. Photo by R. J. Erwin. Family Pelecanidae Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmelin White Pelican Fig. 3, p. 30 Status: A nesting species on islands in Great Salt Lake and a migrant through the State. The White Pelican occurs in the area mostly from March to September, although there are reports of a few individuals win- tering (Young 1951:169, Wilson 1952:159). The White Pelican occupies somewhat barren islands for resting and nesting and feeds on fish from freshwater bodies nearby. The history of these birds in Utah has shown considerable fluctuation in the num- ber of breeding birds from year to year over the past 40 or 50 years. From the earliest records Gunnison and Hat Island in Great Salt Lake have been the principal nesting areas for these pelicans. Stansbury (1852:179) gave the first account of the pelican nesting on Gunnison Island under date of 8 May 1850. Behle (1935:33) counted 3,300 nests and 6,600 adults on Gunnison Is- land, 29 June 1932. That same year he found 1,500 nests on Hat Island. Behle (1936b: 220) reported that Hat Island had been de- serted as a nesting area in 1935 and 1936; however, Cottam and Williams (1939:150- 155) visited the island on 11 and 12 June 1938 and reported seeing about 425 young pelicans. It was reported to Behle (1944b: 199) that pelicans nested on Hat Island in 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 35 Kig. 7. Sluiip-shinned [lawk. Ogdeii, \\\-bvT County, Utah, 10 April 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1943. When Behle (1949b:268) revisited tlie island on 1 June 1947, there were no nest- ing pehcans found. The nesting cofony on Gunnison Island had been reduced to 1,250 nests when Behle visited it on 11 June 1948 (Behle 1949b:268-270). Lies and Behle (1966:286) reported that in 1964 the nesting colony on Gunnison Island, Great Salt Lake, was still intact but apparently reduced in size. They counted 897 young on 9 July 1964. Pelicans are known to have nested on Rock Island, Utah Lake, Utah County, on only one occa- sion (probably June 1904, Goodwin 1904b: 126 129). Records: Fremont (1845:149) was die first to mention the presence of the White Pelican near Great Salt Lake at the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 3 Septem- ber 1843, where one was shot as it flew by. Stansbuiy (1852:179, 191, 195) visited Gun- nison Island 8 and 30 May and 1 June 1850 and described the large nesting colonies there. Remy (1860 [1] :154, [2] :450) in 1855 mentioned pelicans as being present in the Salt Lake Valley. Numerous specimens have been collected from Box Elder, Cache, Tooele, Salt Lake, Kane, and Washington counties, and sight records are available from most of the counties of the state. Prior to the restrictions on egg collecting, hun- dreds of sets were collected for exchange purposes. On 16 May 1894 W. H. Parker took 500 sets of eggs from the colonies on Hat and Gunnison islands. Numerous sets were also taken by Treganza, Boyle, and 36 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 8. Svvainson's Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 30 August 1970. Photo by R. J. Erwin. Others in May 1906 and 1907. In the spring of 1918 Hat Island was visited by C. G. Plummer who reported that representatives of Utah Fish and Game Commissioner had shot many adults and clubbed to death nearly all the young birds presumably on the basis that they were detrimental to fish- ing interests. The fish consumed by this species are normally the rough or coarse fish, little used for human consumption (Cottam and Uhler 1937:5). S. H. Goodwin (1904b:126-129) found a nesting colony of about 200 young on Rock Island, Utah Lake, in June 1904. White Pelicans have been reported in migration from Kanab, Kane County, 10 and 28 April 1935 (Behle et al. 1958:38); Bryce Canyon, Garfield County, 14 June 1937 (Presnell 1937:259); St. George, Washington County, 20 October 1938 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:95-96). Re- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 37 Fig. 9. Red-tailed Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 15 April 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. cently Knopf and Street (1974:428 433) analyzed eggs from the Gunnison Island colony and found that DDD, DDE, and Dieldrin levels were comparable to those reported for this species elsewhere. Pelecanus occidentalis Linnaeus Brown Pelican Status: The Brown Pelican is possibly a rare, accidental transient in tlie state. Records: This species is included in the Utah list on the basis of a few sight records. No collected specimens from this locality are known to us. Woodbury (1937:225) re- ported a pelican of brown plumage with a flock of 20 to 30 White Pelicans observed near the Jordan River nortliwest of Salt Lake City, 28 April 1934. Another record is that of Claude T. Barnes (1946:258-259), who described in some detail a bird seen by him 38 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 10. Red-tailed Hawk. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 15 April 1973. Photo by R. J. Er 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 39 at Farmington Bay Project, Davis County, 27 May 1944. Lockerbie (1947:162) re- ported that L. D. Pfoiits saw two Brown Pelicans in a flock of White Pehcans on 13 April 1947 at Utah Lake, Utah County. Hay ward (1966:305) reported a specimen seen by Merhn L. Kiflpack and him at Peh- can Lake, Uintah County, 1819 May 1963. Huser and Kashin (Kingeiy 1973:92) re- ported one seen at Lake Powefl, San Juan County, in October 1972. Family Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax auritus (Lesson) Double-crested Comiorant Fig. l,p. 11 Status: This is a summer resident in Utah usually fiom April through Septem- ber. It is known to nest on several islands and in trees in a number of localities. Records: Stansljury (1852:161, 188, 207) gave the first descriptions of cormorant colonies on Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, which he visited on 9 April, 20 May, and 16 June 1850. The birds were nesting there at the time of his visits. This species was found around Great Salt Lake by Ridgway (1877:369). Numerous specimens have been collected from the Utah area, particularly from Box Elder County, and are now lo- cated in the U.S. National Museum of Natu- ral History, Colorado Museum of Natural History, Louis B. Bishop, University of Utah, Utah State University, and Brigham Young University collections. Nesting records are numerous. Beginning in 1906 many sets of eggs were taken at Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, during early April. There is a record of a set of eggs taken by Aldous, 10 May 1901, at White Rock on the nortliwest side of Antelope Island. Dolphin Island in i K^ n m s^ ^SL^ ■PKx , ym^ ??^^^. ^►L.. ^ ^^ fItX i^S^^ /'^^m ^x^ ^^^^^^ 'V 9B^KI^ ->■ P'4 ■^w /< ■ -^*3^^^ ?5^:S^^.j^ '\'> "i '/■ '^^^■'^^^s^^BSKL iT^/ jr .<' J±M wJL^^^^- ^'^^?^^^Ssy 9' ^':^^ ^ ". '^^^S^^^ m^.r:- /V" ^ W^& ■; • ^ v_ . -r-^JI^nBIHB " '^£&-~'c"^5( Wl'T^ ■' X^'^it!^aite?^W2?^Sl. ''^'^^ *-' wum rf^^^r^.- ;*^ ^^f"' " "i L^: IS ySjCia^r^^S^Ck i ^m^^-'^mKK^ y,i ?^ : i-e^j'.v . ,«_^ ^i^'t;iSl \- ' ^ ^v^ K-'-> ' j^^j^v ,^, .,. ' ','-- \, - " 1} ^j'-^ ■^f 'v' ' ' *'^ fe ^5i^ fs^:~ ^^^^^■■■'^^d?^" "'' ^- - ^ <.V r^»! ^T '^^ '-t-l fttSff^V . ■'- fe.«, 4^'i <^', ^^^ _ . B^^""' -iJ'jttr^' ' "^^'^^-^^ m^^ -- -, ^^^ :'C---v. >^'-'^ ^^f!^^^^^!^^^S Fig. 11. Ferruginous Hawk. Promontory Point, Box Elder County, Utah, June 1955. Photo by K. J. Erwin. 40 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Great Salt Lake was once used as a nesting site (Lewis 1929:7), but it has since been abandoned (Behle 1936a:79). A nesting colony at Bass Pond Reservoir, Millard County, was reported by Pearson (1927: 382). Nesting has occurred in dead trees along Little Bear River, Cache County. This colony was visited by Stanford (1937: 195), 7 July 1936 and 28 April 1937 and by Hayward (field notes), 13 May 1938. Since the establishment of artificial islands in some of the units at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, cormo- rants have utilized them for nesting sites. Their use began in 1936 and has continued to the present time. Migrants have been observed at St. George, Washington County, 6 May 1940, and collected at Ivins Reservoir, Washington County, 20 April 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:96); observed at Kanab, Kane County, 21 April 1931 (Behle et al. 1958:38); and observed on the Colorado River at mile 109 in Glen Canyon, 16 July 1958 (Behle 1960a:21). Periodically, cormorants have nested in Utah Valley. In the late 1940s and early 1950s a colony in the Provo Bay area nested in dead trees that had been flooded by high water. A similar nesting colony also in dead trees was established south of Provo City Airport, Utah County, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During die latter part of the 1960s, as the trees rotted and fell and boating activities on the lake increased, cormorants became very scarce in the vicini- ty of Utah Lake. Frost (field notes) reported colonies at Geneva Steel dike and south of the Provo airport, Utah County, estimated at 40 nests, 20 May 1970. Mitchell (1975: 927-930) has summarized the history of this species in Utah and indicated a great decline in nesting pairs in the past 50 years. Subspecies: Peters in Check-list of Birds of the Wodd (1931[1]:86) indicated that both the western race P. a. albociliatus and the eastern race P. a. auritus are to be found in Utah. The more recent AOU Check-list of North American Birds (1957:35 .36) shows only P. a. auritus as being in Utah and limits P. a. albociliatus to western Nevada (Pyramid Lake) and Arizona (lower Colo- rado River, Roosevelt Lake). Behle (1936a: 76-79) concluded that the Utah specimens he examined came closer to auritus, in which the plumes found in older breeding birds of both sexes are predominantly black ratlier than white as they are in albociliatus. Our own observations tend to confirm Behle's conclusion. Family Ardeidae Ardea herodias treganzai Court Great Blue Heron Fig. 2, p. 19 Status: The Great Blue Heron is a com- mon summer-breeding resident in the lower valleys and along the streams throughout the state. In localities where there is open water, a few remain throughout the winter. Henshaw (1875:464) found it on the borders of Utah Lake in December and assumed tlrat some birds remained through the win- ter. Frost and Murphy (1965:181) observed it along the Colorado River below Moab, Grand County, every month of the year. It has been observed in January, February, and March in the St. George area (Hardy and Higgins 1940:96). Nests may be built in trees, on the ground in marshes, or occasionally on cliffs. Records: The earliest record for Utah seems to be diat of Stansbury (1852:161, 188, 207), who found these herons on Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, 9 April, 21 May, and 16 June 1850. Allen (1872b: 172), Hen- shaw (1875:464), and Ridgway (1875:31) were other early writers who reported them for the state. Nesting records are known for many localities around Great Salt Lake and from Egg, Gunnison, and Hat islands on die lake from whence many sets of eggs have been collected. There have been and still are many nesting records from the vicinity of Utah Lake where they have nested in marshes and in trees at various locations in the valley. There have also been many 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 41 nesting records from the Bear River Migra- toiy Bird Reflige area in Box Elder County. Small nesting colonies occur along the major rivers of the state, especially the Green and Colorado rivers (Behle 1960a:21; Frost and Murphy 1965:181; Hayward 1967:17-18). In 1970 a few herons built tlieir nests on narrow ledges of the sheer cliffs of Lake Powell a few miles south of Bullfrog Marina, Kane County (Hayward field notes). Subspecies: Great Blue Herons of the Utah area are considered to be A. /?. tregan- zai described by Court (1908:291-296), die type locality being Egg Island, Great Salt Lake. The type specimen, now in the col- lection of the U.S. National Museum of Natural History, was taken by A. O. Tre- ganza, 10 April 1907. Certain authorities (Parks 1955:287-288; Mayr and Short 1970: 31) consider A. herodias to be conspecific with A. cinerea. Butorides striatus (Linnaeus) Northern Green Heron Status: The Green Heron is an uncom- mon summer resident and occasional win- ter resident in the state and is known to breed in the marshes near tlie mouth of Bear River. Specimens with gonads in breeding condition have also been taken in the Virgin River area in southwestern Utah. Records: A breeding male was taken by Huber and Hull near the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 21 June 1927. Two birds were seen at this time. Hardy (1941a: 125) recorded a specimen in the collection at Dixie College obtained 17 September 1936 at St. George, Washington County. Behle (1943a:34) collected a male and a female along Santa Clara Creek near St. George, 15-16 May 1940. Behle et al. (1964:450) obtained a female at Spring Run, Salt Lake County, south of Salt Lake City, 27 December 1960, and another near the Salt Lake airport. Salt Lake County, 9 October 1961. Wauer (1969:331) reported it nesting in a cottonwood along Santa Clara Creek, Washington County, 18 and 24 May 1966. There have been a number of sight records reported in recent years: Behle et al. (1958:39), Kanab, Kane County, 9 June 1935; Hardy and Higgins (1940:96), St. George, Washington County, 9 April 1940; Locker- bie (1956:208), Salt Lake City, 26 Decem- ber 1955; Ferris (1963:63), Jordan Narrows, Utah County, 13 October 1963; Scott (1964: 60), Jordan River, Salt Lake County, 13 October 1963, and (1967:591), Fish Springs, Juab County, 6 August 1967. Scott (1974: 489) reported one at Zion National Park, Washington County, 17 December 1973. Subspecies: A male in breeding condi- tion taken at the moudi of Bear River by Huber and Hull 21 June 1927 was examined by Oberholser and Cottam, who judged it to be of the subspecies B. v. virescens, the smaller race common to eastern North America. Other specimens have been deter- mined to be B. V. anthonyi, which ranges through the western Pacific states and less commonly into the intemiountain area (Hardy 1941a:125; Behle 1943a:34; Behle et al. 1964:450; Wauer 1969:331). B. virescens is now considered conspecific with B. striatus (American Ornithologists' Union 1976:786). Florida caerulea caendea (Linnaeus) Little Blue Heron Status: A rare summer visitor to the state. Records: Scott (1958:48) reported a specimen collected at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 4 Septem- ber 1957, supposedly die first record for Utah. Subsequently Wilson and Reid (1958: 214) reported on the same specimen, indi- cating it was apparently sick from botulism and died the day it was captured. Scott (1963:422) and Behle (1966:396) noted a specimen that has been found dead near Draper, Salt Lake County, 25 May 1963. This specimen was placed in the University of Utah collection. An immature white- phased bird was seen by Kashin at Farming- ton Bay, Davis County, in the fall of 1974 (Kingery 1975:93). 42 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 12. Peregrine Falcon. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, June 1952. Photo by R. D. Porter. Bubulcus ibis ibis Linnaeus Cattle Egret Status: This old-world egret, which has emigrated in recent years to parts of Central and South America, has spread northward into the United States and has been reported in Utah on several occasions during the past six or seven years. Records: Kashin (1964a:55) reported what seemed to be Cattle Egrets at Farm- ington Bay, 9 August 1964. Two birds were seen by Frost and Hayward near the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 29 April 1969. These birds had been previously noted by personnel at the refuge and by a party from the University of Utah. Frost and Hayward (field notes) 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 43 saw a specimen south of Provo, Utah County, 16 April 1971. The bird was ob- served closely with a spotting scope and was in fiill breeding plumage. Kingery (1971:775) reported a specimen west of Logan, Cache County, 6 May 1971. A win- ter record has been reported by Beall (1974: 487) at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder Count)^ 17 December 1973. This species has now appeared in southern Utah at Zion National Park, Washington Count)', 18 May 1975 (Kingeiy 1975:886). Casmerodius alhus egretta (Gmelin) Great Egret Status: The Great Egret is a rare mi- grant or wanderer in Utah. No finn record of nesting within the state has been estab- lished. Records: A mature male was captured alive at St. George, Washington County, in May 1934. It was later prepared as a mounted specimen and is now in the col- lection of Brigham Young University. Ridg- way (1877:.369) found diis species near Salt Lake City in 1869 and suspected that it might be breeding. A specimen was seen by Henshaw (1875:465) near Beaver, Beaver County, 22-25 September 1872. Later sight records include: Hull (letter), near mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, summer 1926; Wilson, mouth of Bear River, 25 April 1933; Marshall (letter). Bear River Migratory Bird Reliige, mid-October 1936; Twomey (1942:368), near Jensen, Uintah County, 3 and 5 May 1937; Beck (letter), Provo Bay area, Utah County, spring 1940; Cottam (field notes), near Jensen, Uintah County, 12 September 1941; Scott (1959:51), Fie,. 1 >. American Kestrel. Ogden, Weber Count) ,(i s.-pU'iiil. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 44 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 28 November 1958; Scott (1959:311), Famiington Bay, Great Salt Lake, Davis County, 9 March 1959; (Utah Audubon News 1963:38), Fanuington Bay, 20 May 1963; Bent (1926:144), hsted die Bear River marshes and Salt Lake Valley in the breeding range of die Great Egret, but there appear to be no nesting data to sub- stantiate this statement. Egretta thula brewsteri (Thayer and Bangs) Snowy Egret Fig. 4, p. 31 Status: A common summer resident breeding in marshes around Great Salt Lake, Bear Lake, Cache Valley, Utah Lake, and more recently at Pelican Lake, Uintah County. Wanderers and nonbreeders may be seen around lakes and reservoirs or along streams almost anywhere in the state during the summer. In Utah the Snowy Egret seems to prefer nesting in remote marsh areas where it may occur in com- pany with Great Blue Herons and Black- crowned Night Herons. Records: Surprisingly there are no early records of diis egret in Utah unless die accounts of Ridgway (1875:31; 1877:369) and Henshaw (1875:465) were of this species under the name Herodias alba egretta. In their 45-year histoiy of die Snowy Egret in Utah, the Treganzas (1914:245-250) men- tioned that Mr. Knudsen had observed what he called the "white squak" near the mouth of Bear River as far back as about 1869. Mr. Knudsen obtained a specimen for Treganza in 1904. There are indications that the egret has increased in numbers after the settlement of the Utah valleys by white man. Collections of eggs in marshes near the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, were made by Aldous as early as 1906. Since that time there have been numerous collections of both birds and eggs and hundreds of sight records in various locali- ties within the state. Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (Gnielin) Black -crowned Night Heron Status: A common summer resident, especially in the central valleys of the state. A few individuals may remain into late fall and even through the winter. Hen- shaw (1875:466) saw it around Utah Lake in December. Kashin (1968:361) reported seeing one in the Salt Lake area, 24 Decem- ber 1967. There are numerous nesting colonies in less accessible marshes often in company with the Great Blue Heron and the Snowy Egret. Colonies may also nest in trees or tall bushes. Records: Early writers (Allen 1872b: 172; Henshaw 1875:466; Bailey field notes) found this heron common around Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake, and Bear Lake. Numer- ous nesting records are available from these areas. Twomey (1942:369) found a small nesting colony in marshes south of Jensen, Uintah County, in the spring of 1937. An- other nesting colony has been noted at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, by Frost and Hayward (field notes 1964 and 1970; Hay- ward 1967:18). Hardy and Higgins (1940: 96) suggested that it might be "a summer resident in limited numbers" in the St. George area. Most of the collection and sight records are for March through Octo- ber, but there are several examples of win- ter occurrence as noted above. Ixobrychus exilis hesperis Dickey and van Rossem Least Bittern Status: An uncommon species known to breed at least foiTnerly in the marshes around Great Salt Lake. Since the Least Bittern is shy and retiring in habits, it may be more common than die few records would indicate. Records: Hardy (1939:86) recorded a specimen collected near the V^irgin River, Washington County, 20 May 1938. G. W. Browning and J. W. Sugden collected a set of eggs from Hot Springs Lake north of 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 45 Salt Lake City, 8 April 1884. The species was known to breed in this area before the marsh was drained. Several sight records are available: Bailey reported it from the Bear River Gun Club, 10 June 1936; Hull and Wilson added it to the list of Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refiige birds in 1937; and Cottam (1945b:172) found it at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2 June 1943, all localities in Box Elder County. Wauer and Russell (1967:420) obseived it along die \'irgin River, soudi of Washington, Wash- ington County, 27 June 1965 and 28 August 1965. Botaurus lentiginosus (Rackett) American Bittern Status: A summer resident of marshes all through the state, especially around tlie borders of the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. A few remain in the state through- out the winter (Killpack 1959:238). Since the bittern is solitaiy and tends to live in remote areas of the marshlands, it is rarely seen, but it may be more common than die records indicate. Records: The first recorded specimen taken in die state was obtained by die Stans- bury expedition in 1850 (Baird 1852:320). Other earlv workers (Allen 1872b:172; Hen- shaw 1875:466-467; Nelson 1875:348; Ridg- way 1877:369, 618) referred to it as being common in the early days of settlement. Numerous collections and obsei"vations have been made in more recent years^ with specimens being found in several collec- tions diroughout the country. Most of the numerous nesting records are for May and a few for early June. Family Ciconiidae Mijcteria americana Linnaeus Wood Stork Status: A sparse though somewhat regu- lar summer wanderer in the state, at least formerly. Henshaw (1875:462) stated: "At Rush Lake I saw several different flocks, none composed of more than ten indivi- duals." Most of the collection and obseiva- tion records, other than Henshaw's (1875: 462), seem to have been made in the 1930s. We have not noted any published records in recent years. Records: The following records of col- lected specimens are known to the writers: Rush Lake, Iron County, two specimens taken by Henshaw, 1 October 1872 (Hen- shaw 1875:463); Hooper, Weber County, 8 August 1930 (Stanford 1938:1.36) and now in the Utah State University collection; Springer (1931:120) recorded a specimen from Holladay, Salt Lake County, 8 August 1930; marshes at mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 19 July 1934, an adult male now in University of Utah collection; near Lehi, Utah County, summer 1935, mounted by John Hutchings and now in Brigham Young University collection; Clear Lake, Millard County, 16 September 1938, U.S. Biological Sui-vey; Virgin City, Washing- ton County, 28 August 1939 in University of Utah collection (Long 1940:122). Several obsei^vations have been recorded for Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Millard, and Piute counties, all in die 1930s. Palmer (1962: 512) indicated on his map a record for ex- treme soudiwestern Utah. This may be the record reported by Long (1940:122). Kraft reported one at Fish Springs, Juab County, 24 June 1973 (Kingeiy 1974:83). Family Threskiornithidae Plegadis chihi (Vieillot) White-faced Ibis Status: A common summer resident, breeding in large colonies, often associated with several species of herons. Occasional- ly occurring also in winter (Kashin 1963b: 263). The known nesting colonies are in marshes around Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. In early spring they often feed in large flocks in open fields diat have been flooded, as noted by Tanner (1941:86), southwest of Hurricane, Washington Coun- ty, 6 May 1941. Records: Early ornithologists who vis- 46 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 ited the state all recorded the White-faced Ibis. Allen (1872b: 172) reported it as com- mon around Great Salt Lake in 1871 but indicated that it might not have occurred prior to that time. Henshaw (1875:463) found it common in spring and fall around Utah Lake. Ridgway in 1869 (1877:369, 615) saw a few near Great Salt Lake and considered it to be an abundant breeder (1875:31). Numerous specimens have been collected and are deposited at the Univer- sity of Utah, Brigham Young University, and in other collections within the state and throughout the country. Large nesting colonies have been located in Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties, and many sets of eggs have been collected from some of these colonies. Ajaia ajaja (Linnaeus) Roseate Spoonbill Status: A veiy rare visitor to the state. Records: There is only one audientic record known to us. Barnes (1919:.565) stated that on 2 July 1919 a specimen was brought to him for identification. The spe- cimen had been killed by Joseph Condley near Wendover, Tooele County, and was one of five that appeared on his ranch. Barnes had the bird mounted and displayed it on several occasions. Later it disappeared from his home and was considered lost (Behle 1944a:69). Behle (1955:17) reported that the specimen has been relocated and is now in the University of Utah collection. The AOU Check-list (1957:57) indicates that it occasionally wanders to northern Utah. This statement probably is based on Barnes's record. Family Phoenicopteridae Phoenicopterus ruber Linnaeus American Flamingo Status: A very rare and apparently acci- dental visitor to the state. Records: The inclusion of this species in the state list is based on sight records. A specimen was seen by Don E. Neilson at Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area, Millard County. It was observed on 25 July 1962 and again on 12 October (Wor- then 1968:129). Color photographs were taken of die bird through a telephoto lens, amd there seems to be no doubt of the iden- tification. W. E. Ritter and Reuben Dietz saw one at Buffalo Bay, Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, 3 August 1966 (Behle and Periy 1975:9). Kingeiy (1971:883) reported two sight records, one at Bear River, Box Elder County, and the other at FaiTnington Bay, Davis County, both in June and Au- gust 1971. Contact widi the Salt Lake City Zoo indicated that no bird had escaped from that institution. These records were substantiated by photographs. Family Anatidae Olor columbianus (Ord) Whistling Swan Status: A common migrant and some- times a winter resident. During migration the birds may congregate in large flocks. Records: Stansbury (1852:108, 159) re- corded immense flocks of this swan near the mouth of the Bear River, 22 October 1849, and at the mouth of die Jordan River, 4 April 1850. His party collected two speci- mens in this area on 10 March 1850 (Baird 1852:321). Beckwith also collected a speci- men at Salt Lake City (Baird 1858:758). Several other specimens have been col- lected in Box Elder, Weber, and Salt Lake counties and are in various museums around the country. One specimen in the Colo- rado Museum of Natural History was taken near Moab, Grand County, 10 November 1925. One was reported shot during the spring of 1945 at Kanab, Kane County (Behle et al. 1958:39). It has been found in December along the Virgin River near St. George, Washington County (Hardy and Higgins 1940:96), and along the Colorado River near Moab, Grand County, in Febm- ary 1952 (Behle 1960a:22). Sherwood (1960: 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 47 370 377) discussed the status of this swan in Salt Lake Valley. Olur buccinator Richardson Trumpeter Swan Status: FoiTnerly common and probably a nesting species in the northern part of die state in early days. Presently occurs only as a rare straggler. Records: Six immature birds were cap- tured and sent to the New York Zoological Park, 5 Januaiy 1901. These birds were ob- tained near Salt Lake City (Coale 1915:87). A mounted specimen in the University of Utah collection was taken at Spring Lake, Millard County, in April 1892 and was pre- sented to the university by J. H. Clive. One was shot on Great Salt Lake, 23 November 1959 (Scott 1960:328). Several sight rec- ords have been recorded, but since this swan is difficult to distinguish from the Whistling Swan in the field, these observa- tions are to be looked upon with some caution. This is especially true at the present time since the Trumpeter is in- clined to stay close to its nesting ground at Red Rock Lake, Montana; Yellowstone Park, Wyoming; British Columbia; and southern Alaska. Bartonek (1966:521), who is acquainted with the calls of both the trumpeter and whistler, recorded hearing a trumpeter in an area about five miles south of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 27 December 1965. One was observed at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Juab County, during the summer of 1968 (Behle and Peny 1975:9). Branta canadensis (Linnaeus) Canada Goose Status: The Canada Goose is a common summer breeder throughout much of die state. Many individuals migrate through the areas, and, depending somewhat on the severity of the weather, others remain in the state throughout the winter. The most common breeding areas are around Great Salt Lake, especially at Farmington Bay Refuge, Davis County, and Bear River Mi- gratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County; but otlier lakes and reservoirs throughout the state are also used. Nesting also occurs along the larger waterways, especially the Green and Colorado rivers. Records: Baird (1858:765), Reniy (1860 [2]:449), and Ridgway (1877:620) stated that this goose was found in the Salt Lake Valley. Ridgway (1877:620) collected an egg on Carrington Island, Great Salt Lake, 17 June 1869. Many recent records for this species are found in the literature. Subspecies: The common breeding race of the Canada Goose in Utah is B. c. mof- fitti, but several other races have appeared in the population apparently as migrants or winter residents. Because the several subspecies of B. canadensis are based large- ly on measurements (Delacour 1954:164- 178) and because there is much size inter- gradation among the races, it is difficult to place individual birds in their proper cate- gories. As far as we are aware, no sub- stantial series of Utah specimens have been assembled for taxonomic stLidy. The best we can do here is list the records of the non- breeding races available to us. Three speci- mens from Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 25 November 1933 and 23 October 1941 (University of Utah), were identified as B. c. leucopareia. One mounted speci- men in the Bear River Gun Club collection taken about 1907 was identified as B. c. hutchinsii, and several odier small speci- mens taken in Cache, Piute, and Millard counties were considered to be of this race (Cottam, Williams, and Gunther pers. comm.). Worthen (1968(136 138) lists sev- eral specimens in the University of Utah collection that represent nonbreeding races: A specimen approaching B. c. parvipes was taken at Fool Creek Reservoir near Oak City, Millard County, 4 January 1964. An- other specimen from Deseret, Millard Coun- ty, 13 December 1953, appears to be B. c. taverneri. B. c. minima was collected at Clear Lake, Millard County, 8 November 1962. 48 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Branta bernicla nigricans (Lawrence) Black Brant Status: The Black Brant is considered to be accidental or casual in Utah. It is generally a coastal and saltwater species. Records: Brant were seen at Rush Lake, Iron County, 1 October 1872 (Henshaw 1875:472). A pair were taken on the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, in the fall or winter of 1913 and were mounted and placed on display at the Bear River Gun Club. Behle and Periy (1975:10) re- ported a specimen from Ogden Bay Water- fowl Management Area, Weber County, 29 October 1955. Anser albifrons (Scopoli) White-fronted Goose Status: This goose is known principally as an uncommon spring and fall migrant through Utah. However, there have been a few December and Januaiy records in recent years. Records: A specimen of White-fronted Goose was taken by the Stansbuiy party (Baird 1852:321) at the mouth of Jordan River, Great Salt Lake, in March of 1850. Since that time a few additional collections have been made: Alexander Wetinore took an immature male at the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 10 October 1916, and examined another taken by a hunter at the same place on 12 October 1915; Syninger reported a specimen which lie captured alive near the mouth of die Jordan River, Davis County, in the fall of 1926 and kept alive for several years on his game farm; Hull collected a juvenile fe- male 18 miles west of Brigham City, Box Elder County, 28 September 1928, and four birds on 29 September 1928 north of Bear River Bay; Behle and Selander (1952:26) reported a .specimen taken at Bear River Gun Club, Box Elder County, 28 Septem- ber 1928; Hayward (1944:204) published a record of a specimen in the Brigham Young University collection taken at Lehi, Utah County, 22 April 1933; a specimen taken illegally by a hunter near Corinne, Box Elder County, 10 November 1937, was con- fiscated and mounted for display at the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge; Behle and Selander (1952:26) reported an addi- tional specimen taken at Lake Front Gun Club, Salt Lake County, 10 October 1948; Hayward (1966:305) reported a specimen in the Brigham Young University collection taken at Utah Lake, Utah County, 8 Novem- ber 1964. Several additional sight records have been published: Van den Akker (1949b: 178), south of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Count)', 3 Januaiy 1949; Lockerbie (1952: 160), Salt Lake County, 23 December 1951. Subspecies: It appears that two sub- species of the White-fronted Goose may occur in Utah. Most of die collected speci- mens studied are of the smaller A. a. fron- talis in which die length of the culmen is about 51 or 52 mm. A specimen obtained near St. George, Washington County, 24 September 1939, and now in die collection of Dixie College, has been identified as the larger race A. a. gambeUi, sometimes known as die Tule Goose (Hardy and Higgins 1940:96). The culmen on this specimen measures 58 mm. Obseivant hunters in die state have also recognized two different- sized geese in their hunting experience. Chen caerulescens caenilescens (Linnaeus) Snow Goose Status: A common spring and fall mi- grant often appearing in large flocks espe- cially in freshwater bodies around the bor- ders of Great Salt Lake. In spring the Snow Geese appear in late Februaiy or early March and remain until about mid-April. In fall they occur usually from late Septem- ber until the freeze-up. Records: All of the early ornithologists who visited Utah noted the Snow Goose (Stansbuiy 1852:161; Remv 1860[2]:449; Allen 1872b: 172; Henshaw 1875:470; Ridg- way 1877:619), but apparently there were 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 49 Fig. 14. Golden Eagle. Dugway, Tooele County, Utah, spring 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter. no collections made by tliem. In more re- cent years several specimens have been taken and are now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy, Utah State University, University of Utah, and Brig- ham Young University. The widespread occurrence of this goose in the state is indi- cated by many sight obsei-vations in such localities as Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County; moutli of Jordan 50 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 River, Davis County; Utah Lake, Utah County; Clear Lake Refuge, Millard Coun- ty; Minersville Reservoir, Beaver County; and V^irgin River, Washington County. Subspecies: Examinations of Snow Geese taken in Utah indicate that they are all of the race C. c. caerulescens. Sight records of the dark moiph that has been known as the "Blue Goose" have been reported from time to time. They are as follows: Marshall (1937:128) obsei-ved one at Bear River Mi- gratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 13 October 1936; Scott (1954:322) has re- corded two specimens seen at Farmington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 15 March 1954; a field party (Scott 1960:59 and 1967:63) noted one each at the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge on 5 November 1959 and in the fall of 1966. Dendrocygna hicolor helva Wetmore and Peters Fulvous Whistling-Duck Status: A casual or accidental visitor to the state. Records: A specimen taken by V. T. Davis at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, in November 1908, was mounted and placed on display at Bear River Gun Club. Behle et al. (1964:451) reported a female taken by Donald E. Neilson at Clear Lake, Millard County, 20 May 1959. Scott (1969:612) reported two seen near Cedar City, Iron County, 10 May 1969, by Murie. Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos Linnaeus Mallard Chen rossii (Cassin) Ross' Goose Status: Ross' Goose is a casual tliough regular migrant through Utah. FIecords: Several ornidiologists have taken specimens at die Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County. Wetmore took one on 22 October 1914; Marshall stated several were taken by hunters at the public shooting grounds in the fall of 1924; liull reported five killed in one day in die fall of 1929. Marshall recorded one taken on 30 November 1936; Behle and Selander (1952:26) reported a specimen from Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 27 October 1949; Scott (1954:354-355) also gave a sight record for Salt Springs, western Utah, 31 May 1954. Behle (19.56:72) gave another record for Desert Lake, 15 miles soudieast of Price, Carbon County, about 1 Decem- ber 1955. Behle et al. (1964:450) reported a mounted specimen at the headquarters of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in Salt Lake City taken at Flowell, Millard County, 3 Aprif 1961. Scott (1966:77) re- ported one that had been collected at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in the fall of 1965. Status: A common peniianent resident of the state where it breeds around shallow waters. Less common in winter than sum- mer but present in winter wherever diere is open water. The Mallard is perhaps the most widespread duck in die state, since it inhabits any type of shallow water includ- ing small ponds or even ditches and canals. It is most abundant at elevations ranging between 4,000 and 7,000 feet. Records: Hundreds of collection and sight records are available from virtually all the counties of the state where the habitat is suitable. Anas nibripes Brewster Black Duck Status: The Black Duck is regarded as a casual migrant and occasional winter resi- dent. Although this duck has been intro- duced into Utah on several occasions, it is doubtful that it was ever a regular native resident. Yarrow (reported by Henshaw 1875:473) saw what he believed to be this species "having seen a number" at Rush Lake, Iron County, in November 1872. Later Yarrow (1877:4) wrote that he col- lected Black Ducks at Rush Lake and 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 51 Stated "... I have killed too many Black Ducks not to know them when I see them." Subsequent observations, however, have not supported Yarrow's observation. Speci- mens liberated at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and eggs of black ducks ex- changed for mallard eggs in nests found in the wild have not established this species as a common bird in Utah. Black ducks are natives of marshes and streams of the eastern United States and do not seem to be well adapted to western conditions. This species commonly hybridizes with the Mal- lard. Records: One was collected at Bear River Gun Club, Box Elder County, 10 November 1938. Anotlier at the same locality was taken on 8 December 1942 and is on display at Bear River Migratory Bird Reflige (Williams et al. 1943:159). Behle and Selander (1952:26) reported a speci- men now in the University of Utah collec- tion taken at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 22 November 1951. Anodier speci- men was collected near Farmington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 16 October 1965 (Behle 1966:396). Most specimens studied appear to have been crosses with mallards. A few sight records of the Black Duck are noted: pond near Jordan River, Salt Lake County, 20 December 1937 (T. Evans and A. Nielson); Bear River marshes. Box Elder County, November 1939 and 24 April 1941 (V. T. Wilson); Follett (1960:253), Hyde Park, Cache County, 26 December 1959; Scott (1967:63), Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, fall 1966. Anas strepera Linnaeus Gadwall Status: A common breeding species throughout the state but more abundant northward. It is most commonly found from mid-February to mid-November, but a few may remain throughout the winter where there is open water. Records: Stansbury's party took a speci- men in Salt Lake Valley as early as 1850. Specimens were collected by McCarthy for Simpson at Utah Lake in January and April 1859 and reported by Baird (1876:381). Ridgway (1877:369) reported this species as being in the sloughs and marshes near the Jordan River and in open ponds near the Great Salt Lake. Since the time of these earliest records, numerous specimens have been collected and innumerable sight rec- ords noted in appropriate habitats in all sections of the state. Anas acuta Linnaeus Pintail Status: During spring and autumn mi- gration the Pintail is probably the most common duck in Utah. Many remain throughout the winter when the weather is not too cold, and a goodly number nest here, particularly in the northern part of the state. Like the Mallard, the Pintail is primarily a shallow-water bird, often feed- ing in temporary ponds during migration, especially during spring. Records: Early observers (Baird 1852: 323; Remy 1860[2]:450; Allen 1872b:173; Baird 1876:381; and otliers) collected speci- mens and considered this duck to be com- mon. Since that time many specimens have been observed throughout most of the coun- ties. Sight r-ecords are abundant. Anas crecca carolinensis Gmelin American Green-winged Teal Status: The Green-winged Teal is a common migrant duck in Utah where it appears in large flocks from about 1 March to 15 April and again from 1 September to 1 December. A few pairs occasionally nest within the state on the high lakes of the Uinta Mountains, sometimes as high as 10,000 feet (1. Rasmussen and C. L. Hay- ward field notes). Wherever water re- mains open, a few may winter in Utah (Grater 1943:75). 52 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Records: Collections of Green-winged Teal were reported by most of the early ornithologists who worked in the state in the 1800s (Baird 1852:322; Baird 1858:778; Remy 1860[2] :450; Ridgway 1877:623). Since tlien many collection and obsei-va- tion records have been published. Anas discors discors Linnaeus Blue-winged Teal Status: This teal is a consistent diough not abundant spring and fall migrant and nests sparingly especially in the nortliern part of the state. A few may also remain throughout the winter (Grater 1943:75). According to Henshaw (1875:477), it was as numerous as tlie Green-winged Teal in 1872. Records: A few specimens were seen or taken by early explorers such as Henshaw (1875:477), Nelson (1875:345), Baird (1876: 381), and Ridgway (1877:369), but there is no reference to the species existing in great abundance except in tlie case of Henshaw's report. Numerous more recent records are available. Anas cijanoptera septentrionalium Snyder and Lumsden Cinnamon Teal Status: The Cinnamon Teal is a veiy common summer resident and breeds in great numbers throughout the state wher- ever there are suitable marshlands. A few remain throughout die winter especially in southern Utah, but the bulk of the popula- tion is migratoiy. Records: Baird (1852:322-323) reported three specimens collected by the Stans- bury expedition along the Jordan River as being the second, third, and fourth indivi- duals obtained in North America. This species was first described from birds col- lected in die Straits of Magellan. The first specimen from North America was col- lected near Opelousas, Louisiana, by Dr. Pilate and sent to the Philadelphia Academy of Science. Because the Louisiana bird had not been described and also because there was no description of a North American specimen, Baird (1852:323) .gave a detailed account of a male and female from the Salt Lake area. All of the early-day ornitholo- gists attest to the abundance of this species. Fig. 15. Marsh Hawk. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, spring 1948. Photo by R. D. Porter. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 53 The many collections that have been made up to the present time further attest to the species' abundance. Records of occurrence indicate that fall migrations are completed by the last of September. Most of the spring migration takes place in April ex- cept in southern Utah where they have been reported in Febmaiy and March (Hardy and Higgins 1940:97). Anas penelope Linnaeus European Wigeon Status: This is a species of casual or accidental occurrence in Utah. Record: Wilson and Young (1956:390) recorded a specimen taken at Bear River MigratoiT Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 19 October 19.56. Behle and Peny (1975: 11) reported a sight record by Bill Pingree at Lakefront Gun Club, eight miles north- west of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 15 December 1963. Anas americana Gmelin American Wigeon Status: The American Wigeon is an un- common although consistent spring and summer resident in Utah. A few of diese ducks are usually seen in any mixed con- centration of waterfowl from March through the summer. A few occurrences have also been recorded in winter (Kashin 1968:361). Nesting takes place in the northern counties of the state. Records: Beginning with the Stansbuiy expedition (Baird 1852:322), when speci- mens were taken on tlie Jordan River, 4 April 1850, all of the early visitors to tlie state reported the American Wigeon. Hen- shaw (1875:475) considered it to be abun- dant in Utah in the fall, remaining around certain warm springs and sloughs all winter in the Provo area. Specimens have been collected and numerous sightings recorded for most of the counties of the state. Nest- ing records with eggs being laid as early as 2 March (Boyle collection) are known to us from Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Tooele, Salt Lake, Wasatch, and Uintah counties. Anas clijpeata Linnaeus Northern Shoveler Status: One of the more common of the Utah ducks, the Shoveler breeds in abun- dance in marsh edges around die Great Salt Lake as well as in other marshlands of the state. It is primarily a summer resident, although a few remain through the winter where there is open water (Foster 1971:463; Allen 1972:478). Records: The first known collection in the state was made by McCarthy at Utah Lake, Utah County, 20 March 1859 and re- ported by Baird (1876:381). Ridgway (1875: 31) regarded it as a breeder of question- able abundance in Salt Lake Valley in 1869. Numerous collections are on record up to the present time. Breeding records are numerous especially for the northern coun- ties of the state. Most of these records are for April, May, and June. Aix sponsa (Linnaeus) Wood Duck Status: An uncommon visitor or casual transient in Utah. Allen (1872b: 172) re- ported this species at Ogden, Weber Coun- ty. Some early records indicate that it may have been a summer resident in fomier times and probably bred near the mouth of Bear River (Woodbuiy et al. 1949:8). Records: Most of die more recent rec- ords available seem to be for the fall. They are as follows: Hyrum Canyon, Cache County, 11 November 1934 (Stanford 1938: 136), Lake View, Utah County, November 1936 (BYU collection); Circleville, Piute County, 16 October 1942 (Behle and Ross 1945:168); Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, 2 July 1944 (Webster 1947:40); Springville, Utah County, 2 November 1946 (BYU col- lection); Clear Lake, Millard County, 1957, 1959, and 1961 (Behle et al. 1964:451), Farmington Bay, Davis County, 10 October 54 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No.l 1962 (Behle et al. 1964:451); St. George, Washington County, December 1964, and along Santa Clara Creek, Washington County, 29 December 1964 (Wauer 1969: 331); Salt Lake City, 20 September 1965 (Scott 1966:77); Cedar Valley, Iron County, 1 October 1966 (Scott 1967:63). Aythya americana (Eyton) Redhead Status: A summer resident throughout the state, breeding in marshes with deep channels of water. Common in northern Utah, more sparingly in the south. Most abundant during migration in March-April and August-September. Records: Some of die earlier collections in Utah were those of the Beckwith party in 1854 near Salt Lake City (Baird 1858: 794) and others reported by Baird (1876: 381) as being taken at Utah Lake, Utah County, 21 March 1859. Many specimens have been collected and observed since that time in most of the counties of the state. Aythya collaris (Donovan) Ring-necked Duck Status: A rare summer resident in north- em Utah and a casual migrant throughout the state. There are a few records of nest- ing. Records: Henshaw (1875:479) obtained a young female at Rush Lake, Iron County, in September 1872. A specimen in the U.S. Biological Survey collection was taken at the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 21 October 1916. Specimens in the Univer- sity of Utah collection were taken at Wil- lard Spur, Box Elder County, in November 1929, and at the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 12 October 1932. There is also a specimen taken at Bear River, 1 No- vember 19.37, in the Utah State University collection (Stanford 1938:136) and one from Ivins Reservoir, Washington County, 20 April 1940, collected by Harold Higgins (Hardy 1941:125). The Brigham Young Uni- versity collection contains a specimen taken at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 15 March 1966, by Lloyd Gunther and another from Mona Reservoir, Juab County, 14 November 1969. The Univer- sity of Utah collection contains specimens taken at Clear Lake, Millard County, 12 April 1965, 7 November 1965, and 4 March 1966 (Worthen 1968:152-153). Aythya valisineria (Wilson) Canvasback Status: Uncommon breeder of the Great Salt Lake marshes and a common migrant during March-April and October-Novem- ber. Uncommon in winter. Records: There appear to be no records of early collections of the Canvasback in Utah. However, Ridgway (1877:625) con- sidered it to be an abundant bird in winter on the lakes and marshes of the Great Basin. Specimens from the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, taken 11 August 1914 and 23 September 1916, are in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History collection. Other specimens from the same locality are in the Brigham Young Univer- sity, University of Utah, and Utah State University collections, taken 4 November 1928, 14 November 1929, and November 1937, respectively. Most of the nesting records are from localities around Great Salt Lake. Low and Nelson (1945:131) re- ported seeing two broods at Ogden Bay Refuge, Weber County, one on 7 July 1943 and the other in mid-July 1943. At Clear Lake, Millard County, 27 June 1944, they saw a brood of nine young about three weeks old. Aythya marila nearctica Stejneger Greater Scaup Status: A rare migrant through the state. There is no certain evidence that it nests in Utah. Records: The Greater Scaup was con- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 55 Fig. 16. American Kestrel. Ogden, Weber County, Uuili, 15 Juuf 1959. Fliutu by K. J. Eiwi sidered by Allen (1872b:172) to be a com- mon duck around Great Salt Lake in the fall and by Henshaw (1875:479) at Utah Lake and up the Provo River as the lake froze in November 1872. Several specimens were shot at diat time. The status of this species has definitely changed, since at the present time it is rarely taken or seen, be- ing far less common dian the Lesser Scaup. Several specimens now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History were taken by Wetmore in the Bear River Marshes, Box 56 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Elder County, October 1916. A specimen taken from the same locality, 19 October 1932, and one from FaiTnington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 27 March 1949, are in the University of Utah collection (Behle and Selander'l952:26). A bird killed by botu- lism was picked up by Cottam at Ogden Bay, Weber County, 9 September 1942. Stanford (1931:4) recorded birds of this species at Redmond Lake, 15 April 1929, and at Salina Canyon, 27 March 1929, both localities in Sevier County. It is not clear whether these birds were collected or only observed. Barnes (1943:102) observed birds at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 21 March 1942. Kingeiy (1975:721) reported 20 birds at Bear River late in Febniary 1975. Aythya afftnis (Eyton) Lesser Scaup Status: A common migrant through the state in March-April and October-Novem- ber; uncommon summer resident and breed- er of northern Utah. Records: The earliest collection records seem to be 10 specimens taken by Wetmore at the Bear River Marshes in October 1916. That this species was present earlier is im- plied by Henshaw (1875:470): "I did not secure any evidence of the presence at this time of the closely allied species Fulix ajfinis, though if not there then it had been a little earlier, as the gunners distinguish between them, and assure me of its abun- dance." Several other specimens in the col- lections of the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other institutions have been assembled. Mayr and Short (1970:34) called attention to the close taxo- nomic relationship of the Greater and Less- er Scaups. Bucephala clangula americana (Bonaparte) Common Goldeneye Status: A common migrant through the state in February-April and October- December. Also a rather common winter bird living on the larger streams that stay open. It may occasionally linger into the spring as illustrated by Carter's (Monson 1963:423) finding two at Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 14 May 1963. Records: Beckwith's party (Baird 1858: 796) took a specimen near Salt Lake City in 1854. Henshaw and Yarrow collected a specimen on Utah Lake, Utah County, 2 November 1872, and Henshaw (1875:480- 481) reported it as a common duck in late fall and winter on Utah Lake and Provo River, Utah County. Specimens in tlie Brig- ham Young University collection include two from the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 4 and 15 November 1928; one from near Provo, Utah County, 23 December 1932; and one from Utah Lake, Utah County, 4 April 1933. There are no cer- tain records of nesting witliin the state. It has been seen at Kanab, Kane County, 21 April 1931 (Behle et al. 1958:42). Hardy and Higgins (1940:97) reported one col- lected at Leeds, Washington County, 14 April 1940. It has also been obseived in Glen Canyon on the Colorado River by Behle (1960:23), 16 April 1947. Bucepliala islandica (Gmelin) Barrow's Goldeneye Status: Barrow's Goldeneye is con- sidered to be a casual migrant through the state with a few birds remaining over win- ter. Records: Specimens were taken by Hen- shaw (1875:482) at Utah Lake, Utah County, 11 November and 1 December 1872. A mounted specimen taken in the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, about 1908, is in the Bear River Gun Club collection. An- other specimen reported by Cottam et al. (1942:52) was taken at the same locality during the hunting season of 1939. Recent sight records are as follows: Kanab, Kane County, 20, 22, 27 April 1931 (Behle et al. 1958:42); a male near the Virgin River at St. George, Washington County, 20 April 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 57 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:97); and seven on Sevier River near Hatch, Garfield County, 14 Febmaiy 1942 (Behle et al. 1958:42); Logan, Cache County, Januaiy and March 1949, reported by Van den Akker (1949:179); and at Bear River Migra- tory Bird Reflige, Box Elder County, 28 December 1964, reported by Wilson (1965: 309). Scott (1963:346) recorded a collection at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 27 March 1963. Bucephala alheola (Linnaeus) Bufflehead Status: The Bufflehead is a fairly com- mon duck during spring migration from late Febmaiy to early May and again in die fall from mid-October to early December. It is also a sparse winter and summer resi- dent, although there appears to be no evi- dence that it nests witliin the state. Records: Early obseivers in Utah found the Bufflehead present in the state. The Stansbuiy party (Baird 1852:324) took a specimen on Provo River, Utah County, 22 February 1850. Birds were also reported by Remy (1860 [2] :450), and two specimens were collected by Henshaw and Yarrow at Provo, 25 November 1872 (Henshaw 1875: 482). Numerous specimens taken more re- cently are in the U.S. Biological Sui-vey, University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University collections, and others. Clangula hyernalis (Linnaeus) Oldsquaw Status: A rare transient of northern Utah. Records available indicate that the Oldsquaw is a late fall and early winter mi- grant. Records: The following collection and obsewation records are available: Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, a male, 20 December 1929 (University of Utah); near Benson, Cache County, a pair taken about 1915, mounted in Utah State Univer- sity collection; mouth of Weber River, We- ber County, male taken in November 1927 was mounted and put on display in Ogden, Weber County (Hull); Bear River Marshes, a female taken 19 November 1933, Univer- sity of Utah collection, and two females taken 22 November 19.36 (Marshall); Utah Lake, Utah County, taken about 1936 and mounted in Brigham Young University col- lection; Cottam et al. (1942:52) reported one seen at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 10 October 1941, and mentioned that 13 specimens had been taken during the hunting season of 1934; Williams et al. (1943:159-160) report one seen flying near Perry, Box Elder County, in December 1942; Ogden Bay, Weber County, two seen in fall 1948 and two taken by hunters at Bear River in the fall of 1948, reported by Van den Akker (1949:25); Wil- son and Norr (1950:27; 1951:31) noted spec- imens that were collected at Bear River xMigratory Bird Refuge by hunters, 11 No- vember 1949 and 24 November 1950; adult female from Clear Lake, Millard County, 27 October 19,56 (Worthen 1968:157). Histrionicus histrionicus (Linnaeus) Harlequin Duck Status: Accidental in Utah. Record: Two birds were taken on Box Elder Creek near Brigham City, Box Elder County, 13 April 1913, by James Hull. One of the birds was mounted and placed on display in a local hotel where it was exam- ined and identified by Alexander Wetinore (field notes). This is the only record of the Harlequin Duck from Utah known to us. The present location of diis specimen is un- known to us. Behle (mimeographed list 1971) and Behle and Perry (1975:12) regard the occurrence of this species in the state as hypothetical. Melanitta deglandi deglandi (Bonaparte) White-winged Scoter Status: The white-winged Scoter is an uncommon fall migrant appearing on the 58 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 17. Common Snipe. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 30 June 1963. Photo by R. J. Erwin. larger bodies of water in nortliern Utah. Also an occasional spring visitor to tlie state. Records: Two specimens in the Colorado Natural Histoiy Museum were taken near Corinne, Box Elder County, 9 October 1914. While Alexander Wetmore was stationed at the Bear River marshes, Box Elder County, he had reports of specimens being shot by hunters in that area in November 1914 and 1915 and of a specimen being given to him by H. \I. Porter that was taken on 8 Oc- tober 1916. Specimens in the University of Utah collection include females taken at the public shooting grounds near Little Mountain, Weber County, 30 November 1930 and 26 October 1932. Cottam et al. (1942:52) reported a specimen collected at the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 1 October 1941, and two shot during the 1941 hunting season. The only spring records available to us are those of Webster (47:40) who saw them at Pineview Reservoir, Weber County. He recorded two birds on 29 March 1945, eight on 5 April, and two on 9 April. Wilson and Norr (1951:31) reported seeing 50 birds at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 30 November 1950. Shaffer stated that a specimen was collected by a hunter and brought to the Tracy Aviaiy in late October 1952, where it died the following month (Utah Audubon News 1952:52). The locality is not indicated. Lloyd F. Gunther, former manager. Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, collected a spe- cimen in the fall of 1966 at tlie refuge (Scott 1967:63). Worthen (1968:158) stated diat a specimen was taken by a hunter at Clear Lake, Millard County, in 1955 or 19.56, and was sent to the State Division of Wildlife Resources. However, this specimen has not been located since. Melanitta perspicillata (Linnaeus) Surf Scoter Status: A rare transient in Great Salt Lake and probably Utah valleys. Records: Wetmore obtained an im- mature female killed at the Duckville Gun Club, Box Elder County, 24 October 1916. Bent (1925:151) referred to a migration of the Surf Scoter in the Bear River area at 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 59 this same period. There was a mounted specimen at one time on display at the State Capitol that was supposedly taken in Salt Lake Valley. Mushback (1932:9) con- sidered the Surf Scoter to be a rare migrant on the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County. Oxijura jamaicensis ruhida (Wilson) Ruddy Duck Status: A common summer resident, breeding near deep water over much of the state, especially in northern Utah. It is a common migrant from late February to early May and in the fall from September to November. A few are known to remain in the state throughout the winter. Records: Simpson's party (Baird 1876: 381) took a specimen in Utah in 1859. Ridg- way (1877:369) found it in sloughs and marshes near the Jordan River in the Salt Lake Valley in 1869. Specimens were col- lected by Allen (1872b: 172) in Weber County, 16 and 23 September 1871, and are now in the Museum of Comparative Zool- ogy. Henshaw (1875:483) recorded a speci- men taken at Provo, Utah County, 27 No- vember 1872. Numerous specimens in the University of Utah, Brigham Young Univer- sity, and other museums of the West have been collected in recent years. Mergus cucullatus Linnaeus Hooded Merganser Status: A sparse migrant through the state. A few may remain in Utah through- out the winter, and there is a possibility that it may be a rare summer resident. Records: Henshaw (1875:484) recorded this species as being common in Utah. A mounted specimen on display at the Bear River Gun Club, Box Elder County, was supposed to have been taken on the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, about 1908. The Colorado Museum of Natural History has one collected in Utah about 1925 or 1926. Three specimens in the Uni- versity of Utah collection were taken near Perry, Box Elder County, 19 November 1933, and C. S. Williams reported one taken in Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, in late November 1938, by a hunter. An adult male in the University of Utah collection was taken at Clear Lake, Millard County, 7 December 1955 (Worth- en 1968:160). There have been numerous sight records from the Bear River Marshes. Clifton Greenhalgh (Utah Audubon News 1955:30) reported a flock estimated at 1.50 seen on Bear Lake, Rich County, Utah, 20 April 1955. Murie (Scott 1967:527) reported seeing two specimens in southwestern Utah, 25 April 1967. Mergus merganser americanus Cassin Common Merganser Status: This species is a casual summer resident in Utah and an uncommon mi- grant throughout the state mainly from mid- February to early May and from early Oc- tober to December. Records: Early collection records in- clude a specimen taken at Utah Lake in the spring of 1849 by the Simpson party (Baird 1876:381). Allen reported it to be common in Salt Lake Valley in 1871 (1872b: 172), and Henshaw (1875:483) reported it to occur in the state. There are several specimens in the University of Utah and Brigham Young University collections. The BYU collection includes one collected by Cottam at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 4 November 1928; one at St. George, Washington County, in March 1936; one from Lehi, Utah County, 8 March 1937; two on the Colorado River, 20 miles south of Moab, San Juan County, 20 De- cember 1962. Webster (1947:40) collected one west of Logan, Cache County, 15 De- cember 1945, and observed this species on the Weber River, west of Ogden, Weber County, 8 December 1945, 31 December 1945, 19 January 1946, and 2 February 1946. 60 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Mergus senator serrator Linnaeus Red-breasted Merganser Status: A rather common migrant through Utah from late February to late April and from early October to December. A few may remain all winter. The summer status seems uncertain. R. G. Bee stated in an unpublished report that it was a nesting species at Farmington Bay, Davis County, in July 1939. Ii-vin G. Emmett is supposed to have found it nesting near Great Salt Lake in 1919. Records: Allen collected a specimen near Ogden, Weber County, 4 September 1871. This specimen is in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Henshaw (1875:484) found it to be rather common at Utah Lake, LItah County, in November 1872. Hayward (unpublished ms 1934) found it to be com- mon in Bear Lake Valley, Utah-Idaho, in early spring and again in the fall and found a few in the summer with evidence of nest- ing. Several specimens from Utah are in the collections of the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. It has been reported from St. George, Washing- ton County, 5 November 1935, and from Ivins Reseivoir, Washington County, 20 April 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:97). Other southern Utah obsei^vations are sight records: 21 April, 5 and 10 May 1931, and 15 April 1947, Johnson Resei-voir, near Kanab, Kane County; 50 at Lower Reser- voir, near Kanab, Kane County, 15 April 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:42). Family Cathartidae Cathartes aura teter Friedmann Turkey Wiltine Status: Widely distributed throughout the state somewhat less commonly now than formerly. Sometimes seen roosting in small flocks in trees in more remote areas. Nesting usually in caves along the mountain ranges wherever such sites are available. Records: All of the early ornithologists that visited Utah collected or recorded the Turkey Vulture. These included Allen (1872b:170), Ridgway (1875:34), Henshaw (1875:428), Fisher (1893:34), and Bailey (field notes). In recent years collections or obsei"vations have been made of this species in every county of the state. Most observa- tions are of a single bird or a pair of birds. However, on tlie Green River, Uintah Coun- ty, Twomey (1942:375) during the summer of 1937 reported "forty or fifty birds often were seen feeding on a carcass." Hardy and Higgins (1940:97) also reported "a large flock numbering fifty or more" in cot- tonwoods at die junction of the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers, Washington County, 28 September 1939. Vultur californianus Shaw California Condor Status: Formerly a rare visitor probably limited to the southern part of the state. Records: Henshaw (1875:428) reported: A very large vulture, seen near Beaver, Utah, November 25 [ 1872] , was believed to be of this species. In company with a flock of the Red-headed Vultures [Turkey Vultures] it had been feeding upon the carcass of a horse, and, as they all made off at my ap- proach, I was enabled to note the comparative sizes of the two; the bird supposed to be this species greatly exceeding the others in size. A taxidermist who fonnerly lived in Iron County told Woodbury (1932) that condors were occasionally seen by sheepherders during the winter in western Iron County where they fed on sheep carcasses, especial- ly during severe winters. Family Accipitridae Accipiter gentilis atricapUlus (Wilson) Goshawk Fig. 5, p. 32 Status: A year-round resident of Utah, probably more common in winter because of migration from more northern areas. This species breeds in scattered localities 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 61 Fig. 18. Long-billed Curlew. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, 21 June 1916. Photo by R. J. Er throughout tlie montane forests as well as in floodplain woodlands (White et al. 1965). Records: Numerous specimens are in tlie Utah State University, University of Utah, and Brigham Young University collections. Most of the specimens have been taken in late autumn and winter and may be either local individuals or migrants. There is a tendency for the local breeding population to drift down into the valleys in winter. Breeding birds tend to use the same nesting site or alternate closely located sites year after year. To our knowledge, a nesting area at Aspen Grove, Mt. Timpanogos, Utah County, was used from at least 1925 to 1945. Nests are constructed either in dense conif- erous growths or in more open aspen forests. Subspecies: Foirnerly the western popu- lation of Goshawks in North America went under the subspecies name of A. g. striatulus (Check-list of Birds of the World [1] 1931: 208). It now seems to be die general con- sensus tliat the western birds should be in- cluded in the subspecies A. g. atricapillus (Friedmann 1950:150; American Ornitholo- gists Union 1957:102). Todd (1963:211) con- sidered tlie new-world atricapillus to be specifically distinct from gentilis. Accipiter striatus velox (Wilson) Shaip-shinned Hawk Figs. 6, 7; pp. 34, 35 Status: A widely distributed resident of the state preferring wooded areas along canyon and valley streams. Since this is a 62 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No.l hawk of more or less dense woodlands, it seems to be more likely to survive than those species living in more open habitats. Records: Early ornidiologists in Utah (Baird 1852:314; Remy 1860[2] :449; Hen- shaw 1875:417; Ridgway 1877:375) re- corded and collected the Sharp-shinned Hawk, and all regarded it as common when white men first settled in the area. Many collections have been made and are now in the museums of the state institutions. Many sets of eggs have been collected, indicating that the nesting season ranges from late April through June, which is somewhat later than most raptors of the area. Piatt (1976:102-103) reported that Utah Sharp- shinned Hawks appeared at the nest site up to four weeks before egg laying. Nest- ing occurs 15-20 days earlier in Washing- ton County than in Cache County, 350 miles to the north. Accipiter cooperii (Bonaparte) Cooper's Hawk Status: A fairly common summer resi- dent in Utah being more common in mi- gration and sparse in winter. Like the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk tends to prefer wooded areas as a habitat. Records: This species was first noted in Utah by Ridgway (1877:375), who regarded it as an uncommon breeding species in 1869. Henshaw (1874:10) indicated that it was not common but generally distributed and a resident in the state. Many speci- mens are in the collections of the various institutions of the state and elsewhere. There are numerous accounts of nesting, mostly for late May and June. Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin) Red-tailed Hawk Figs. 9, 10; pp. 37, 38 Status: A permanent resident through- out the state. It is adapted to a wide range of habitats and is found in deserts, moun- tains, and populated valleys. It may nest either on cliff ledges or in tall trees. Records: Baird (1852:314) listed a speci- men near Great Salt Lake in 1850. Red- tailed Hawks were obseived or collected by Remy (1860 [2] :450) in 1855, and Ridgway (1877:375, 582-584) found them nesting in the Wasatch Mountains in 1869. Reference was made to them by Stevenson (1872:462), Allen (1872b:170), Nelson (1875:347), Hen- shaw (1875:424), and others. Specimens col- lected early in Utah are in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy and in the American Museum. Many newer collection records of birds and eggs have been made in recent years from eveiy county of the state. Subspecies: The Utah population of the Red-tailed Hawk has usually been assigned to the subspecies B. j. calurus. The race B. j. kriderii has been reported by Parker and Johnson (1899?). Porter and Bushman (19.56:152) recorded two collections of diis subspecies: one immature male from Wil- lard Bay, Box Elder County, 15 October 1951, and an immature at King's Pasture, Garfield County, 24 August 1953. These specimens were verified by Herbert Fried- mann. Recently Behle, C. White, and G. Kashin published sight records of two more birds (Utah Audubon News 1962:32) west of Delta, Millard County, 25 May 1962, and at Memory Grove, Salt Lake City, 30 May 1962. Twomey (1942:378) collected speci- mens in Uintah County which he identified as belonging to die race B.j.fuertesi. How- ever, some doubt exists as to the accuracy of this identification (Behle 1944a:71). A specimen of B. j. harlani in the University of Utah collection (no. 20931) was taken at the Lorin Peck farm, six miles west of Delta, Millard Count)', 4 November 1967 (Worthen 1968:172; ' 1973a:79). Wauer (Snider 1966:447) reported sighting a har- lani at St. George, Washington County, from 22 January to 4 March 1966. Buteo lineatus lineatus (Gmelin) Red-shouldered Hawk Status: Of accidental or casual occur- rence in Utah. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 63 Records: Knowlton and Hannston (1943: 589) took a specimen at Elgin, Grand Coun- ty, 28 September 1939. It seems, however, that die specimen was not saved (Behle let- ter). Kashin (1963a:16) reported seeing one in Parlev's Canyon, Salt Lake County, 10 Febmaiy 1963. Murie (Scott 1965:567) reported that one was seen regularly at Cedar City, Iron County, from 8 August to September 1965. Buteo swainsoni Bonaparte Swainson's Hawk Fig. 8, p. 36 Status: A summer and possibly an occa- sional winter resident throughout the state. It occurs both in valleys and at lower eleva- tions in the mountains. Its numbers have declined recently because of heavy perse- cution. Records: A specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History was taken in the Wasatch Mountains in 1868. Ridgway (1877:584) found it nesting abundantly in oaks and aspens around Parley's Park, Sum- mit County, and in the nearby valley. He reported that these hawks in the valley were feeding on Mormon Crickets and grass- hoppers (1877:586-587). Numerous speci- mens of birds as well as their eggs are in the collections of the institutions of tlie state and elsewhere. A sight record by Gleb Kashin for Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 14 December 1960, indicated tliat it may occasionally remain in Utah through- out the winter (Scott 1961:348). Buteo lagopus sanctijohannis (Gmelin) Rough-legged Hawk Status: A rather common migrant and winter resident in the state. Reports by some early naturalists (Henshaw 1875:426; Ridgway 1877:375) stating that it was pres- ent in summer may have resulted from mis- identification since there are, to our knowl- edge, no nesting records or specimens taken in summer. Records: Henshaw (1875:426) found it to be common around Utah Lake in late November and early December 1872 when he and Yarrow collected 11 specimens. Bailey collected and found this hawk to be common in St. George, Washington County, in late December 1888 (specimens in U.S. National Museum of Natural History). Numerous specimens taken in more recent years are in the collections at Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah. Buteo regalis (Gray) Ferruginous Hawk Fig. 11, p. 39 Status: A widely distributed species in the state but found mainly in open desert country. It is primarily a summer resident with only a few records for winter months. Records: McCarthy, of Simpson's ex- pedition, collected a bird, its nest, and eggs on 3 May 1859 in Rush Valley, Tooele County, and another on the same day at Camp Floyd, Utah County (Baird 1876: 377). The species is still fairly common in these desert valleys. Weston (Murphy et al. 1969:25-34) during 1967-68 studied the nesting ecology of diis species in west cen- tral Utah. There have been numerous col- lection records of birds and eggs in more recent years. Nests may be built in low trees, especially junipers, on ledges and rock pinnacles, on mounds, or on level ground (Weston and Ellis 1968:111). ButeogaUus anthracinus anthracinus (Deppe) Black Hawk Status: A rare nesting bird in southern Utah, known to occur in the state since 1962. Records: Carter and Wauer (1965:82-83) first found this hawk nesting near Spring- dale, Washington County, in early May 1962. The hawks were seen in the vicinity of two nests located in cottonwood trees. 64 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 However, on 13 May 1963 a bird was seen on one of these nests, although the final outcome of the nesting was not determined at that time. Photos of the birds were taken for positive identification. Wauer and Russell (1967:420) reported seeing die mating of a pair of Black Hawks on 8 May 1964 at Beaver Dam, Arizona, and later in the summer (August 25) found a single juvenile, indicating that nesting had been successful. They also recorded a single adult bird seen near Hurricane, Washington County, 27 June 1965. Wauer (1969:331) collected a specimen at Wash- Fig. 19. Spotted Sandpiper. Pigeon Lake, Bayfield County, Wisconsi Porter. no date. Photo by R. D. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 65 ington, Washington County, 21 April 1966. Tliis is the first collected specimen for the state and is found in the museum collection at Zion National Park, Washington County. Northward movement of diis species is evi- denced by a sight record at Capitol Reef National Monument, Wayne County, in the fall of 1971 (Kingeiy 1972:96). Acjuila chrysaetos (Linnaeus) Golden Eagle Fig. 14, p. 49 Status: A resident bird throughout its breeding range mainly in rugged country. It usually nests on cliffs but sometimes in trees or even on flat ground. This is a steadily declining species because of perse- cution and probably the effects of insecti- cide and poisonous baits. (Ellis et al. 1969: 165-167). Records: All of the early naturalists re- ported the eagle in the state (Remy 1860 [2] : 222; Ridgway 1875:34, 1877:375; Allen 1872b: 170; Henshaw 1875:426; Bailey field notes). Numerous specimens are in collec- tions of the various institutions of die state and elsewhere. There are many records of nests and eggs from almost every county. Recently Camenzind (Muiphy et al. 1969: 4-15) discussed die nesting ecology and be- havior of the Golden Eagle in west central Utah. Halicieetus leucocephalus (Linnaeqs) Bald Eagle Status: A fairly common winter resident in Utah. Early observations indicate that the Bald Eagle also nested in some numbers in foniier times. Breeding records at die present time are not well confirmed. Records: Allen (1872b: 170) reported that the Bald Eagle was more or less frequent around Ogden, Weber County, in early fall of 1871. Henshaw (1875:427^ and Yarrow found it regularly visiting Utah Lake, Utah County, for fish and assumed that it nested in nearby mountains. Bailey (field notes) found it near Provo, Utah County, and in Sevier, Kane, and Garfield counties in die winter of 1888. He also saw it in late June at Fairfield, Utah County, in 1890. Most of the nesting records are from the notes of Treganza who observed nesting sites at Upper Provo River, Wasatch County, 1 May 1914; head of Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake County, 15 May 1918; Low Pass, Tooele County, 15 March 1922; and Mt. Baldy, Summit County, 1 April 1922. Tlie first nest contained almost fully fledged young. Apparently no egg sets were taken by Treganza. Wolfe (1928:97) made refer- ence to a nest east of Alpine, Utah County. A nesting site has been reported near Bick- nell, Wayne County (Hayward 1967:23). Large concentrations of Bald Eagles are common in several localities in the state during the winter. Scott (1957:284) re- ported a peak of 120 birds at Bear River Mi- gratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 3 March 1957, and Murie (1963:46) counted 18 in the area around Parowan, Iron County, during the winter of 1962-63. The population dynamics of diis species and the Golden Eagle in the Great Basin have been studied by Edwards (1969:1-142). Subspecies: The Bald Eagles of Utah have been considered to be of the larger northern race, H. I. alascanus (AOU Check- list 1957:114), although the Check-list (113- 114) indicates that the southern race H. I. leucocephalus may have foiTnerly bred in Utah. It is presumed that the birds winter- ing in the state are migrants from the north, but there is no confinned evidence of this. Two female specimens in the Brigham Young University collection, taken in Utah County in December and January, have wing measurements of 606 mm and 620 mm — well within the size range of the northern race. Circus cyaneus hudsonius (Linnaeus) Marsh Hawk Fig. 15, p. 52 Status: A common summer resident GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No.l usually found around marshy areas in the lower valleys but sometimes feeding over mountain meadows and in desert country. Behle (1960a:25) observed one flying over the crest of the Abajo mountains near Cooley Pass, San Juan County, 24 August 1956, at an elevation of about 10,350 feet. Pri- marily a migrant species, although a few re- main in lower valleys throughout the win- ter. Records: All the early ornithologists who visited Utah soon after its settlement by the Mormons recorded the Marsh Hawk as being common to abundant, particularly in the Salt Lake and Utah Lake valleys. However, it is found in many localities throughout the state: near Yost, Box Elder County, 7 September 1932 (Behle 1958:16); St. George, Washington County, 25 March 1934 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:98); along the Green River, Uintah County, summer 1937 (Twomey 1942:381); Fish Springs, Juab County, 23 June 1946 (Behle 1955:18); south of Kanab, Kane County, 20 May 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:45). There are numerous nesting records. spring 1926 (reported by Cottam); mouth of Provo River, Utah County, 23 April 1927 (killed by a hunter); Murray Fish Hatchery, Salt Lake County, 15 October 1927; Ogden, Weber County, 1 May 1930 (taken by a hunter); two miles south of Gunlock, Wash- ington County, 23 April 1945 (specimen in Dixie College collection). Numerous sight records are available from various parts of Utah. One was seen by Hayward at Lin- coln Beach, Utah County, several times in spring of 1969. All nesting records have been from mountain areas where there are lakes or reservoirs. The birds have nested at Fish Lake, Sevier County, as reported by Wolfe (field notes), Cottam (field notes), and Bee and Hutchings (1942:67). Nesting records from Summit, Wasatch, and Duchesne counties were reported by Hay- ward (1931:151), Twomey (1942:382), and Bee and Hutchings (1942:67). All of the nesting sites were in tall trees. Kingery (1973:644) saw one at Zion National Park, Washington County, in late March 1973. Family Falconidae Family Pandionidae Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmelin) Osprey Status: Formerly a sparse but regular summer resident in Utah; now greatly re- duced in numbers and considered to be rare and endangered. Records: Early notations by Allen (1872b:170) and Henshaw (1874:10) indi- cate that the Osprey was present around the marshes of Great Salt Lake in the early days of settlement. Henshaw said it was rare at Utah Lake, while Allen stated that it was common in summer near Great Salt Lake. A few specimens have been taken within the state as follows: mouth of Weber River, Weber County, 13 October 1914 (Wetmore); Maple Creek Trout Hatchery, Mantua, Box Elder County, 25 April 1925; Springville Fish Hatchery, Utah County, Falco mexicanus Schlegel Prairie Falcon Status: Formerly considered to be com- mon in Utah but lately becoming increas- ingly more rare. It is a permanent resident found at all elevations but more commonly in the lower canyons and valleys. Records: Some of the early naturalists (Henshaw 1875:410-411; Ridgway 1877: ;368, 375, 577; Fisher 1893:39) recognized the Prairie Falcon as a rather common species in the state. Hayward (field notes) recorded it frequently in the Utah Valley area and westward. Nesting pairs occurred on cliffs in most of the canyons along the Wasatch Front in the 1930s and 1940s. Brigham Young University collection con- tains the following specimens from Utah: Utah Lake, Utah County, 18 November 1932; St. George, Washington County, 30 September 1934 and 3 November 1935; Lost 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 67 iM:K^M\^S/'% Fig. 20. Black-necked Stilt. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, spring 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter md R. J. Erwin. Lake, Uinta Mountains, Summit County, 29 August 1940. There are numerous rec- ords of nesting throughout the state. Re- cently Porter and White (1973:1-74) have discussed competition between tlie Prairie Falcon and Peregrine Falcon in Utah. Falco peregrinus Tunstall Peregrine Falcon Fig. 12, p. 42 Status: The Peregrine Falcon, or Duck Hawk as it has sometimes been called, is a sparse permanent resident in the state, especially in areas near marshlands. It has been greatly reduced in numbers here as elsewhere in recent years and is in grave danger of extermination. Records: Some of the early investigators in the state considered this falcon to be rather common (Allen 1872b: 170; Henshaw 1874:9). Neither Ridgway nor Merriam en- countered it. Specimens from Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, are in the col- lections of the U.S. National Museum of Natural History and Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. The University of Utah collection contains specimens from near Bountiful, Davis County, and from near Salt Lake City and elsewhere. Bent (1938:67) reported that a specimen banded at King's Point, Yukon, Canada, 30 July 1924, was shot at Duchesne, Duchesne County, 20 February 1925. A specimen taken west of Utah Lake 2 August 1935 was mounted by John Hutchings of Lehi. A specimen in the Louis B. Bishop collection was taken at Cedar City, Iron County, 12 May 1936. Specimens in the Royal On- tario Museum (Canada) and the Carnegie Museum were taken in the Uinta Basin. Wolfe (1928:101) collected a specimen at St. George, Washington County, and there is a specimen in tlie Zion Park Museum from Zion Canyon, Washington County, 16 July 1939. Nesting sites have been reported from Box Elder County (Treganza letter); Weber County (Dee Porter); Tooele County (Wolfe letter 30 June 1930); Utah County (Johnson 1899b :45; Bee and Hutchings 1942:67-68); Clear Lake Reflige, Millard County (Gunther and Nelson field notes); and Uintah County (Twomey 1942:383- 384). Porter and White (1973:1-74) have listed numerous specimens and nesting rec- ords for the state and have discussed the ecology of the species in detail. Subspecies: The systematics of the Pere- grine Falcon has been treated by White (1968:1-195). It appears that both F. p. anatum and F. p. tundrius have been taken in Utah during the winter months. 68 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Falco columbarius Linnaeus Merlin (Pigeon Hawk) Status: A sparse resident of Utah breed- ing in scattered areas in the mountains. There is some migration of at least three races through the state, and a few winter in the area. It seems that no specimens of breeding birds have been taken, and the race nesting in the state is unknown. Records: There are a few records of Pigeon Hawks having been collected in Utah in the early days of settlement. Stev- enson (1872:462) reported a specimen taken on Green River in early October 1871 by the Hayden Expedition. Allen (1872b:170) regarded it as being moderately frequent around Ogden, Weber County, in 1871, and took one specimen at West Weber, Weber Count)', 16 September, and another at Ogden, 4 October. A specimen was taken near Minersville, Beaver County, 12 Decem- ber 1934, and reported by Stanford. An- other was taken by Ralph Hafen, 11 Decem- ber 1939, near St. George, Washington County (Hardy and Higgins 1940:98). Behle et al. (1964:451) published an account of a specimen shot in the Salt Lake City Ceme- tery, Salt Lake County, 9 March 1937, and another collected at the Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, 1 Febmary 1954. Both are now in the collection of the University of Utah. Porter and Knight (1952:84-85) recorded specimens taken at Plymouth, Box Elder County, Februaiy 1948, and Ogden, Weber County (both in Weber State College col- lection). There are two specimens in the Brigham Young University collection taken in Utah. One was collected at St. George, Washington County, 21 December 1926, and the other at Provo, Utah County, 26 January 1964. Both are females. Sets of eggs are known to have been col- lected in Utah. Wolfe (1946:97) referred to a set of eggs in the ]. P. Morris collection taken in the Wasatch Mountains, 29 May 1868. These eggs were collected by Ricken- secker and are now in the collection of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology. Another set taken by Rickensecker in 1869 in the Wasatch Mountains is in the U.S. National Museum collection. Subspecies: It seems that three or four subspecies may appear in the Utah popula- tion. A specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy listed by Coues (1874:348) as having been taken in Box Elder Creek, Utah, was placed in the sub- species F. c. richardsonii. A specimen in the Brigham Young University collection taken at St. George, Washington County, was identified by H. C. Oberholser as columbarius. However, the latter specimen seems to be definitely of the race F. c. rich- ardsonii, according to Freidman's key (1950:619). The specimen mentioned above collected in the Salt Lake Cemetery is of the race columbarius. The race F. c. suck- leiji is a winter visitor in Utah. The pre- viously mentioned specimen taken at the Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, and those reported by Porter and Knight (1952:84-85) for Plymouth, Box Elder County, and Og- den, Weber County, are of this race. A female specimen in the Brigham Young Uni- versity collection taken at Provo, 26 Janu- aiy 1964, is also suckletji. F. c. bendirei has been assumed to be the race breeding in Utah (Behle 1943a:24), but there seems to be no positive proof of this. Hardy and Higgins (1940:98) recorded a specimen of bendirei collected at St. George, 11 Decem- ber 1939. Falco sparverius sparverius Linnaeus American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk) Figs. 13, 16, 24; pp. 43, 55, 78 Status: A pennanent resident in Utah but less common in tlie northern part of the state during winter. This falcon seems to maintain its population somewhat better than most of tlie other birds of prey. Owing perhaps to its small size, it is less con- spicuous and is persecuted less frequently by man than are most of its larger relatives. Records: All of the early writers on Utah ornithology commented on tlie great abun- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 69 dance of this small species in the state (Allen 1872b: 170; Henshaw 1875:414; Ridg- wav 1877:578-580; and others). It has been obsened and collected from many localities throughout the state. Recently Smith et al. (1972a:73-83) studied the ecology of this species in central Utah. Family Tetraonidae Dendragapus obscums (Say) Blue Grouse Status: Fonnerly a common grouse in the higher mountain ranges of the state. Now, as a result of hunting pressure and livestock grazing, it is reduced in numbers. It ranges in altitude from the foothills to timberline but is perhaps most character- istic of coniferous forests where there is an abundance of wild berries on which it feeds. Records: Early obsewers collected spe- cimens and noted the abundance of Blue Grouse in Utah mountains (Allen 1872b: 170; Henshaw 1875:435-436; Ridgway 1877: 598). Many records of specimens from the major mountainous areas of the state are in collections throughout the countiy. Breed- ing records available are mainly those of broods of young. Sets of eggs on record indicate that nesting begins in mid-May. Subspecies: The subspecies recognized from most areas of the state is D. o. ob- scurus, which is also found in central Wyo- ming, Colorado, parts of northern New Mexico, and Arizona. Behle and Selander (1951b:125-128) have described a paler colored race which they call D. o. oreinus that is found in the Deep Creek Mountains of central western Utah and westward into parts of Nevada. The type specimen was collected by Robert K. Selander and is in the University of Utah Museum of Zoology, no. 10779. It was collected three miles north of the Queen of Sheba mine, west side of Deep Creek Mountains, 7,500 feet eleva- tion, Juab County, 23 April 1950. Bonasa umbeUus incana Aldrich and Friedmann Ruffed Grouse Status: The Ruffed Grouse was former- ly rather common at lower elevations in northern Utah at least as far soutli as San- pete County. It is an inhabitant of brushy canyons and aspen forests where there are frequent open areas and nearby streams. In some localities it has been called the Wil- low Grouse. Records: Fremont (1845:143) was the first to record this species, noting that it was abundant in areas that later became the Utah-Idaho border. It was also recorded by Allen (1872b:171), by Simpson's partv (Baird 1876:380), and by Ridgway (1877: 599). Numerous specimens have been col- lected in more recent years. Sets of eggs are few, but many broods of young have been noted. Mullen (pers. comm.) found a nest containing five eggs in Big Cotton- wood Canyon, Salt Lake County, 22 June 1931. The nest was located under tlie curved base of an aspen. Hayward and Bee (Bee and Hutchings 1942:68) found a nest in identical habitat on Mt. Tim- panogos, Utah County, 17 May 1942, which eventually contained seven eggs by 23 May. Subspecies: The Utah population has been placed in the race B. u. incana (AOU Check-list 1957:129). The type specimen is an adult male, no. 155869, in die U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy, col- lected at Barclay, 15 miles east of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 1 May 1897, by E. A. Preble. Tympaniichus phasianeUus columbianus (Ord) Shaip-tailed Grouse Status: Originally widespread and rather common throughout much of north- ern and central Utah wherever there was a suitable habitat of grassland and sage- brush. Since much of its native habitat vvas taken up for agriculture, it is now restricted 70 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 21. Black-necked Stilt. Ogde and R. J. Erwin. Bay, Weber County, Utah, spring 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter to a few areas in the northern part of the state. Records: These grouse were reported by early naturahsts for the Salt Lake and Ogden areas as well as for Utah Valley (Allen 1872b:170; Henshaw 1874:10; Nel- son 1875:347; Ridgway 1877:599; Bailey field notes; Osgood field notes). There are few specimens in the museums of the state. The Museum of Comparative Zoology has one taken in Weber County, 26 September 1871; specimens were collected near Blue Spring Hill in Box Elder County, 17 August to 5 September 1928; specimens in the col- lection of the Colorado Natural Histoiy Museum were taken near Tremonton, Box Elder County, 28 May and 7 June 1929; a specimen collected three miles west of Huntsville, Weber County, 24 March 1940, is in the University of Utah collection. Nest- ing records are very scarce. A set of nine eggs collected by Aldous (now in the Daynes collection) was taken in Davis County, 20 May 1917. Hayward (field notes), while living and hunting in Bear Lake Valley during the 1920s, found the Sharp-tailed Grouse, or Prairie Chicken as it was locally called, common on die foot- hills and sometimes along die valley streams on the west side of the valley. The birds inhabited the parkland country and usually sought groves of aspens or tall shrubs around springs, especially in winter. They often fed in autumn in diy farm grain fields and were nearly as common as the sage grouse. In those days it was not uncommon for a hunter to take Sage Grouse, Blue Grouse, and Sharp-tailed Grouse in the same gen- eral locality. Low and Gaufin (1946:180) reported a flock of 23 east of Providence, Cache County, 22 March 1946. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 71 Centrocercus urophasiamis urophasianus (Bonaparte) Sage Grouse Status: Originally widespread and very eommon throughout the state wherever sagebrush or mixed grasslands and sage- brush were prevalent. Since much of the original habitat has been taken up by agri- culture, tlie grouse have been restricted to rangelands but have been able to survive under reduced hunting pressure and con- sei"vation measures. Records: All the early naturalists who visited die area mentioned tlie abundance of Sage Grouse even in places near settle- ments (Baird 1852:319; Remy 1860 [2] :450; Merriam 1873:699; Ridgway 1877:368, 375, 600). There are many collected specimens in local museums and others throughout the countiy. At the present time their prin- cipal habitat is sagebrush communities where there are small streams or springs. In 1970 hunters obtained 15,877 birds, and in 1971 this species provided 20,013 indi- viduals for hunters (State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 1972:19). Family Phasianidae Colinus virginianus (Linnaeus) Bobwhite Status: The Bobwhite, at times referred to as the Eastern Partridge, is not a native to Utah but has been introduced into the state several times and in a variety of lo- calities. According to Allen ( 1872a :395), this quail was introduced into Utah around Ogden prior to 1871 and for a time gave promise of multiplying rapidly and becom- ing thoroughly naturalized. Henshaw (1875:439) found them near Provo and stated that "everything would seem to indicate their rapid increase. In July, the call notes of males were frequently heard, and a number of coveys were seen here in the fall near the thickets and hedges." Wyman (1889:123) and Bent (1932:31) both referred to this early introduction into Utah. Birds resulting from these early plantings soon died out under pressure from hunters and had mostly disappeared by about 1900. In more recent years the Bobwhite has been introduced into Utah several times. They were planted near Moab, Grand County, in 1915; near Vernal, Uintah County, in 1930; at Jensen, Uintah County, in 1935; and near Richfield, Sevier County, in 1938 (in- formation from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources). Plants were also made near Deweyville and Brigham City, both in Box Elder County, in 1947, and also near Grantsville, Tooele County, in 1946. Most, if not all, of these birds have disappeared, and fiuther introductions seem unjustifi- able. Lophortijx californicus (Shaw) California Quail Status: The California Quail, also called the Valley Quail or California Partridge, is not native to Utah but was introduced a short time before 10 November 1869 by General Gibbon who was stationed at Camp (now Fort) Douglas. He brought to Utah 14 pair of quail and liberated them in the Salt Lake Valley for the express purpose of propagating them (Deseret Evening News 1869:3). During die 1870s and 1880s several more introductions were made, mostly in the northern and central valleys of the state. (Popov 1949:138-143). The birds survive best in city parks and in agricultural areas and adjacent foothills where there are ample shrubs or thickets for cover. Under limited hunting diese quail survive rather well in the central and northern counties of the state. Records: Early collectors in Utah, in- cluding Ridgway, Merriam, Nelson, and Henshaw, did not report this quail since it had not become widespread in their time. Specimens were recorded in the Deseret Museum Catalogue in 1892, and a pair of birds taken at Ogden, Weber County, in 1883, are in the Colorado Natural History Museum. In more recent 72 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 years numerous specimens have been as- sembled in tlie several collections witliin the state and elsewhere. Subspecies: Since numerous introduc- tions of this quail have been made with stock from several areas, the subspecies in the Utah population are ill defined. It seems that the first introductions were of the subspecies brunnescens, a native of the more humid western coast. This olive brown and darker race seemingly did not survive in the diy interior, but the Colorado Museum specimens taken at Ogden in 1883 appear to be of this subspecies. The present Utah population seems to resemble more closely the race L. c. californicus. Lophortyx gamhelii Gambel Gambel's Quail Status: Gambel's Quail is a native in- habitant of the warmer deserts in the Colo- rado and Virgin River drainage areas of southern Utah. It is known to occur as far north as Wayne County (Grater field notes), and Porter (1954:362) has reported it from Green River, Emery County. It has adapted rather well to human settlements and often feeds in grain fields. Records: Yarrow and Henshaw (Hen- shaw 1875:440-441) collected this quail along the Virgin River in October 1872 and reported that it lived near settlements. They stated that flocks of 100 were not in- frequent. Vernon Bailey (field notes) found it to be common in the same area in Janu- aiy 1889. Numerous collections and obser- vations are on record for more recent years. Subspecies: In some of the earlier litera- ture (Woodbury et al. 1949:11) the popula- tion of the Virgin River and north to Wayne County was assigned to the race L. g. gam- helii, and the birds of southeastern Utah, especially in the Moab area, were assigned to the western Colorado subspecies L. g. sanus. Behle (1960b:16-17) considered the birds in the extreme southwestern part of Utah to be L. g. gambelii, although atypical. Specimens from the Kanab, Kane County, and Moab, Grand County, areas appear to be L. g. sanus, according to Behle's account; however, Phillips (1958:;365) placed the race sanus in synonymy under L. g. gam- belii. Phasianiis colchicus Linnaeus Ring-necked Pheasant Status: The first pheasants were intro- duced into Utah near Salt Lake City by M. H. Walker about 1890 (Popov 1949: 144-153). Twomey (1942:388) wrote diat they were also released in the Uinta Basin in 1900. The birds seemed to thrive well, and several eggs were taken in Salt Lake County as early as 1899 and 1904. In 1922 the State Division of Wildlife Resources established a pheasant faiTn in Springville, Utah County, and has since released many hundreds of birds into all the agricultural areas of the state. While pheasants occur more abun- dantly around fann and pasture lands, they have also spread into foothill areas, par- ticularly along the Wasatch Front. During 1970 and 1971 hunters obtained over 250,000 birds each year (State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 1972:19). Records: Collections have been made in nearly all counties in the state. However, both collection and sight records would indicate that pheasants are more numer- ous in tlie Great Basin (especially in settle- ments along the Wasatch Front) and in die Uinta Basin, owing to the greater extent of irrigated farmlands in those areas. Subspecies: The AOU Check-list (1957: 146) does not assign subspecific names to the North American stock, inasmuch as the birds have been introduced from England as well as from their native Asia where there are some 30 races. Several of these races have been introduced and have inter- mingled to the extent that the present-day population in America cannot be sub- specifically identified. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 73 Alec tor is cliukar (Gray) Chukar Status: A native of southern Europe and Asia, the Chukar or Chukar Partridge has now been successfully introduced into many localities in the western United States in- cluding Utah. The first birds were appar- ently released in Box Elder County in March 1936 (Popov 1949:126-131). Since that time, many releases have been made and the species has become established in semidesert countiy throughout the state. Thev seem to sui^vive well under seasonal hunting. In 1970 hunters harvested .56,053 Chukars and in 1971, 61,151 were taken (State of Utah Division of Wildlife Re- sources 1972:19). The largest harvest came from Box Elder, Utah, Cache, Tooele, and Morgan counties. The Chuckar adapts well to native desert countiy and is not so dependent on agricultural lands for sur- vival. Records: Collections of specimens have been made from many parts of tlie state. The Brigham Young University collection contains one specimen from Dog \'alley, Juab County, 23 November 1956; diree from Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 15 April 1958; and one from Sterling, Sanpete County, 15 November 1958. Subspecies: According to die AOU Check-list (1957:147), there are over 20 geographic races of the Chukar in its native range. Several of these have been intro- duced into the United States, and the sub- specific status of the present population is uncertain. Pcrdix perdix perdix (Linnaeus) Gray Partridge Status: The Gray Partridge, also called Hungarian Partridge, is native to northern and central Europe and Asia. Porter (1955: 93-109) has reviewed the status of this species in Utah. One hundred twenty birds were introduced from Canadian stock in the spring of 1912 and distributed to seven counties in Utah. In 1923 an additional 400 birds were released. By 1940 all intro- ductions were considered unsuccessful. Fig. 22. Wilson's Phalarope. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, 20 June 1961. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 74 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 However, populations are established in Rich, Box Elder, Tooele, and Juab counties. These individuals are believed to have spread from the neighboring states of Idaho and Nevada where introductions have been successful. The State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (1972:19) reported 9,407 Hungarian Partridges harvested in 1971. Family Meleagrididae Meleagris gallopavo merriami Nelson Turkey Status: Whether or not the Turkey oc- curred natively in Utah is questionable. If it did, it most likely lived in the mountains of the southeastern part of the state. There is evidence that it was native in some of the counties of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico adjoining Utah (Hayward 1967:26). Turkey bones and feathers have been found in cliff dwellings (Hargrave 1939:208; Shroeder 1955:159; Sharrock and Keene 1962:62; Sharrock 1966:77-78, 80, 82), but these could have been domesticated birds or else birds brought into the area from elsewhere. Many introductions of wild stock have been made in various parts of the state. A number of introductions from eastern stock were made between 1925 and 1948 as follows: Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, 1925; east of Milford, Beaver County, 1936, 1938, 1939-1941; Iron County, 1941; Washington County, 1942; south fork of Provo River, Utah County, 1943, 1948. Apparently none of these intro- ductions was successful for any great length of time (Popov 1949:154-160). Behle (1960a:26-27) gave an account of its intro- duction into the La Sal, Abajo and Henry mountains by the State Division of Wild- life Resources beginning in 1953. Worthen (1968:193) has furnished information re- garding the release of turkeys west of Mil- ford in 1936 and mentioned several scat- tered records from the Tushar Mountains, Beaver and Piute counties. Populations have also been established on Boulder Mountain, Garfield County, and near East Zion, Kane County, and Beaver Mountain, Beaver County. These plantings have been successful to the point where limited hunt- ing is now allowed. Eighty-six birds were harvested in 1971 (State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 1972:19). Family Gruidae Grus canadensis (Linnaeus) Sandhill Crane Status: Formerly a common summer resident in northern Utah (Baird 1852: 319; Remy 1860 [2] :450; Ridgway 1877:364, 376) but now a regular though uncommon migrant. John Hutchings (Bee and Hutch- ings 1942:69) saw an adult with young near Lehi, Utah County, in the summer of 1939. A party consisting of R. G. Bee, James Bee, and C. L. Hayward found a nest at Fish Springs, Juab County, 3 May 1946. As many as five birds were seen together at that time in the Fish Springs area (Bee and Hutchings 1942:68-69). Within the last five years nesting has occurred on the Strawberry River, Wasatch County. In June 1969 a nest was destroyed by cattle in this area, but the two eggs were saved. The Utah State Division of Wildlife Resources donated one egg to the University of Utah and the other to Brigham Young University. In recent years the Sandhill Crane has be- come well established as a migrant and breeding species along the Bear River and in nearby marshlands of Bear Lake Valley. Although this valley lies partly in Utah, it is doubtful if any nesting takes place in the state, owing to lack of extensive marsh- lands in that part of the valley lying in Utah. However, nesting birds should be looked for along the Bear River in Rich County in the vicinity of Woodruff and Randolph. Bear Lake Valley has always been a favored migration route for the Sand- hill Crane, and some birds have no doubt nested there rather consistently for many years. Hayward, who was bom and raised 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 75 in that area, recalls as a small boy seeing and hearing cranes frequently in spring and foil and remembers that they were some- times shot for food. When he made a rather extensive study of the birds of the valley (approximately 19271930), a few Sand- hills were seen in the valley throughout the summer, but no nests were actually found. However, at that time they were not nearly as common as they have been in the last 10 vears. Records: Most of the records in print are apparently sight records, many of which have been puljlished. Two speci- mens taken by the Stansbuiy party in Salt Lake County in 1849-50 are in die U.S. National Museum of Natural History. These are probably the same birds that Baird (1858:654) mentions. Yarrow saw birds of this species at Fish Springs in August 1872 (Henshaw 1875:467). A set of two eggs un- dated, in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History, is labeled "Simpson Lake Charles McCarthy Exp. in Utah." A mounted specimen, taken by John Hutch- ings at Lehi, Utah County, in March 1936, is in the Brigham Young University collec- tion. Sugden (1938:18 22) summarized die known records of diis species in Utah and southern Idaho. While there have been several nesting records mentioned over the years, there are apparently few actual sets of eggs available. A set of two eggs taken near Utah Lake was brought to Johnson, 3 May 1900 (Johnson's Journal). Two sets of two eggs each are in the Brigham Young University collection, taken 4 May 1940 and 2 May 1946 at Fish Springs, Juab Coun- ty. The Sandhill Crane has been obsei-ved in southern Utah at the junction of die Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers, Washington County, 9 April 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:98), and in the northwestern part of the state, two miles south of Lynn Reser- voir, Box Elder County, 20 June 19,56 (Behle 1958:18). Subspecies: It appears from the infoniia- tion available that the race G. c. tabida is the common migrant and breeding bird in Utah. However, an unknown number of G. c. canadensis, a smaller subspecies some- times called the Little Brown Crane, ap- pear as transients. The mounted specimen cited above in the Brigham Young Univer- sity collection from Lehi, Utah County, taken in March 1936, is of this smaller race. The measurements of this specimen are culnien 93 mm, tarsus 189 mm, and wing 452 mm. Family Rallidae Rallus limicola limicola Vieillot Virgina Rail Status: A breeder, migrant, and regular winter resident in marshlands throughout the state wherever such habitats occur. Records: All of the early collectors ob- tained specimens or reported this rail in Utah. Ridgway (1877:369) in 1869 found it near Salt Lake City; Henshaw (1875:468) recorded it from nearly all areas of the state visited by him in 1872; Rowley (collection of American Museum of Natural Histoiy) took a specimen at Bluff, San Juan County, 14 May 1892. Many specimens have been collected in recent years. Specimens at Brigham Young University from Utah are as follows: near Utah Lake, Utah County, 24 December 1927, 17 May 1934, and 12 October 1955; one specimen found dead on Brigham Young University campus, Utah County, 15 December 1958; Myton, Du- chesne County, 27 December 1958. There are also numerous nesting records, includ- ing several for soudiern Utah (Hardy and Higgins 1940:98; Wauer 1969:331). Sets of eggs have been taken as earlv as 20 April and as late at 10 June, but most of the records are for May. Porzana Carolina (Linnaeus) Sora Status: The Sora or Sora Rail is a rather common breeding species and migrant in marshy habitats, especially in the more 76 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 northern counties of Utah. Because of its secretive habits, it would appear to be less common than it actually is. Altliough it is primarily a bird of lower valleys, it may occur at higher elevations where there are suitable habitats. It is known to occur sparsely in winter. FIecords: Early records include those of Ridgway (1877:369, 376, 612-613), who found it to be common in the marshes around Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in 1869, and who also collected one at Par- ley's Park, Summit County, 26 July 1869. Allen (1872b: 172) reported it as common near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871, and Henshaw (1875:469) found it in 1872 near ponds and lakes in Utah. Many more recent collections have been made. Specimens in the Brigham Young Univer- sity collection include one from Logan, Cache County, 27 June 1931; two from near Utah Lake, Utah County, 21 April 1928 and 28 September 1943; and one from Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 1 June 1950. One in the University of Utah collection was obtained at Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele County, 26 August 1957. This specimen was far from any water (Behle et al. 1964: 451). Although most of the known breed- ing records are from the northern counties of the state (especially Weber, Salt Lake, Utah, and Wasatch), Hardy and Higgins (1940:98) reported an immature bird taken in Washington County, 19 May 1938. Fig. 23. Black Tern. Rochester, Monroe County, New York, 11 July 1967. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 77 Porphijnila martinica (Linnaeus) Puiple Gallinule Status: The Pui-ple Gallinule occurs only accidentally in Utah. Records: A mounted female specimen in the collection of the University of Utah was taken at Haynes Lake, about 12 miles south of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 23 November 1924 '(Sugden 1925:210). There is also one sight record from Salt Creek Canyon about 4 miles east of Nephi, Juab County, 10 July 1939 (Woodbuiy et al. 1949:12). Gallinula chloropus cachinnans Bangs Common Gallinule April and May 1969, and one bird in the same area in May 1970. On 10 May 1969 two of the birds were seen fighting in a small area of open water in the otherwise dense growth of cattails and tules. The males would periodically display witli the tail raised to show conspicuously the white under-tail coverts. Not wishing to disturb the birds, Hayward conducted no svstematic search for a nest, but the fighting and dis- play of the males and the persistence of the birds in the area strongly support the pos- sibility of nesting. Winter records for north- ern Utah are reported by Beall (1974:487) at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 17 December 1973, and by Kingeiy (1975:721) at the same location in Januaiy and early Febmaiy 1975. Status: This species occurs only casually in Utah, but there is some evidence that it may occasionally nest in the state. Records: A single bird was obsewed and studied closely with field glasses at the Ogden Bay Bird Refuge, Weber County, 24 June 1947 (Cottam and Low 1948:459). Wauer (1963:263) first reported this species in southern Utah at St. George, Washington County, 29 December 1962. Nine were counted in the same locality on 19 Decem- ber 1963 (Wauer 1964:292) and one at St. George on 12 March 1964 (Snider 1964: 377). Fledglings were observed on 9 July 1964 near Washington, Washington County (Snider 1964:527), and on 1, 17, and 2r Aug- ust 1965. Juveniles were observed, an indi- cation that it is a breeding bird in southern Utah (Wauer and Russell 1967:421). A specimen was collected at Washington, 5 May 1966, and is in die collection at Zion National Park, Washington County (Wauer 1969:331). One was obsei-ved at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, spring 1966 (Scott 1966:536). Hayward (field notes) observed three Common Gal- linules, presumably two males and one female, at one time at Powell's Slough, Utah Lake, Utah County, on several dates in Fulica americana americana Gmelin American Coot Status: An abundant breeding species and migrant throughout the state wherever there are ponds, lakes, or marshes. Coots prefer water bodies with open shorelines where they can come out to sun on the beaches but can quickly retreat to the water whenever disturbed. Records: Tlie earliest explorers in the area attest to the abundance of the Coot in Utah. Beckwith's party (Baird 1854:15) took a specimen in 1854 at Salt Lake City, and Simpson (Baird 1876:381) collected one at Camp Floyd, Utah County, west of Utah Lake, 25 March 1859. Henshaw (1875:470) indicated that the lakes and ponds of the state in tlie fall were "fairly covered with the coots." Many collections and observa- tions have been made since that time. Especially in the spring and fall when mi- gration is at its peak, the Coot is by far the most common bird in lakes and ponds. There seems to be no indication that the numbers are diminishing. There are also numerous records of nesting, which takes place in late April and during May. 78 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Family Charadriidae Charadriiis semipalmatus Bonaparte Semipalinated Plover Status: The Semipalmated Plover is a casual migrant in both spring and fall re- ported from several areas in the state. It appears in small numbers often in associa- tion with Killdeer and Snowy Plovers. Records: A specimen from the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, taken 22 April 1916, is in the U.S. National Mu- seum of Natural History. Behle et al. (1964: 451) recorded two specimens collected at Dugway Proving Grounds, Tooele County, 29 April 1961. The Brigham Young Univer- sity collection has two specimens from Peli- can Lake, Uintah County, 23 September 1961 and 29 Septermber 1962. One was obsei^ved by Webster (1947:40) at Harris- ville, Weber County, 6 May 1945. Snider (1966:79) reported that Wauer observed one at St. George, Washington County, 24 August 1965. One was seen at Panguitch, Garfield County, 28 August 1974 (Kingery 1975:94). There have also been several sight records from Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Uintah counties. Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus (Cassin) Snowy Plover Status: This is a rather common sum- mer resident and breeding species on muddy flats or sandy beaches in the central valleys of the state. It seems to be rare in the Uinta Basin and other parts of the Colo- rado River drainage. Records: Ridgway (1877:604) stated. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 79 "This handsome and graceful httle Plover was exceedingly numerous in May on the bare mud-flats around Wanu Springs Lake near Salt Lake City." Numerous collections have been made and sightings recorded of this species, especially in the vicinity of Great Salt Lake and LTtah Lake. They nest regularly at Lincoln Beach at the south end of Utah Lake, Utah County (Hayward field notes). Most of the records of nests are for May, although sets of fresh eggs have been taken as late as 10 June (Sugden collection). An early spring sight record is for Kanab, Kane County, 28 March 1931 (Behle et al. 1958:48). Charadrius vociferiis vociferus Linnaeus Killdeer Status: An abundant summer resident and breeding species throughout the state in nearly all the valleys up to 8,000 feet elevation where there is water. Many birds also migrate through Utah in spring and fall, and a few remain in winter where there are warm springs or small streams that remain open (Webster 1947:40). Nest- ing occurs over a long period from early April to late July; there is some evidence that two broods may be produced. Records: Hundreds of collections and observations of birds and nests are on rec- ord for this abundant and conspicuous species. Charadrius montanus Townsend Mountain Plover Status: The Mountain Plover, which is at home on the higher plains of eastern Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, is only a casual migrant in Utah. Records: In 1872 a few specimens were seen south of Fort Bridger, Wyoming, a few miles north of the Utah border (Nelson 1875:342). Alexander Wetmore (field notes) Fig. 25. American Avocet. Willard Bay, Box Elder County, Utah, 6 May 1973. Photo by R. J. Ei 80 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 saw three birds near the mouth of Weber River, Weber County, 26 August 1915. Van den Akker (1946:246) collected a female 15 miles southwest of Brigham City, Box Elder County, 25 March 1946. This is the first collected record in the state. The speci- men taken at Bear River iMigratory Bird Reflige is in the refuge collection. Scott (1965:501) reported a specimen collected by Wauer near Rockville, Washington County, 29 March 1965. Wauer and Russell (1967:421) listed a specimen taken four miles below Rockville, Washington County, 11 April 1965, and indicated that it is de- posited in the Zion Canyon National Park Museum. Snider (1966:537) reported that Wauer saw two birds of this species at St. George, Washington County, 24 April 1966. migrant through the state from mid-April to early June and from August to mid-October. Records: Several specimens have been collected in the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge area, Box Elder County. One taken by a hunter in the fall of 1908 is on display at the Bear River Gun Club, Box Elder County, and tlie collection of the U.S. Na- tional Museum of Natmal History has six specimens taken by Alexander Wetmore in May 1915 and 1916. The Brigham Young University collection contains 10 specimens as follows: Utah Lake, Utah County, one specimen, 9 May 1936; Pelican Lake, Uintah County, nine specimens, 13 May 1961, 23 September 1961, 18 May 1963, and 1 June 1964. There are also many sight records mostly from Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties. Pluvialis dominica dominica (Miiller) American Golden Plover Status: This is a sparse migrant tlirough Utah in both spring and fall, although fall records are more numerous. Records: A mounted specimen bearing no data was on display at the Bear River Gun Club, Box Elder County; there is also a skin taken 19 September 1932 by Archie V. Hull. Another specimen in the Univer- sity of Utah collection was taken at tlie New State Game Club on 28 October 1939. A specimen at Brigham Young University was collected at Pelican Lake, Uintah Coun- ty, 23 September 1961 (Hayward 1966:305). Several sight records are available. Twomey (1942:390) saw two sizable flocks near Jensen, Uintah County, in May 1937, and a flock of eight at Strawberry Resei^voir, Wasatch County, in August of the same year. Two Golden Plovers were seen with a flock of Black-bellied Plovers at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, by Cot- tam and Williams, 17 September 1941. Pluvialis squatarola (Linneaus) Black-bellied Plover Status: An uncommon although regular Family Scolopacidae Arenaria interpres morinella (Linnaeus) Ruddy Turnstone Status: The Ruddy Turnstone is a rare or casual migrant in Utah. Records: Cottam (1945a:79) recorded the following collection and sight records of this species: Archie Hull collected a male at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 4 August 1930; Hull and V. T. Wilson closely studied two birds in the same area in late May 1932, and diree more in full breeding plumage were seen by Hull at close range on 17 May 1933; E. R. Quostrup saw a Turnstone on Willard Spur just outside of Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refhge, 28 May 1944. Behle and' Perry (1975:17-18) reported sight records from northern Utah marshes, 3 June 1944, 29 April 1962, and 24 August 1973. Capella gallinago delicata (Ord) Common Snipe Fig. 17, p. 58 Status: A common summer resident throughout the lowlands of Utah wherever there are swampy or boggy habitats or i 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 81 even temporary ponds. A tew birds also remain diroughout the winter where there are small running streams or seeps that do not freeze over. Records: All of the early naturalists to visit Utah recorded the Common Snipe or Jacksnipe as an abundant breeding species in the area (Allen 1872b: 171; Nelson 1875: 348; Henshaw 1875:452-453; Ridgway 1877: 376, 606). Numerous birds and sets of eggs have been collected more recently. Most of the breeding records are for May and early June. Numenius americanus Bechstein Long-billed Curlew Fig. 18, p. 61 Status: A fairly common summer resi- dent and migrant in tlie state, especially through the central and more northern val- leys. There are occasional reports of its occurrence in winter (Kashin 1963b :264). Less common in the Colorado River drain- age. This species lives and breeds in higher and drier meadowlands than do many of die shorebirds. Its numbers seem to be gradually diminishing, a result of disturb- ances by man and livestock on its breeding grounds. Records: All of the early explorers and naturalists who visited the state were aware of these large and conspicus birds, and indications are that they were very com- mon (Remy 1860[2] :450; Merriam 1873: 701; Nelson 1875:348; Ridgway 1877:369, 370, 376, 611). Stansbury (Baird 1852:320) was probably the first to collect a specimen (on Antelope Island), but there is evidence that the Mormon pioneers used diem to some extent for food. Simpson (1876:46) on 3 May 1859 recorded that "McCarthy shot a curlew, from which he took, per- fectly formed in the shell, an egg as large as a chicken's." Hundreds of collection records and observations have been pub- ^"We follow Mayr and Short (1970:45-46) and other authors listed by them in merging Actitis and Totanus into Tringa. lished. In past years, when egg collecting was permitted, numerous sets of eggs were taken since they were highly prized by col- lectors. Subspecies: Most of the specimens of curlews known from Utah have been re- ferred to the subspecies N. a. americanus. Oberholser (1918b: 195) placed a specimen from Fillmore, Millard County, under die name N. a. occidentalis, a short-billed sub- species not recognized in the AOU Check- list (1957:180-181). Some specimens from Utah seem to be of die currently recognized short-billed race N. a. parvus, but separa- tion of this form from N. a. americanus seems to be uncertain where age and sex are unknown. It does appear to be certain, however, that the short -billed race is at the most a rare migrant through die state. Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus Latham Whimbrel Status: This is a rare migrant known to pass through Utah in May. Records: Merlin L. Killpack and C. L. Hayward saw a flock of 28 birds at Monte- zuma Creek Reservoir, Uintah County, 18 May 1963. One female was taken from the flock and is now in the collection at Brig- ham Young University (Hayward 1966:305- 306). Scott (1965:501) listed one seen by Dennis M. Forsythe near Logan, Cache County, 7 May 1965. McKnight (Scott 1967: 527-528) observed 10 Whimbrel at Fish Springs, Juab County, 21 May 1967. Tringa^^ macularia Linnaeus Spotted Sandpiper Fig. 19, p. 64 Status: A common summer resident from late April to late September, breeding along the margins of streams, ponds, and lakes throughout the state. It has a wide altitudinal range from 10,000 feet down to 82 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 the lowest elevations. A few individuals remain in the state in winter. Records: Allen (1872b: 171), Henshaw (1874:11), Ridgway (1877:369, 376, 610) and other early naturalists found the Spotted Sandpiper along all the streams and ponds they visited. In more recent years numer- ous collections and observations of both birds and eggs are on record. Nesting of diis species seems to be somewhat later than most of the local shorebirds since the majority of the records are for June and early July. Tringa solitaria Wilson Solitary Sandpiper Status: The Solitary Sandpiper is a casual summ.er resident especially in the Colorado River drainage area of the state where it may nest. Wauer (1969:331) con- sidered it to be a regular migrant in die St. George Basin, Washington County, where it was seen from 8 April to 4 May and from 4 August to 12 September. Records: Early naturalists who visited the state recorded sightings of this Sand- piper in several areas (Allen 1872b: 171; Nelson 1875:345; Henshaw 1875:459; Ridg- way 1877:376, 610). In more recent years the following collections have been made: Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 29 August 1914 (Wetmore); Utah Lake, Utah County, 10 September 1927 (Cottam); Ben- son, Cache County, 28 April 1937 (Utah Fig. 26. Mourning Dove. Tremontou, Box Eldt-i Cotintv, L tali, )() |i,i,. 1;J, ,. I'liDto by R. J. Er 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 83 State University collection) (Stanford 1938: 137); near Mexican Hat, San Juan County, 9 July 1937 (University of Utah); near Jen- sen, Uintah County, 22 July 1937 (Brigham Young University); 2 miles south of Jensen, summer 1937 (Twomey 1942:392); Zion Canyon, Washington County, 3 May 1942 (Grater); Springdale Ponds, Washington County, 29 April 1965 and 8 May 1965 (Wauer and Carter 1965:51). Evidence of nesting of this species in Utah seems to be based on our knowledge that the birds are consistent summer residents in small num- bers. To our knowledge, no nests have actually been found. However, Behle and Selander (1952:26-27) reported a pair col- lected at Ibapah, Tooele County, 15 July 1950, one of which had testes 12 mm long. This pair was near an irrigation ditch and would not leave the area. Behle and Selan- der inferred that tlie birds were breeding. Porter and Bushman (1957:204) indicated that the testes measurement was in error and that the testes were 2 mm long, which would eliminate the likelihood that the birds were breeding. They also reported the collection of six more specimens in Skull Valley, Tooele County, 9, 12(2), 17, and 31 August and 13 September 1954. Subspecies: Woodbury et al. (1949:13) stated that die form T. s. cinnamomea is a casual summer resident breeding in Uintah and Kane counties. Behle and Selander (1952:26-27) reported that die Kane County Fig. 27. Barn Owl. Ogden, Weber County, Utiih, 8 August 1973. Photo by R. J. Ervvin. 84 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 specimens (University of Utah nos. 2635 and 2636) were "Spotted Sandpipers {Acti- tis macularia)" in winter plumage and so were misidentified. These authors also commented on several other specimens taken in Utah. The specimen collected at Ibapah, mentioned above, and those re- ported by Twomey (1942:392) are referred to the race T. s. solitaria on the basis of Conover's (1944:537-544) discussion of the races of the Solitary Sandpiper; a specimen collected at Mexican Hat, 9 July 1937, and Fig. 28. Barn Owl. Ogden, Weber County, Utiih, 8 August 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 85 another in the University of Utah collection obtained at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 10 May 1950, are also of the race T. s. soli- taria. Porter and Bushman (1957:203-206) carefully summarized tlie characteristics of the specimens from Mexican Hat, Ibapah, Fannington Bay, and the six obtained in Skull Valley using Conover's (1944:537-549) diagnostic characters of races. Their analysis indicated that all the specimens were of the race cinnamomea except one collected at Skull Valley, 12 August 1954, Fig. 29. Long-eared Owl. Promontory, Box Elder County, Utah, 30 June 1969. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 86 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 I Fig. 30. Long-fartd Owl (young). Hogiip Mountains, Box Elder County, Utah, 25 June 1974. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 87 ■■'*- ■ f ■ Fig. 31. Burrowing Owl. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 8 August 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. which was of the race solitaria. Wauer fairly common migrant tlirough Utah main- (1969:331) obtained a male at Washington, ly in April, May, and again in late July Washington County, 22 April 1966, which through September. There are some fall also represents the race cinnamomea. Tringa melanoleuca (Gmelin) Greater Yellowlegs Status: The Greater Yellowlegs is a records for October and November, and Cottam et al. (1942:53) have published a record for 10 December 1941. Records: Allen (1872b: 171) considered it to be abundant around Ogden during GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 ( Fig. 32. Short-eared Owl. Dugway, Tooele County, Utah, 23 March 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter. September 1871. Earlier naturalists had missed it. Henshaw (1875:458) and Yarrow found it to be abundant at practically all ponds and lakes of the state they visited. They collected specimens near Utah Lake, Utah County, 26 July 1872, and at Deep Creek, Washington County, 12 August 1872. Numerous collections and sight records are available in more recent years. One rec- ord of special interest is a specimen in the Brigham Young University collection taken at Kigalia Ranger Station, Elk Ridge, San Juan County, at 8,402 feet elevation, 24 June 1927, by Cottam. This specimen was 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH Fig. 33. Saw-whet Owl. and R. J. Erwin. Weber River bottoms, Weber County, Utah, 1948. Photo by R. D. Porter a male in full breeding plumage witli great- ly enlarged gonads. It has been reported in migration in southern Utah by Hardy and Higgins (1940:99) and Behle et al. (1958:49). Tringaflavipes (Gmelin) Lesser Yellowlegs Status: The Lesser Yellowlegs is a com- on migrant dirough Utah, especially from 90 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 34. Saw-whet Owl (young) R. D. Porter. Weber River bottoms, Weber County, Utah, April 1948. Photo by mid-March to early May and again in late summer and fall from mid-July to mid- September. A few stragglers may occur in northern Utah in October and as late as December (Kashin 1968:.361). Records: Allen (1872b:171) and Hen- shaw (1874:11) considered this species to be uncommon in the state and apparently collected no specimens. Judging from the numerous collections and observations made by more recent ornithologists, it is probably more common in migration than the Greater Yellowlegs. In migration it passes through southern Utah where Tan- ner (1941:86) saw a flock of 20 in a small pond southwest of Hurricane, Washington County, 6 May 1941. Behle et al. (1958:49) collected one near Kanab, Kane County, 15 April 1947. Wauer and Russell (1967:421) reported a specimen collected at Springdale, Washington County, 29 April 1965, and anotlier near St. George, Washington County, 7 September 1965. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus (Brewster) Willet Status: The Willet is a common shore- bird in Utah from late March to early Oc- tober, occurring rarely in winter. It in- habits the lowlands in grassy situations near the borders of streams and lakes especially in the more central and northern counties, but it appears in southern Utah during migration. Records: The earliest collection was made by the Stansbuiy party near Salt Lake City in 'the spring of 1850 (Baird 1852:320). Ridgway (1877:609) found it to be an abundant breeder in Salt Lake Valley from 2 May to 21 June 1869. Numerous col- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 91 lections of both birds and nests have been made more recently. In over 40 years of observation in Utah County I (Hayward) have not noted any marked decrease in the numbers of diis species around Utah Lake. Calidris canutus rufa (Wilson) Red Knot Status: An erratic migrant through the state. During some years flocks numbering 1,500 have been observed (Woodbury et al. 1949:14). Records: The University of Utah has a specimen collected at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, in May 1933. There are several observations of this species around Great Salt Lake. Two were seen at Farm- ington Bay, Davis County, 8 May 1954 (Scott 1954:322-323). Wauer and Russell (1967:421) obtained a specimen three miles southeast of St. George, Washington Coun- ty, 12 September 1965. It was feeding with Killdeer and Least and Western Sandpipers in a flooded field. One was observed at Utah Lake, Utah County, 11 May 1968 Wr^ <•,■• .-j.^i... iu^^::;i,.L^^ -^jt--^ - Fig. 35. Horned Lark. Hogup Mountains, Box Elder County, Utah, 11 June 1972. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 92 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 36. Willow Flycatche Porter and R. J. Erwin. Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, Utah, 18 July 1954. Photo by R. D. (Scott 1968:,561). Behle and Peny (1975: 19) reported a flock of 40 at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 10 May 1973, and Kingery (1975:887) listed one for Logan, Cache County, 5 May 1975. Calidris melanotos (Vieillot) Pectoral Sandpiper Status: This species is an uncommon spring and fall migrant through Utah. Most of the records are from late March through May and from late June into Oc- tober. Records: Two specimens in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy were taken at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 18 and 22 September 1914. In the same area two were found dead of botulism on 28 August and 17 September 1929 by Hull. Wetmore (field notes) found the Pec- toral Sandpiper to be common at Bear River Marshes in September and tlie first half of October 1916, and C. S. Williams noted the first arrivals in the same area on 21 March 1938. There is a sight record from near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 12 August 1950 (Wilson and Norr 1951:32). Two males were collected by Wauer (1969: 331) at Washington, Washington County, 10 September 1965. Kingery (1975:887) re- ported a sight record in southern Utah on 9 May 1975. Calidris hairdii (Coues) Baird's Sandpiper Status: A seasonal migrant dirough 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 93 Utah. From the available infonnation, it would seem to be present April through June and in August and September. Records: This species was taken by Wet- more at Bear River Marshes, 5 September 1914 and 11, 19, 23 August 1915. The speci- mens are in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History. Other specimens col- lected in tlie same locality were taken 2 April 1933 (University of Utah), 6 August 1938 (Trowbridge), and 27 June 1941 (Cot- tam). Twomey (1942:393) obsei^ved "small scattered flocks of from tliree to ten birds during early May and September." They were seen by him on 4 May 1937 along the Green River, Uintah County, and in Sep- tember 1937 at Strawberiy Resei-voir, Wasatch County, and at the Ashley Creek marshes, Uintah County, in company with Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Wil- son and Norr (1951:32) reported seeing 3,000 at Bear River, Box Elder County, 16 September 1950. Two specimens were taken at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 23 September 1961 (Brigham Young Univer- sity). Wauer and Russell (1967:421) col- lected "an extremely fat (weight, 66.6 g) fe- male of this species" near St. George, Wash- ington County, 15 September 1965. Calidris minutUla (Vieillot) Least Sandpiper Status: An abundant migrant in Utah, where it often appears on mud flats or around the borders of lakes and ponds in large flocks. It is more common in April- May and August-September but has been recorded for every month of the year. Small numbers winter in the state where warm springs keep the water open. Records: Ridgway (1877:369, 376, 608) found it near the shores of the Great Salt Lake and elsewhere in the summer of 1869. Allen (1872b:171) thought it to be uncom- mon around Great Salt Lake in the fall of 1871. Henshaw (1875:455) collected one at Utah Lake, Utah County, 26 July 1872. The Brigham Young University collection contains some 25 speciments from Utah and southern Nevada. Specimens in the Brig- ham Young University collection were taken near Utah Lake on 3 and 24 December 1927 and 28 December 1960. Tanner (1927: 199) in his report on the birds of the Virgin River Valley in southwestern Utah stated, "Two specimens were taken in September, 1926, by Mr. Cottam." Cottam collected specimens in September, December, and January at St. George, Washington County (Hardy and Higgins 1940:99). Calidris alpina pacifica (Coues) Dunlin Status: A casual but regular migrant through Utah, known mainly in Salt Lake and Utah Lake valleys and from the Uinta Basin. It is known to occur in the area from mid- April through May and again from mid- August to December. Records: The only one of the early natu- ralists to record the Dunlin in Utah was Allen (1872b: 171), who found it common in Salt Lake Valley in September 1871. Speci- mens in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy were taken at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 20 and 26 May 1916 and again 26 May 1932. Twomey (1942:393) mentioned a sight record by A. C. Lloyd in die Uinta Basin, 1 May 1935. Behle and Selander (1952:27) referred to specimens taken at the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 26 May 1932, and Faim- ington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 10 May 1950. Wauer (1969:331-332) collected one of two specimens seen at the confluence of Santa Clara Creek and the Virgin River, Washington County, 28 December 1965. Hayward and Frost (field notes) found a small flock of about a dozen birds at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 13 May 1966. A single female was seen and collected at Lincoln Beach, Utah County, 18 April 1970 (Brigham Young University). Calidris pusilla (Linnaeus) Semipalmated Sandpiper Status: An uncommon migrant through 94 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 37. Tree Swallow. Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, Utah, 17 July 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. Utah, usually associated with Least and Utah, but apparently few specimens were Western Sandpipers. taken. Henshaw (1875:454-455) took one Records: Early naturalists in Utah men- specimen at Sevier Lake, Millard County, tioned the occurrence of this sandpiper in in September 1872. Large flocks at the 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 95 shore of Great Salt Lake noted by Nelson (1875:348) may have been mostly Western Sandpipers. One was collected near Nephi, Juab County, 13 June 1936 (Ross Hardy collection). Twomey (1942:394) reported three specimens of C. pusilla taken by him near Jensen, Uintah County, in 1937. On this basis he considered it to be the most numerous of the sandpipers migrating through the area. He later reported, how- ever, that these specimens had been mis- identified and were actually C. mauri (Twomey 1944b :90). Two specimens were collected by Wauer and Russell (1967:421) southeast of St. George, Washington Coun- ty, 7 September 1965. Calidris mauri (Cabanis) Western Sandpiper Status: An abundant migrant through the central valleys of Utah but also through the Uinta Basin of eastern Utah (Twomey 1944:90). Most of the migration occurs from mid-March to mid-May and from late July through October. Records: Shorebirds of tlie group often called "peeps" were noted by early natural- ists, but few specimens were collected. The two closely related species C. pusilla and C. mauri were apparently often confused. Based on collections and observations in more recent years and up to the present, the Western Sandpiper is by far the more common of the two. Numerous collections and obsewations have been made (Hardy and Higgins 1940:99; Tanner 1941:86; Behle et al. 1958:50; Wauer and Russell 1967: 421). Calidris alba (Pallas) Sanderling Status: The Sanderling is a regular though not common migrant dirough Utah in both spring and fall. It appears most commonly about the middle of May but may be found as early as mid-April. It is less common in the fall, although there are records as early as 3 August and as late as 13 October. Records: This species seems not to have been noted by early naturalists in the state. The U.S. National Museum of Natural His- tory has specimens from the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 20 May 1916. Others have been taken in that some local- ity on 26 May and 17 September 1932. The University of Utah has specimens from Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, 18 May 1932 and 21 April 1940, and from Utah Lake, Utah County, 26 May 1932 (Behle 1942b:231). Twomey (1942:394) reported a female col- lected by A. C. Lloyd at Ashley Creek marshes, Uintah County, 21 May 1935, and another specimen obtained soudi of Jen- sen, Uintah County, summer 1937. Brig- ham Young University collection has speci- mens taken at Utah Lake, 8 October 1927, and eight specimens from Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 13 May 1961, 23 September 1961, 13 May 1966, 12 May 1970. Behle et al. (1964:452) reported a specimen from Dugway, Tooele County, 29 April 1961. Micropalama himantopus (Bonaparte) Stilt Sandpiper Status: A rare or perhaps accidental migrant through Utah. Records: A mounted male specimen from the old Deseret Museum now at Brig- ham Young University is labeled "Utah, April 1893." The label is written on the bottom of the stand on which the specimen is mounted. The bird is in inteiTnediate plumage betsveen winter and breeding. The specimen reported by Woodbury et al. (1949:14) from Moab, Grand County, proved on closer examination to be a Long-billed Dowitcher (Behle and Selander 1952:28). Woodbuiy et al. (1949) also recorded a sight record of several birds at Bear River Marshes, 26 July 1932. To our knowledge, there have been no collections of this species in the state in recent years. Wauer (Snider 1965:502) sighted a Stilt Sandpiper near Washington, Washington County, 15 96 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 May 1965. Kashin (Scott 1969:87) reported one at FaiTnington Bay, Davis County, 5 September 1968. Limnodromus griseus hendersoni Rowan Short-billed Dowitcher Status: An uncommon but probably regular migrant through tlie state. Positive records are few, but there is evidence that birds appear in bodi spring and fall. Records: Pitelka in his revision of the genus Limnodromus (1950:48) recorded an adult male taken at the mouth of Bear River, Box Elder County, 20 May 1915. Behle and Selander (1952:27) listed a female from the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 17 August 1946 (Uni- versity of Utah). A series of specimens in the Brigham Young University collection all appear to be the common Long-billed Dowitcher. This includes two specimens foiTnerly identified as L. griseus (Johnson 1935a:160). Limnodromus scolopaceus (Say) Long-billed Dowitcher Status: The Long-billed Dowitcher is abundant during migration, especially through the central valleys of the state. It often appears in large flocks of hundreds. It is known for every month of the year except January and February, but is most abundant in May and August-September. Records: Allen (1872b:171) found this species to be abundant near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871, and Henshaw (1875:453) regarded it as an abundant mi- grant in Utah. Yarrow and Henshaw (Hen- shaw 1875:453) collected a juvenile female at Rush Lake, Iron County, 1 October 1872. Numerous collections and obsewations have been made in recent years in various localities in the state, including St. George, Washington County, 4 May 1935 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:99, errata) and Kanab, Kane County, 1 May 1946 (Behle et al. 1958:49). The Brigham Young University collection contains some 30 specimens, mostly from Utah Lake Valley, Utah County, and Pelican Lake, Uintah County. Dates range from 26 March to 23 Septem- ber. Twomey (1942:393) collected 3 speci- mens east of Vernal, Uintah County, in May 1937, and Cottam et al. (1942:53) reported one seen at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 12 December 1941. Limosafedoa (Linnaeus) Marbled Godwit Status: The Marbled Godwit is a com- mon migrant dirough Utah, especially in the central valleys of Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. Lesser numbers pass through the Uinta Basin. Most of the migration occurs in late April through May and from July to September, aldiough stragglers may remain as late at 16 December (Cottam et al. 1942:53). Records: Many specimens were taken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, from 1914 to 1916. Two specimens, Utah Lake, Utah County, 26 April 1929 and 12 May 1932, are in the Brigham Young Uni- versity collecton. Twomey (1942:394) col- lected a specimen 12 miles east of Vernal, Uintah County, 6 May 1937. One specimen was taken at Lower Reservoir, 3 miles south of Kanab, Kane County, 15 April 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:50). Family Recurvirostridae Recurvirostra americana Gmelin American Avocet Fig. 25, p. 79 Status: This was formerly a common summer resident and breeding species on the mud flats and around the borders of lakes and ponds, especially near the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. It is still present in considerable numbers on the Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, and other sanctuaries where it has received 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 97 Fig. 38. Cliffs West Weber, Weber County, Utiih, 15 July 1954. Photo by R. J. Er a measure of protection from disturbance during the nesting season. In recent years it has become more common around some of the reservoirs in the Uinta Basin where it regularly breeds. Occasionally a few may winter in the state (Kashin 1966:351, six seen on 2 Januaiy 1966 in the Salt Lake area.) Records: All of the early naturalists GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 (Baird 1852:320; Remy 1860[2]:450; Allen 1872b:171; Merriam 1873:701; Nelson 1875: 348; Henshaw 1875:448-450; Ridgway 1877:369, 605) found the American Avocet to be abundant around Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake, Utah County. Collections with- in the State as well as in most of the Ameri- can museums and some foreign museums contain numerous specimens of both birds and eggs from Utah. In migration it has been observed and collected in southern Utah at Hurricane, Washington County, 6 May 1941 (Tanner 1941:86), and near Kanab, Kane County, 5 May 1931, 28 April 1935, 17-18 May 1946, 15 April 1947, 20 and 24 May 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:50). Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus (Miiller) Black-necked Stilt Figs. 20, 21; pp. 67, 70 Status: The Black-necked Stilt was for- merly a common summer resident breed- ing along open shores of lakes and ponds, especially in the central valleys of Utah. Disturbances by man have caused it to be less common at present and somewhat less abundant than the American Avocet. It has become well established as a breeding species in the Uinta Basin and maintains itself rather well at the Bear River Migra- tory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, and at other wildlife sanctuaries in the state. It has been recorded from early March to late November. Records: Allen (1872b:171), Merriam (1873:702, 711), Henshaw (1874:12), and Ridgway (1877:369-606) all reported the stilt as a common breeding species, espe- cially in Salt Lake and Utah Lake valleys. Many collections and observations have been made in recent years. Migrants have been observed near Hurricane, Washington County (Tanner 1941:86), near Boulder, Garfield County, and south of Kanab, Kane County (Behle et al. 1958:50). Family Phalaropodidae Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus) Red Phalarope Status: A rare, accidental migrant through Utah. Records: Two specimens now in the Dixie College collection were collected on the Virgin River near St. George, Washing- ton County, 14 and 15 October 1934 (Hay- ward 1937:304). A partially paralyzed Red Phalarope was picked up by botulism work- ers at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, in September 1951. The specimen is now in the U.S. National Mu- seum of Natural History (Sciple 1953:205). Kingery reported (Snider 1965:65) seeing a Red Phalarope on Wahweap Creek, Kane County, 10 September 1964. Phalaropus ^^ tricolor (Vieillot) Wilson's Phalarope Fig. 22, p. 73 Status: A common summer resident in suitable habitats throughout the state where it breeds in grass or sedge habitats near water. It has been recorded from late March to mid-September. Often abundant in migration in July and August, when on stormy nights it may be seen in tliousands milling around city lights. Records: Ridgway (1877:;369, 604) found it on alkaline ponds around the southern shore of Great Salt Lake in May and June 1869. Allen (1872b: 171) found it abundant near Ogden, Weber County, and Great Salt Lake in the early fall of 1871. It was also reported in the same area by Merriam (1873:701) and by Yarrow (Henshaw 1875: 451). The species seems to maintain itself rather well even under the pressure of ex- panding human population. Numerous col- lections and obsei^vations have been made in recent years. *iWe follow Mayr and Short (1970:47) and other authors cited by them in considering the three species of phalaropes to be congeneric. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 99 Phalaropus lohatus (Linnaeus) Northern Phalarope Status: A common and abundant mi- grant through Utah in spring and kite sum- mer. The peak of spring migration occurs about mid-May and the summer flight in August. Records: Many hundreds of observations and collections have been recorded, mostly from the central Utah valleys of Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. However, it has also been recorded from southern Utah. Greenhalgh observed Northern Phalaropes at Kanab, Kane County, 9-10, 12 May 1931 (Behle et al. 1958:50); Hardy and Higgins (1940:99) reported it at St. George, Wash- ington County, 3 September 1939; and it has also been reported from the northwest portion of Utah, near Yost, Box Elder Coun- ty, 7 September 1932 (Behle 1958:18). In recent years there has also been a heavy flight through the Uinta Basin. Hayward and Frost (field notes) obsei"ved thousands of Northern Phalaropes on 15 May 1970 at Pelican Lake, Uintah County. Large rest- less flocks were swimming in the open water or wading in the small pools adjacent to the lake. They appeared to be feeding on the abundant midges on the water surface. Approximately three weeks later, 3 June 1970, not one Northern Phalarope was ob- served (Frost field notes). Family Stercorariidae Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnaeus) Parasitic Jaeger Status: A rare migrant or accidental, having been obsei-ved in spring, summer, and fall. Records: A male victim of botulism was taken at the Bear River Migratory Bird Reflige, Box Elder County, 2 September 1932, and another specimen (University of Utah) was collected in the same area by Hull on 8 October 1934. Several sight rec- ords by personnel of tlie Bear River Migra- toiy Bird Refuge are known for 21, 25 August 1934, September 1941, and Septem- ber 1942 (Woodbuiy et al. 1949:15). King- eiy (1972:884) reported two seen at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, during the spring and summer of 1972. Stercorarius longicaudus Vieillot Long-tailed Jaeger Status: A rare migrant or accidental known to occur in Utah in August and Oc- tober. Records: A specimen now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy was found dead at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 29 August 1944, by C. C. Speny (Cottam'l945b:173). A. K. Fisher (1937:389-390) observed one at close range in the same locality on 3 October 1926. Family Laridae Larus hijperboreus hyperboreus Gunnerus Glaucous Gull Status: This gull is usually considered to be an accidental visitor to the state, and most of the records are sight records. Records: Two birds were obsei"ved at the mouth of Provo River and Utah Lake, Utah County, from 22 Februaiy to 15 April 1934, and one (Brigham Young University) was finally collected (Johnson 1935a:160). One was collected at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 16 March 1955, by Vanez Wilson (Wilson and Young 1956:390). This specimen is now in the refuge collection. One was seen in west central Utah by Lockerbie during tlie win- ter of 1948 49 (Van den Akker 1949:179). Worthen (1968:475) mentioned a bird re- cently collected at Farmington Bay, Davis County. The Audubon Field Notes for 1963, 1964, 1965 (Scott 1963:347, 442; 1964: 376; 1965:405) reported a number of sight records for Farmington Bay and Bear River 100 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 39. Loggerhead Shrike. Dugway Valley, Tooele County, Utah, May 1953. Photo by R. D Porter and R. J. Erwin. Marshes. All of the records available to us are for February, March, and April, except a report from Bear River for 17 December 1973 (Beall 1974:487). Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues Herring Gull Status: The Herring Gull is probably a regular transient in Utah where it has been reported in the spring, fall, and winter. Records: The first observation of tliis species in Utah was Nelson (1875:348), who reported, "I saw a large gull at the mouth of the Jordan which I am quite sure was this species." The first collection rec- ord is that in June 1915 by Wetmore, who found the remains of a specimen that had died the previous winter or spring (Williams et al. 1943:160). Marshall (1937:258) also reported a partially decayed carcass found at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 27 April 1937. Between 27 April and November another specimen was found, according to Marshall. This pos- sibly could be the mounted skin on display at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refiige Head- quarters that was obtained 7 October 1937. Stanford (1938:139) recorded a bird ob- tained at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 25 November 1937, now in the Utah State University collection. Behle ( 1942b :230) obtained a specimen from Bear River Mi- gratory Bird Refuge diat was collected in late September or early October 1939. Cot- tam et al. (1942:53) reported seeing a Her- ring Gull at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in September and again 16, 27, 28 December 1941. A specimen obtained by Beck (1942:54) at Utah Lake, Utah County, 27 FebRiary 1942, and later verified by Cottam, has unfortunately been lost. The remains of one bird were found by Behle ( 1942b :230-231) on Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, 8 May 1942. On the following day he obsei-ved one at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge. During the winter of 19.56 57 Lockerbie reported four birds wintering at Fannington Bay, Davis County (Scott 1957:284). Another winter report is that of 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 101 Kashin (1966:351) for the Salt Lake area in late December 1965 and early January 1966. Wauer (Scott 1965:405) reported sighting a Herring Gull at Springdale, Washington County, 14 Februaiy 1965. Lams californicus Lawrence California Gull Status: This is an abundant summer resident of Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake valleys where it nests in large colonies on islands and dikes. Small numbers occur elsewhere in the state as nonbreeders or migrants. Banding records indicate tliat young birds hatched in Utah migrate to the West Coast where they remain for two or three years until they are ready to breed. Records: Early records of the California Gull in Utah are somewhat indefinite. Fre- mont (1845:158) related tliat his party on their visit to Great Salt Lake on 12 Septem- ber 1843 had a supper of "sea gulls." Stans- bury (1852:188) and Ridgway (1877:637) found them nesting commonly on the islands of Great Salt Lake in 1850 and 1869. Allen, Nelson, Merriam, and Henshaw did not mention them in their writings. It has been generally assumed that the "sea gulls" men- tioned by die Mormons as saviors of die crops of 1848 and 1849 from the ravages of crickets (Anabnis simplex) were most likely California Gulls. In more recent years many hundreds of records and observations of birds and their nesting activities have been made. Larus delawarensis Ord Ringed-billed Gull Status: A common winter resident in the central valleys of Utah. It is a regular though less common resident in summer. Some evidence indicates that it nests in small numbers. Records: A specimen of diis species in the U.S. National Museum of Natural His- tory was taken by Stansbuiy in Utah in 1850 (Ahen 1872b:173). Henshaw (1875:485) re- corded a female taken at Provo, Utah County, 30 November 1872. Nelson (1875: 349) and Henshaw (1875:485) found it com- mon around the larger bodies of water in the state but did not find the California Gull. There may have been some confusion in identification of the two species by these early naturalists. Twomey (1942:396) re- ported that Ring-billed Gulls nested in small numbers near Jensen, Uintah County, but this was based on hearsay and was not verified by Twomey. Hayward (field notes) has found this species to be a common summer resident at Pelican Lake, Uintah County. It is far more common there than the California Gull. However, we have found no evidence of nesting. It has been found in the following localities in soutliern Utah: along the Virgin River, near St. George, Washington County, 23 April 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:99), and along the Colorado River, near die mouth of Last Chance Creek, river mile 49, Kane County, 16 April 1947 (Behle 1948b:306). Larus pipixcan Wagler Franklin's Gull Status: A common summer resident in Utah where it breeds in marshy areas around the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, and possibly other areas. It has been recorded in the state from 2 April to 22 October. Records: None of the early naturalists to visit the state identified Franklin's Gull; and it has been claimed by some that this species, which is the common gull east- ward in the prairie country, has but recent- ly moved westward. Goodwin (1904a:99) wrote that he was not able to find the bird in the state up to 1904. Wetmore (1916) found them rather common at Bear River Marshes in 1916 and apparently was first to discover a nesting colony there. Since diat time, they appear to have increased greatly in the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge area. Box Elder County. Twomey (1942: 396) reported this species in the Uinta Basin 102 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 on 10 May 1937. In recent years they have increased in that area (Hay ward 1967:31). The Brigham Young University collection has four specimens taken at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 22 July 1961, 2 June 1964, and 15 May 1966. Our observations indi- cated that Franklin's Gull is spotty in its distribution in the state. Areas of concen- tration seem to be the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the Uinta Basin. It is rarely seen in Utah Valley around Utah Lake. This irregular distribution of the species may account for the fact that it was missed by early observers in the state. This species has been found in southern Utah at several different localities. One specimen from a flock of 20 was obtained on the Vir- gin River near St. George, Washington County, 23 April 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:99). Behle (1948b:306) collected one on the Colorado River, near the mouth of Ticaboo Canyon, river mile 148, Garfield County, 13 April 1947. A flock of 12 was seen at Lower Reservoir, three miles south of Kanab, Kane County, 15 April 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:50). Lams Philadelphia (Ord) Bonaparte's Gull Status: An uncommon migrant and oc- casional winter resident in Utah. It is not known to breed within the state, but a few nonbreeding individuals may remain through the summer. Records: The only recording of Bona- parte's Gull by the early naturalist visitors was by Allen (1872b:173), who found a flock near Ogden, Weber County, about 2 October 1871. Five immature specimens collected at the Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 22 May 1915 and 8 June 1916, by Wetmore, are now in the U.S. Na- tional Museum of Natural Histoiy. Four specimens were collected by Cottam (Brig- ham Young University) at the Bear River Marshes on 13 November 1927 and 4 No- vember 1928. Two were taken at Utah Lake, Utah County, 15 May 1933, and one at the same locality on 21 October 1934 (Brigham Young University). One was col- lected near Kanab, Kane County, 15 April 1947 (University of Utah, Behle et al. 1958: 51). Behle et al. (1964:452) reported a col- lection near Camel Mountain, Tooele ■ County, 25 April 1955. Hayward and Frost I (field notes) observed several with a flock of Franklin's Gulls at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 15 May and 3 June 1970. There have been numerous other sight records. Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (Linnaeus) Black-legged Kittiwake J Status: A species of seemingly acciden- ^ tal occurrence in Utah. Records: A male specimen was found dead at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Juab County, 12 March 1972, by Jim Harrison, a trapper. It was sent to the University of Utah and placed in their col- lection (Behle 1973b:243). Xema sabini sabini (Sabine) Sabine's Gull Status: The few records would indicate that this gull is of accidental occurrence in Utah. Records: Allen (1872b: 173) took a single specimen, the only one seen, at West Weber, near Ogden, Weber County, 28 September 1871. This specimen is now in the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard. Behle (1949a:98) recorded a speci- men found by C. W. Lockerbie at Decker's Lake near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 26 September 1948. Five other birds were seen at the lake that day. There is also a sight record for Lockerbie (Scott 1954:33) of one near Salt Lake City, 8 October 1953. Kingery (1975:722) reported one observed at Vernal, Uintah County, for two weeks during March 1975. Sterna forsteri Nuttall Forster's Tern Status: A common summer resident of Utah, breeding mainly from 25 May to 20 June in marshes around lakes and sloughs. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 103 It is more abundant in the northern and central valleys of die state but is also known to breed at Pelican Lake, Uintah County. Records: Ridgway (1873a:173; 1875:31; 1877:369, 640) collected specimens and noted that it was an abundant breeder in Salt Lake \'alley from 20 Mav to 21 June 1869. Henshaw (1874:13; 1875:486) col- lected specimens at Utah Lake in the sum- mer (24 July) and fall of 1872. Many records of birds and nesting have been reported since then. Sterna hirundo Linnaeus Common Tern Status: A migrant species through Utah, the Common Tern is usually considered to be rare, but it may be more common dian has been supposed. Because of its close resemblance to Forster's Tern and its ten- dency to flock with that species, the Com- mon Tern may be easily overlooked. Records: Stanford (1944:151) listed one collected at Gunnison Resewoir, Sanpete County, 7 June 1941. One in the U.S. Na- tional Museum of Natural History was found a victim of botulism at Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 14 September 1941. At this same time Wil- liams (1942:578) estimated that about one- fourth of the terns at the refuge were Com- mon Terns. Several additional sight rec- ords are available, including a single bird at Kanab, Kane County, 5 May 1931 (Behle et al. 1958:51); six at Famiington Bay, Davis County, 20 May 1963, obsei"ved by Kashin and Webb (Utah Audubon News 1963:38); and one at Provo, Utah County, 30 April 1974 (Kingery 1974:833). y*"?^^ \^m ^ Jmm w Z-:^^' ^,- ^ \ n^ Fig. 40. Rock Wren. Porter and R. J. Erwin. Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, Texas, May 1958. Photo by R. D. 104 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Sterna caspia Pallas Caspian Tern Status: An uncommon summer resident in Utah where it has bred at several locali- ties from time to time depending upon the amount of disturbance by man and by other birds. Records: Ridgway (1875:31; 1877:369, 639) was the only one of the early natu- ralists to record this tern. He found it in the marshes near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in June and July 1869. Wetmore took three specimens at Bear River, Box Elder County, in June and August 1916. Brigham Young University has two imma- ture specimens taken at St. George, Wash- ington County, 7 September 1926, and three others taken from Utah Lake, Utah County, in June 1927 and 1928. Various nesting sites of the Caspian Tern have been recorded, including Hat Island, Great Salt Lake, Rock Island, Utah Lake, Utah County (Hay ward 1935a: 140- 141), and on certain dikes at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County. Cottam (1946:94-95) found downy young at Bear River as late as 18 September 1945. Some of the colonies have been harassed by the predatory California Gull, especially when the two were nesting together. At the pres- ent time there is a nesting colony on an artificial island at the Bear River Migra- tory Bird Refuge. Kingeiy (1975:95) re- ported four seen at Zion National Park, Washington County, 11 September 1974. Chlidonias niger surinamensis (Gmelin) Black Tern Fig. 23, p. 76 Status: A common summer resident of Utah where it breeds in small colonies in the marshes around Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake, Utah County. In recent years it has probably nested at Pelican Lake, Uintah County, where it is a common sum- mer resident. Records: Henshaw (1875:487) found it at Utah Lake, Utah County, in July 1872, and Ridgway (1875:31) found evidence of its nesting in Salt Lake Valley. Numerous records of collections and observations of both birds and eggs have been recorded in more recent years. The Black Tern is now common in the Uinta Basin, especially at Pelican Lake. Birds are to be found there throughout the summer, with immature individuals being taken in late July (Hay- ward 1967:31-32). It has been reported north of Ibapah, Tooele County, 20 May 1942 (Behle and Ross 1945:169), and near Kanab, Kane County, 1 May 1946, 20 and 24 May 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:51). Family Alcidae SynthUboramphus antiquus (Gmelin) Ancient Murrelet Status: The Ancient Murrelet is a rare and accidental visitor in Utah and in some of the other intermountain states. Records: One specimen was taken on Jordan River, Utah County, 21 December 1925, by John Hutchings and was prepared by him as a mounted specimen (Woodbury et al. 1949:16). A second specimen, a female, was obtained 12 November 1955 at Roosevelt, Duchesne County, by Merlin L. Killpack (Killpack and Hay ward 1958:23). The bird was found on the ground in an exhausted state. This specimen is now in the collection at Brigham Young University. Verbeek (1966:510) reported a specimen found dead at Logan, Cache County, 24 November 1962. A carcass about two days old was found on Gunnison Island, Great Salt Lake, Box Elder County, 6 May 1974 (Kingeiy 1975:95). Family Columbidae Culumba fasciata fasciata Say Band-tailed Pigeon Status: An uncommon resident in the mountains of southern Utah at mid-eleva- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 105 tions, especially in pinyon-juniper and yel- low pine forests. Less common in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah and in recent years reported along the Wasatch front. Records: Sight records of this species, usually seen in small flocks, are numerous (Presnell 1935a:82; Benson 1935:445; Hardy and Higgins 1940:99; Cottam 1941b:122; Grater 1943:76; Wauer and Carter 1965:53). Grater (1937:14) reported this species as breeding at East Fork Mountain, Kane County, near Bryce Canyon (no date). Behle and Ghiselin (1958:4) reported a mounted specimen in the University of Utah collection taken at Hanna, Duchesne County, July 1930. The remains of a Band- tailed Pigeon were collected between 9 and 12 September 1946 in the vicinity of Elk Ridge, San Juan County (Behle 1960a:28). Behle and Selander (1952:27 28) took one at New Harmony, Washington County, 24 June 1950. Behle (1960a:28) collected a specimen in the La Sal Mountains, San Juan County, 17 July 19.56. Worthen (1968: 214) reported three separate areas in the Tusher Mountains, six or seven miles north- east of Beaver, Beaver County, where three flocks were breeding in cottonwoods along streams. A flock of between 5 and 25 was seen by many observers in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, during the spring of 1975 (Kingeiy 1975:887). Pederson and Nish (1975:59-75) have summarized sight and collection records from all parts of the state up to and including 1972. For the 1970-72 period tliree additional reports are given for the Uinta Basin plus two reports for Wasatch County and seven for Utah County. One was collected at the head of Rock Canyon, Utah County, 20 September 1975, and is in tlie Life Sciences Museum at Brigham Young University (museum number 5425). Columba liva Gmelin Rock Dove Status : Introduced and common around cities and farming communities throughout the state. It may be domesticated by pigeon fanciers or occur in semiwild flocks in city streets or around farms. The common pigeon is composed of a mixture of several natural subspecies (AOU Check-list 1957: 260). Zenaida asiatica mearnsi (Ridgway) White-winged Dove Status : This dove is an uncommon sum- mer resident in Utah especially in the hot, diy desert country of the southwest. Records: Behle et al. (1964:452) have summarized the known records of this species. Most of these are sight records, but several specimens have been taken at Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 24 June 1961, 25 May 1962, and July 1962. Two specimens were taken in traps at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Juab County, 24 May 1961 and 8 September 1962. One was banded and the other, which expired in the trap, was prepared as a specimen. There are also sight records for East Canyon, Morgan County, 1 August 1939, and Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, 1 May 1962. It has also been reported for Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 19 July 1965 (Scott 1965:567) and Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, from 5 April to 4 August (Wauer 1969:332). A White-winged Dove was collected in a river bottom near the old Bennion Ranch northeast of McDowell (Keg) Mountain, Juab County, 8 September 1975. One wing was presei*ved and is in the Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum (museum number 5429). Zenaida macroura marginella (Woodhouse) Mourning Dove Fig. 26, p. 82 Status: The Mourning Dove is a com- mon summer resident tliroughout the state. It is most abundant along the streams in the lower valleys where it builds flimsy nests of small sticks in trees or on the 106 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 41. House Wren. North Fork Ogden River, Weber County, Utah, 11 June 1954. Photo by R. J. Erwin. ground. A few individuals remain through 170; Merriam 1873:710; Henshaw 1875:431- the winter, particularly in the waiTner val- 432; Ridgway 1877:596 597) who visited leys of the south. Utah. Many collections and observations PIecords : Mourning Doves were reported have been made in recent years, by all the early naturalists (Allen 1872b: 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 107 ScardafeUa inca (Lesson) Inca Dove Coccijzus erythropthalmus (Wilson) Black-billed Cuckoo Status: This dove is considered acci- dental in Utah. Records: Behle (1966:396) reported one collected at Beaver Dam Wash, Washing- ton Count)', 5 miles north of the Utah- Arizona border, 9 July 1963. One was seen at Parowan, Iron County, 15 August 1963 (Behle and Perry 1975:22). Family Cuculidae Coccijzus americanus occidentalis Ridgway Yellow-billed Cuckoo Status: The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is an uncommon summer resident in favored habitats throughout the state from May to September. It lives in the woodlands along streams in the lower valleys. Records: Henshaw (1875:386) saw this species at Provo, Utah County, but took no specimens. Bailey (field notes 1893) re- ported that a pair lived on a farm near Ogden, Weber County, in July 1893. More recent collection records are as follows: Wellsville, Cache County, 17 June 1938, and Logan, Cache County, 10 June 1941 (Utah State University); near Hurricane, Washington County, 20 August 1932 (Uni- versity of Utah, Woodbury 1939:157); St. George, Washington County, 11 July 1937 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:99). Brigham Young University has specimens from Bluff, San Juan County, 2 July 1927; Virgin River, Washington County, near Utah-Arizona border, 1934; Provo, Utah County, 20 June 1941. Merlin L. Killpack (pers. comm.) reported a male specimen taken near San- taquin, Utah County, 8 July 1973. Wauer and Carter (1965:59) considered it to be a rare summer visitor in the Virgin River V^alley of southwestern Utah. Several sets of eggs have been taken in Weber, Salt Lake, Utah, and Washington counties. Status: This cuckoo appears to be of rare occurrence in the state in summer. Records: Behle and Selander (1952:28) reported a specimen taken at Bountiful, Davis County, 9 July 1951. This was a female in breeding condition. Kashin (1963c:61) reported that one was seen and heard singing in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 15 June 1963. Geococcyx californianus (Lesson) Roadmnner Status: The Roadrunner is a fairly com- mon resident of tlie lower deserts adjacent to the Virgin River Valley of Washington County. It is less common in southern Iron and Kane counties and accidental as far north as Provo, Utah County. FIecords: The occurrence of the Road- runner in the Virgin River area of south- western Utah was mentioned by Henshaw (1875:383) and some of the other early natu- ralists, but they apparently took no speci- mens. Specimens and observations of both birds and eggs taken in recent years are mostly from Washington County (Presnell 1935b:201; Hardy and Higgins 1940:99; Behle 1943a:39). A specimen taken near Parowan, Iron County, prior to 19,36, is in the University of Utah collection (Worthen 1968:218). Behle et al. (1958:51) saw Road- runners near Kanab, Kane County, 2 April 1947, 1 May 1946, 20 May 1947, and 29 November 1947. In July of 1932 a rather badly decomposed specimen was found on the foothills east of Provo by Reinwald Leichty (Hayward 1944:204). The head was saved in alcohol and was in tlie Brig- ham Young University collection for several years. Unfortunately it eventually was lost. Wauer and Carter (1965:54) considered the Roadrunner to be an uncommon per- manent resident at lower elevations in the Zion Canyon area. Recently (21 August 1976) Laurence B. McArthur (personal 108 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 communication) observed a Roadrunner for approximately 15 minutes at Beers Pass (elevation 6,300 feet), about three miles west of State Highway 21 in the extreme northwestern comer of Beaver County. This location is about a mile south of the Beaver-Millard County line and is over 100 miles north of the range of this species as given by Behle and Perry (1975:23). Family Tytonidae Tijto alba (Scopoli) Barn Owl Figs. 27, 28; pp. 83, 84 Status: The Barn Owl is usually con- sidered to be an uncommon resident in Utah, but it tends to be colonial. In certain localities where there are suitable nesting situations, it may be concentrated in con- siderable numbers (Smith et al. 1972b:229). It is known to live and nest through the length of the state in the central valleys and also in the Uinta Basin. Records: The early naturalists seem not to have noted the Barn Owl in Utah. Two specimens (University of Utah) were taken near Parowan, Iron County, prior to 1936. There are also several collections (Univer- sity of Utah) from near Kanab, Kane County, 14 June 1939, 12 and 19 July 1940, and 2 May 1946. Behle (1941a:160) de- scribed nesting activities in that same lo- cality, based partly on earlier reports by Greenhalgh, who noted as many as 30 owls present at one time. Brigham Young Uni- versity has the following specimens from Utah: Provo, Utah County, 19 October 1955; Springville, Utah County, 19 March 1959; Provo, 10 April 1967; Ironton Steel Plant (now demolished), Utah County, 25 January 1969. A late nesting record was recorded by Smith et al. (1970:492) at Springville, Utah County, 4 October 1968. Frost banded a brood of six young in the attic of a school in American Fork, Utah County, 21 April 1971. Smith et al. (1974: 131136) have described the activities of a colony near Springville, Utah County. Family Strigidae Otus asio (Linnaeus) Screech Owl Status: The Screech Owl is a fairly com- mon resident of Utah, where it lives in die riparian communities along the streams. It occasionally occupies trees along city streets and is known to nest in such locali- ties (Hay ward field notes). Records: Presnell ( 1935b :201) saw a red- dish brown Screech Owl at Zion National Park, Washington County, 27 January 1935. It was with a gray phased owl, and unfor- tunately only the gray specimen was col- lected. Since Peterson (1961:157) stated that the brown color phase is limited to the northern Great Basin, PresnelFs report is of interest. Screech Owls have been found in many parts of the state. Collected speci- mens in Utah institutions represent most of the counties. The following selected pub- lished records indicate its widespread oc- currence in Utah: Twomey (1942:398), two miles south of Jensen, Uintah County, 25-30 July 1935; Behle (1941b:182), Block Can- von, San Juan County, 3 and 5 April 1938; Behle (1958:19), George Creek, five miles southeast of Yost, Box Elder County, 12 July 1955; Wauer and Carter (1965:54), Zion's Canyon, 18 September 1963 and 6 January 1964. Of some 25 nesting records available to us, most of tliem are for the month of April. Subspecies: Specimens of Screech Owls from Utah have been variously referred to the races O. a. cineraceus, inijoensis, max- welliae, and mychophilus. Two specimens from St. George, Washington County, were identified by H. C. Oberholser in 1942 as mychophilus, but this race was not recog- nized in the 1957 AOU Check-list. Behle (1948a:71), in a brief review of diis species, concluded that tlie birds of most of the state are of the race inijoensis, although there are certain indications of a transition with cineraceus. O. a. cineraceus seems to be restricted to a small area of southeastern 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 109 Fig. 42. Mockingbird. Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, Utah, 19 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. Utah. A specimen (Brigham Young Uni- versity) from Murray, Salt Lake County, 5 June 1927, was identified years ago by Oberholser as maxwelliae with some ques- tion, but the specimen has been lost. Otus Jlammeolus flammeohis (Kaup) Flammulated Owl Status: This is a sparse resident in Utah where it lives in forested areas especially in the mountains. It is known to nest in woodpecker holes. Records: Oberholser (1899:15) recorded a specimen taken near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in the fall of 1895. Specimens (University of Utah) have been collected from near Silver City, Tooele County, 5 and 12 May 1912; near Grantsville, Tooele County, 12 June 1932; Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 6 July 1936 (Woodbuiy 1939:158). The Brigham Young University collection contains a specimen from Pine Valley Mountain, Washington County, 20 October 1935, and from Mt. Timpanogos, Utah County, 3 July 1937 (Hay ward 1937: 304-305). The last mentioned specimen was taken by hand from its nest in an aspen tree. The nest was located about 24 feet from the ground in a hole which had ap- parently been used by a Flicker since it was larger than holes used by Swallows and House Wrens. In the nest were two small young with downy white feathers. More recent records are as follows: Porter (1954: 362), specimen found dead on highway near Ogden, Weber County, 26 May 1950; Lockerbie (1951:53) reported one seen at Memory Grove, Salt Lake County, 14 Octo- ber 1951; Wauer (1966a:211), four (two banded) seen in Zion Park, 8, 12, 27 May 1964, and one at Springdale, Washington County, 7 May 1965. Bubo virginianus (Gmelin) Great Horned Owl Status: A common resident throughout the state with a wide range of distribution from lowland deserts to timbered countiy in the mountains. It occurs in conifer for- ests, streamside woodlands, and remote desert country. no GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Records: Most of tlie early naturalists to visit Utah mentioned the Great Homed Owl. Stansbuiy sent a specimen to the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy in 1850. Allen (1872b:170), Henshaw (1875: 407), and Ridgway (1877:375) all reported the species as common wherever they traveled. Numerous specimens and sets of eggs and countless obsei-vations have been made in more recent years. Subspecies: Two races occur commonly within the state, according to an account by Behle (1960b: 17). A darker fonn, B. v. occidentalis, inhabits the northern part of the state, and a paler race, B. v. pallescens, occurs in more desert country of the south. B. V. lagophonus is a rare winter visitor (Behle and Ghiselin 1958:5; AOU Check-list 1957:278). Nyctea scandiaca (Linnaeus) Snowy Owl Status : The Snowy Owl is a rare winter visitor to Utah. Records: Snowy Owls have been re- ported intermittently from Utah for the past 65 years. Hayward (1935b:284) re- ported a specimen in the Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum collected on Provo Bench (now Orem), Utah County, December 1908. Behle (1968b:231-232) re- corded the following specimens: Hunts- ville, Weber County, winter 1909; 15 miles northeast of Mantua, Box Elder County, 1 October 1925 (two birds that were not saved); south of Centei-ville, Davis County, 5 April 1953. Ferris (1954:20) recorded a sight record for Ephraim, Sanpete County, 4 January 1954. Behle (1968b:232) men- tioned the sighting of a single bird on the southeastern outskirts of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, early Januaiy 1961. Three records are reported for 1967: Behle (1968b:232) listed an obsei-vation of one bird two miles south of Randolph, Rich County, 7 January 1967, and the collection of a decomposed body at the south end of Bear Lake, Rich County, 22 January 1967. Behle indicated that these two reports could have been the same bird, as the two localities are only about 15 miles apart. Scott (1967:444) recorded a specimen (now in the University of Utah collection) col- lected 4 miles west of Syracuse, Davis County, 26 January 1967. Glaucidium gnoma californicum Sclater Pygmy Owl Status: The Pygmy Owl is an uncom- mon resident of the forested sections of the state. It is more common in the coniferous forests of the mountains but also lives in woodlands and groves of dense trees along streams in the lower valleys and sometimes in cities. Records: A specimen taken in the moun- tains east of Ogden, Weber County, 5 Oc- tober 1888, is in tlie US. National Museum of Natural History. Several specimens are in the Utah State University collection as follows: Oquirrh Mountains, Tooele County, 30 April 1936; Manti, Sanpete County, 24 December 1936; Logan Canyon, Cache County, 25 June 1941. The Univer- sity of Utah collection has a specimen taken at die mouth of City Creek Canyon, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 12 January 1941 (Behle and Ross 1945:169), and an- other collected near Ogden on 24 January 1943. Brigham Young University collection contains nine specimens as follows: Aspen Grove, Mt. Timpanogos, Utah County, August 1926, 30 June 1937, July 1937, 3 July 1937, 12 June 1957; near Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 22 June 1957; 22 miles south of Cannonville, Kane County, 18 June 1960 (three specimens). Wauer and Carter (1965:55) considered this species to be an uncommon winter visitor in the Zion Park area of southern Utah. Wauer (1969: 332) collected a specimen in Zion Canyon, Washington County, 5 July 1964. Athene cunicularia hypugaea (Bonaparte) Burrowing Owl Fig. 31, p. 87 Status: Locally rather common in 1 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 111 desert valleys of the state especially in prairie dog colonies. Formerly common in Salt Lake and Utah Lake valleys, but mostly driven from the more populated areas when much of the land was taken up for agriculture. Considerable numbers of migrants also appear in the state. Records: Most of tlie reports of the early naturalists were from Salt Lake and Utah valleys. Stansbury (Baird 1852:314) found them common in Salt Lake Valley in 1849 and 1850. Odier published reports include those of Baird (1858:61) and Remy (1860 [2] :449), Salt Lake Valley; Allen (1872b: 170), Ogden, Weber County; Merriam (1873:696, 710), Salt Lake and Ogden; Hen- shaw (1874:9), Ogden; Ridgway (1877:368, 574), Salt Lake Valley. Oates (1902:338) reported a set of Burrowing Owl eggs from Utah in the British Museum (Natural His- tory). This set may have been collected by Henshaw. Numerous other collections and observations of this owl have been made up to the present time. Examples are pub- lished reports of Behle (1958:19-20), Kel- ton. Box Elder County, 10 September 1932; Twomey (1942:399 400), 20 miles east of Vernal, Uintah County, 6 May 1937; Hardy and Higgins (1940:100), Beaverdam slope, Washington County, 16 June 1939; Behle (1955:21), 5 miles north of Ibapah, Tooele County, 22 May 1942. Strix occidentalis lucida (Nelson) Spotted Owl Status: The Spotted Owl is a casual visitor to Utah, especially in the pinyon- juniper woodlands of southern and eastern Utah. Records: Woodbury captured an im- mature bird in Zion Canyon National Park in June 1928. It was photographed and re- leased. Russell (Woodbury 1939:158) col- lected an immature male at the base of Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 3 August 1936. A few sight records have been published: Behle (1960a:29) reported a bird seen in Escalante Canyon, Garfield County, August 1957, and two in Glen Canyon, Kane County, 17 July 1958. M. L. Killpack (field notes) watched one for some time at East Tavaputs Plateau, Uintah County, 6 September 1958. This occurrence was reported by Scott (1959:52) and by Hay- ward (1967:34). Wauer and Carter (1965: 55) reported two obsei-vations in Zion Can- yon, Washington County, 9 November 1963 and 29 August 1964. Strix nebulosa nehulosa (Forster) Great Gray Owl Status: A species of rare and accidental occurrence in Utah. Records: Oring (Scott 1960:329) re- ported shooting a Great Gray Owl at Logan, Cache County, 6 March 1960. According to Behle (letter 2 July 1974) this specimen is mounted and displayed in a sporting goods store in Logan, Cache County. One was observed by Derrell McCullough at Spirit Lake, Daggett County, 30 July 1962 (Behle and Perry 1975:24). Asio otus tuftsi Godfrey Long-eared Owl Figs. 29, 30; pp. 85, 86 Status: A common resident throughout the state, breeding in pinyon-juniper forests and in woodlands along the valley streams. Old Magpie nests are frequently used as nesting and roosting sites. Records: Collections and observations of this owl were made by some of the first naturalists to visit the state. Baird (1876: 377) reported a specimen and a set of eggs taken by the Simpson expedition in Skull Valley, Tooele County, 4 May 1859. Other early collections were made by Allen (1872b: 170) near Ogden, Weber County, 8 Octo- ber 1871; by Henshaw (1875:403-404) in Sevier and Millard counties in September and November 1872; and by Nelson (1875: 344) from tlie north slope of the Uinta Mountains in June and July 1872. Many collections and sight records have been made in recent years. Examples of pub- lished records are: Twomey (1942:400-401), near Jensen, Uintah County, 24 April and 112 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 43. Hermit Thrush. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 15 June 1959. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 15 May 1935; Behle (1941b:182), 10 miles north of Monticello, San Juan County, 3 April 1938; Behle (1955:21), 2 miles east of Ibapah, Tooele County, 23 April 1950; Wauer and Carter (1965:55), Zion National Park, Washington County, mid-March 1965. Asio flammeus flammeus (Pontoppidan) Short-eared Owl Fig. 32, p. 88 Status: This owl is a common resident, especially through the northern and central valleys where there are marshes and wet pasture lands. Less common in the Colo- rado River Basin. Records: There are a few records by early naturalists as follows: Simpson (Baird 1876:377) obtained a specimen in Wasatch County in 1859, and Henshaw collected one near Utah Lake, Utah County, in 1872. Many more recently taken specimens from Utah are in the several institutional mu- seums within the state. Some collection and sight records are: Twomey (1942:401), Ashley Creek Marshes, Uintah County, 21 September 1937; Hardy and Higgins (1949; 100), St. George, Washington County, 5 November 1939; Behle (1958:20), east of Raft River, Box Elder County, 17 Septem- ber 1941. Aegolius acadicus acadicus (Gmelin) Saw-whet Owl Figs. 33, 34; pp. 89, 90 Status: The Saw -whet Owl is a sparse resident among aspens, pinyon-juniper, and streamside forests. It frequently winters in the valleys where it may find shelter in abandoned buildings. Records: Zion National Park, Washing- ton County, 15 October 1933 (Presnell 1935b:202); Oquirrh Mountains, Tooele County, 30 April 1936 (Utah State Univer- sity); Salt Lake City, 31 December 1934 (University of Utah); near Moab, Grand County, 15 November 1936 (Woodbury 1939:158); Beaverdam Mountains, Washing- ton County, 17 December 1939 (specimen found dead on highway by Ross Hardy) (Hardy and Higgins 1940:100). Behle (1958:20) recorded one southwest of Stand- rod, Box Elder County, 8 September 1949. The following specimens are in the collec- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 113 tion of Brigham Young University: Lehi, Utah County, 27 March 1937; two im- mature, Hobble Creek Canyon, Utah County, 3 August 1944; Vernal, Uintah County, 29 December 1957; Neola, Du- chesne County, 4 Febmaiy 1959. Wauer (1969:332) recorded the following: Zion National Park, 24 October 1964, and Spring- dale, Washington County, 24 December 1964. Family Caprimulgidae Phalaenoptilus nuttallii nuttallii (Audubon) Poor-will Status: The Poor-will is a fairly com- mon summer resident throughout the state from April to October and still more com- mon in migration. It may be found at ele- vations ranging from lowland deserts up- ward to 10,000 feet. Records: Most of the early naturalists noted the Poor-will within the state. Ridg- way (1877:.568), Uinta Mountains, 7 July 1869; Allen (1872b: 169) near Ogden, Weber County, 7 October 1871; Henshaw (1874: 8), mountains in the state in summer 1872; Merriam (1873:692, 709), Ogden, 8 and 12 June 1872; Fisher (1893:52), Escalante Desert, Iron County, 17 May 1891. Nu- merous collections of birds and eggs have been made in more recent years from lo- calities throughout the state. The follow- ing examples indicate its statewide occur- rence: Twomey (1942:401), two miles south of Jensen, Uintah County, 19 August 1935; Behle (1969a:29), south of Crescent Junc- tion, Grand County, 24 June 1947; Behle (1955:21), two miles east of Ibapah, Tooele County, 4 June and 9 August 1950; Behle (1958:20), Clear Creek, Box Elder County, 29 July 1950 and 13 June 1951; Wauer and Carter (1965:.56), common in Zion Canyon, Washington County, with records extend- ing from 12 April to 18 October. Found at 10,000 feet at Cedar Breaks, Iron County, 26 August 1974 (Kingery 1975:95). Chordeiles minor (Forster) Common Nighthawk Status: The Common Nighthawk is a summer resident in lower valleys and mid- elevations throughout the state. Flocks frequently congregate around ponds, lakes, or reservoirs at dawn and dusk to feed on midges and other flying insects. Certain races appear only as migrants. Records: There are many records of nighdiawks taken in Utah. The early records were reviewed by Hay ward (1940: 93-96). The following are examples of col- lections that have been made more recently: Woodbury and Russell (1945:59), top of Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 14 July 19.36; Twomey (1942:401), Jensen, Uintah County, summer 1937; Behle (1943a: 40), junction of Virgin and Santa Clara rivers, Washington County, 9 September 1941; Behle and Selander (1952:28), mouth of Weber Canyon, Weber County, 29 May 1942; Behle (1948:71), Midway, Wasatch County, 9 June 1944; Behle (1955:21), diree miles east of Ibapah, Tooele County, 4 June 1950; Wauer and Carter (1965:56), Zion National Park, Washington County, 2 September 1964. Subspecies: The breeding and migrant nighthawks of Utah are difficult to inter- pret subspecifically since there appears to be considerable overlapping of diree races within its borders. C. m. hesperis seems to be dominant in the Creat Basin and the mountains eastward. The breeding popu- lation of the Colorado River Basin con- sists of intergradient individuals having some characteristics of C. m. howelli in the north and C. m. henryi in the south (Selander 1954:57-82). A few examples of migrant C. m. sennetti (Twomey 1942:402; Hayward 1940:94) have been reported, but Selander (1954:78) considered these to be atypical of that race. Behle (1948a:71) ob- tained a specimen of C. m. minor at Mid- way, Wasatch County, 9 June 1944, and Behle and Selander (1952:28) recorded it from Ogden Canyon, Weber County, 29 114 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 May 1942. These specimens were un- doubtedly migrants. Chordeiles acutipennis texensis Lawrence Lesser Nighthawk Status: A fairly common summer resi- dent mostly confined to the low valleys of the Virgin River and its tributaries in ex- treme southwestern Utah and rarely wan- dering into more northern counties. Records: Several specimens, all from Washington County and located in the Uni- versity of Utah and Dixie College collec- tions, were collected 14 August 1938, 6 and 7 June 1940, 15 and 17 May 1940. Mer- riam found this species breeding at St. George, Washington County, 31 May 1891 (Fisher 1893:53). Other published reports are: Hardy and Higgins (1940:100), St. George, 6 May 1940; Behle (1943a:41), Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 15 May 1940, and Santa Clara Creek, Wash- ington County, 17 May 1940; Wauer and Carter (1965:56), Zion National Park, Washington County, 2 September 1964. Wauer (1969:332) considered this species to be a common summer resident throughout the Virgin River drainage below 2,500 feet from 24 April to 25 August. He collected one near Hurricane, Washington County, 2 June 1966. Behle et al. (1964:453) listed two specimens taken at Hanksville, Wayne County, 8 July 1961. Two northern reports are Kingery (1971:885), seen by Kashin at Vernon, Tooele County, June 1971, and Kingery (1972:97), seen by Richard Ryan at Bear River, Box Elder County, 23 Septem- ber 1971. Family Apodidae Cypseloides niger borealis (Kennerly) Black Swift Status: The Black Swift is an uncom- mon summer resident in Utah where it is now known to breed in the Wasatch Moun- tains. Records: Knorr (1962:79) found this swift nesting at Upper Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and near Aspen Grove on Mt. Tim- panogos, Utah County, August 1959, 1960, 1961. Behle et al. (1964:453) reported a specimen found dead at Zion Canyon, Washington County, 2 August 1960. Kashin (1963a:61; 1964a:3) recorded sight records for Salt Lake City, 18 June 1963, and Red Creek near Fruitland, Duchesne County, 6 August 1963. Wauer and Carter (1965: 57) recorded Black Swifts from Zion Na- tional Park, Washington County, 2 August 1960, 11 May 1964, 25 August 1964. Chaetura pelagica (Linneaus) Chimney Swift Status: Seemingly an accidental visitor to Utah, the Chimney Swift is of very rare and irregular occurrence in the state. Records: A specimen in the University of Utah collection was taken by Claude T. Barnes (1946:258-259) near Kaysville, Davis County, 7 May 1912. There is also a sight record (Scott 1959:391) for one re- portedly seen at Utah Lake on 10 May 1959. Chaetura vauxi vauxi (Townsend) Vaux's Swift Status: A casual visitor to the state, having been obtained or observed in both northern and southern Utah. Records: A dried mummy of this species is in the University of Utah collection. It was obtained at the bottom of a stovepipe in a cabin at Jordan Fur Farm, Davis County, 28 October 1939, and probably had been trapped in the stovepipe that spring or summer (Woodbury et al. 1949: 18). Wauer and Russell (1967:421) reported three individuals seen at Springdale Ponds, Washington County, 11 and 13 September 1965. Behle (1973b:243) reported a speci- men taken at Terry Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, in southwest Washington County, 19 May 1972. He also reported several additional sight records. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 115 Fig. 44. Mountain Bluebird. Blacksmith Fork, Cache County, Utah, 18 July 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. Aeronautes saxatalis (Woodhouse) White-throated Swift Status: This swift occurs commonly throughout the state wherever there are cliffs with crevices suitable for nesting or roosting. It lives at a wide range of eleva- tions from desert canyonlands to the high- est mountains. It may also range many miles away from its nesting site in search of food. 116 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Records: Early naturalists, including Henshaw (1874:8), Ridgway (1877:564), and Merriam (Fisher 1893:55), obsei-ved this species in tlie state but apparently took no specimens. Many collections and observa- tion records have been made in recent years. Some examples are as follows: Kai- parowits Plateau, Kane County, 27 July 1937 (Woodbuiy and Russell 1945:61); five miles northwest of Leeds, Washington County, 11 May 1939 (Behle 1943a:41); sum- mit of Mount Ibapah, Juab County, 3 July 1950 (Behle 1955:21); Clear Creek, Box Elder County, 18 June 1951 (Behle 1958: 20). Subspecies: Twomey (1942:403) listed tlie swifts of the Uinta Basin as belonging to tlie subspecies A. s. sclateri on the basis of their larger size. However, there has been some doubt that the Uinta Basin population belongs to this race. Other col- lectors have reported the subspecies A. s. saxatalis as being the common race in the state. (Hardy and Higgins 1940:100; Wood- bury and Russell 1945:61; Behle 1943a:43; Behle et al. 1958:53). Behle (1973a:306) proposed that A. s. scalteri become a synonym of A. s. saxatalis. Family Trochilidae Archilochus alexandri (Bourcier and Mulsant) Black-chinned Hummingbird Status: This is a common and wide- spread summer resident in the state. It seems to be more common southward and in the lower valleys where it appears in April and may remain until early October or as long as there are ample flowers in bloom. Records: The earliest collections of spe- cimens were made by Ridgway (1877:559) at Parley's Park, Summit County, June and July 1869. Henshaw (1875:374) took speci- mens in the Provo, Utah County, area 29 and 30 July 1872. Three specimens were collected by Merriam (1873:693) at Ogden, Weber County, 20 June 1872. Other early collections were made by Merriam (Fisher 1893:56) in Washington County, 11-14 May 1891. In more recent years numerous collections and observations have been made within the state. Among these are the following: Stanford (1938:138), Logan, Cache County, 6 August 1931; Woodbury and Russell (1945:62), Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 9 July 1936; Behle (1958: 20), Yost, Box Elder County, 5 August 1936; Twomey (1942:404), 10 miles west of Vernal, Uintah County, 28 May 1937. It is considered to be a common summer resi- dent in Zion National Park, Washington County (Wauer and Carter 1965:57). Calypte costae (Bourcier) Costa's Hummingbird Status: This species is seemingly con- fined to the low hot valleys of southwest- ern Utah and from thence south westward. It is the most common species in its alti- tudinal range. Records: Costa's Hummingbird was first reported in Utah by Fisher (1893:57) when he stated that "Dr. Merriam found it com- mon among the junipers of the eastern side of the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah May 11" (1891). Specimens have been taken at Santa Clara Creek, 15 April 1932 (Univer- sity of Utah); St. George, 29 March 1936, 25 April 1940 (Dixie College, Hardy and Higgins 1940:100); Beaver Dam Wash, 8 May 1941 (University of Utah, Behle 1943a: 41); Springdale, 11 May 1940 (Utah State University, Stanford 1944:151). All of die above localities are in Washington County. Wauer and Carter (1965:57) considered this hummingbird to be less common than fonnerly. They recorded the following sightings: Zion National Park, Washing- ton County, 10 May 1962, 11 April 1963, and 14 May 1964; Springdale, 11 April 1963. A northward extension of the range of this species is given by Porter and Bushman (1956:152) and Behle et al. (1958:53) for eight miles west of Boulder, Garfield Coun- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 117 ty, 16 May 1953. Kingery (1975:722) re- ported one wintering in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, from October 1974 to 16 March 1975. It was at a feeder where a light kept water from freezing and vitamins and proteins fortified die food at die feeder. Selasphorus platycercus platijcercus (Swainson) Broad-tailed Hummingbird Status: The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is the most common species in Utah and it occurs in eveiy part of the state. It appears in the lower valleys in April and later nests, usually near streams, at higher elevations. A few individuals remain in the valleys to nest and many appear again in the sum- mer and early fall. Records: Ridgway (1877:.560-.563) found diis hummingbird abundant in Utah in 1869. He collected 13 specimens around Salt Lake City during his stay. Other early naturalists (Allen 1872b: 169; Hen- shaw 1874:8; Nelson 1875:347) found it common within the state, and many col- lections of both birds and nests have been made more recently. The following are examples of numerous published accounts: Twomey (1942:405), Ashley Creek Marshes, Uintah ' County, 20 May 1937; Stanford (1938:138), Logan Canyon, Cache County, 21 May 1937; Behle (1958:20), Clear Creek, Box Elder County, 17 and 19 May. 1948; Behle (1955:21), Queen of Sheba Mine, Deep Creek Mountains, Juab County, 2 July 1950. It is considered a common sum- mer resident in Zion National Park, Wash- ington County, by Wauer and Carter (1965: 57). Selasphorus rufiis (Gnielin) Rufous Hummingbird Status: This hummingbird is a transient species within the state of Utah. All rec- ords available to us indicate that it occurs in the state only in die summer and early fall. Nesting in the state was reported by Bee and Hutchings (1942:73), who found a nest supposedly of this species at Lehi, Utah County, 20 June. The bird was col- lected and mounted by Mr. Hutchings, but the specimen has been lost and verifica- tion of this unusual record cannot be made. Based on the following collection record, Behle et al. (1964:453) also suggested die possibility of this species nesting in the state: 10 July 1961, Wasatch Plateau, north end of Fairview Reservoir, Sanpete County. This specimen had testes 2 mm long but also had a thin layer of fat suggest- ing it might have been a migrant. Worthen (1968:237) collected four males at die Pio- neer Ranger Station, one mile north of Mount Catherine, Pavant Mountains, Mil- lard County, 23 June 1966. These had testes 1 mm in size and may have been resident birds. Records: Early naturalists in the state did not report this species, although they found it in the neighboring states of Ari- zona, Colorado (Henshaw 1875:375-377), and Nevada (Ridgway 1877:559-560). Many collections and observations have been made by local ornithologists, most of them for July, August, and early September. Published records include the following: three miles northwest of Strawbeny Reser- voir, Wasatch County, 15 July 1934 (Behle and Ghiselin 1958:6); Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 11 July 1936 (Woodbury and Russell 1945:63); Park Valley, Box Elder County, 12 August 1937 (Stanford 1938:138); Kanab Canyon, Kane County, 24 September 1946 (Behle et al. 1958:54). ' Stellula calliope (Gould) Calliope Hummingbird Status: The Calliope Hummingbird is an uncommon summer resident in moun- tainous parts of the state. It is often con- fused with the Broad-tailed Hummingbird which occurs in the same habitats and which is much more abundant but larger. The two species have similar habits. Care- fid observations may reveal that it is more common than has been supposed. 118 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 45. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, Utah, 18 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. Records: Ridgway (1875:33; 1877:372, 375) stated that it was a breeding species at Parley's Park, Summit County, in the summer of 1869. He apparently preserved no specimens. Miller (1934:160) observed one building a nest in the Escalante Moun- tains, Garfield County, 3 July 1931. Speci- mens have since been taken at Paradise, Cache County, 12 June 1932; Mantua, Box Elder County, 25 May 1933; sev- eral localities in Logan Canyon, Cache County, June and July 1941 (Utah State Uni- versity); St. George and Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 21 June 1933 and 5 April 1941. The Brigham Young University collection contains specimens fi-om Provo Canyon, Utah County, 19 August 1951, and ft'om Deep Lakes, Bear Lake County, Idaho, a few miles from the Utah border. Wauer and Carter (1965:58) reported this species from the high country in Zion National Park, Washington County, 3 May 1963. reported as a summer visitor in southern Utah. Records: Kingery (1971:885) reported that this species was seen repeatedly at a feeder at Springdale, Washington County, 7 July to 10 August 1971. The bird was photographed and the picture appeared in American Birds 26:98, 1972. The species has also been reported from three miles northwest of Parowan, Iron County, 24 August 1962 (Behle 1976b:42) and from Cedar City, Iron County, 24 August 1971 (Kingery 1972:97). In 1972 it was observed at Springdale from 23 May until the end of July (Kingery 1972:885). George Edmonds saw one at Salt Lake City during the last week of June and first week of July 1972 and near Brighton on 27 June 1974. Both localities are in Salt Lake County (Behle and Perry 1975:25). Family Alcedinidae Megaceryle alcyon caurina (Grinnell) Eugenes fiilgens (Swainson) Belted Kingfisher Rivoli's Hummingbird Status: The Belted Kingfisher is a resi- Status: An uncommon species recently dent throughout the state of Utah in the 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 119 vicinity of streams and ponds. It is much less common now than formerly because of disturbance of nesting sites and persecution due to its fish-eating habits. Most common in summer but a few remain through the winter. Records: Ridgway collected specimens at Parley's Park, Summit County, 26 July and 7 August 1869 (1877:545). Allen (1872b: 169) found it common around Ogden, Weber County, and took a specimen on 7 September 1871. Henshaw found it com- mon along the fishing streams of the state and collected a specimen at Provo, Utah County, 26 July 1872 (1875:,366). Collec- tions in the institutions of the state and else- where contain many specimens from vari- ous sections of Utah taken more recently. Family Picidae Colaptes auratus (Linnaeus) Common Flicker Status: A common resident throughout the state where both the yellow-shafted race (rarely) and the red-shafted race (common- ly) occur. It ranges from the lowland streamside woodlands and parks to the montane forests. Within the last 10 or 15 years its numbers seem to have been con- siderably reduced. Records: All of the early naturalist visi- tors to the state found the flicker to be a common bird wherever they went in the 1860s and 1870s. All of their references appear to be of the red-shafted form. Yel- low-shafted Flickers, or specimens showing some features of the yellow-shafted race, have been reported more recently. Porter (1954:362) recorded a specimen from Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, 14 October 1945, and a mounted bird from Syracuse, Davis County, December 1946. Hayward (1967:36) recorded a specimen from Roose- velt, Duchesne County, 7 January 1959, and noted several specimens from that area showing signs of hybridization with the red-shafted race. Behle and Selander (1952: 28) reported specimens of hybrids from Salt Lake City, 5 April 1950. Many records of the more common Red-shafted Flicker have been published. Subspecies: A species formerly known as Colaptes cafer is now considered to be con- specific with Colaptes auratus (American Ornithologists' Union 1973:415). The Red-shafted Flicker now becomes C. auratus cafer and the Yellow-shafted Flick- er becomes C. auratus auratus. There is a sight record (Snider 1964:377) of the sub- species C. a. chrysoides, known as the Gilded Flicker, for Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 13 February and 26 March 1964. Dryocopus pileatus picinus (Bangs) Pileated Woodpecker Status: The Pileated Woodpecker is a sparse resident in isolated sections of the state. Records: A specimen in the American Museum of Natural History was taken by C. P. Rowley at Bluff, San Juan County, 21 May 1892 (Woodbury and Russell 1945:66). Behle and Ghiselin (1958:6) recorded see- ing three birds about 30 miles north of Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 10 August 1943. Behle et al. (1958:55) reported a bird near Wildcat Ranger Station, Aquarius Plateau, Garfield County, 16 August 1952, and another one 10 days later in the same general area. Hayward (1967:37) saw one near Blanding, San Juan County, 6 Septem- ber 1956. Melanerpes erythrocephalus caurinus Brodkorb Red-headed Woodpecker Status: The Red-headed Woodpecker is an uncommon resident, especially in the northern part of the state and in the Uinta Basin. Recent observations indicate that it is likely to be found nesting in the riparian woodlands of the Uinta Basin. Records: Baird (1876:377) reported a 120 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 specimen taken in Utah by McCarthy of the Simpson expedition in 1859. Ridgway (1877:554-555) obsei-ved one near Parley's Park, Summit County, in June 1869. Twomey (1942:407) found an adult male dead near Ouray, Uintah County, 28 July 1937. Wil- liams (1942:578) collected an adult male at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 26 August 1941. Killpack and Hayward (1958:23) have published sight and collection records for the Uinta Basin, 27 July 1937 and 29 May 1955. Murie (Scott 1969:504) saw this species near Cedar City, Iron County, 17 February 1968. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis Baird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Status: A common breeding species in the mountains of tlie state especially in aspen woodlands and wooded areas bor- dering streams. It sometimes nests along valley streams where cottonwoods and other deciduous trees occur. In winter this species tends to migrate out of the higher elevations to the southern part of its range. Records: Early naturalists observed and collected this species in Utah. Ridgway (1877:550) collected nine specimens at Parley's Park, Summit County, July 1869, and Hayden and Smith (Stevenson 1872: 463) took several specimens on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains in 1870. Hen- shaw (1875:393) saw it in die Wasatch Mountains and collected specimens in Washington County in October 1872. Many specimens have been observed and taken in more recent times. Sphyrapicus thyroideus nataliae (Malherbe) Williamson's Sapsucker Status: Williamson's Sapsucker is an uncommon summer resident in the moun- tains of the state. It feeds and nests pri- marily in conifer forests from timberline downward. Records: A few of these birds were ob- served and collected by early naturalists. Ridgway (1877:552) collected it at Parley's Park, Summit County, in August 1869. Nel- son (1875:344) found it on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains in July 1872, and Bailey (field notes) recorded a breeding record for the Bear Lake Mountains (now known as the Bear River Range, Cache County) in July 1893. Henshaw (1875:394) discovered that the unlike males and fe- males of this bird are one and the same species. Numerous specimens from all of the mountainous counties of the state have been collected in recent years. Among them are: Stanford (1938:139), Dolomite, Tooele County, 11 September 1935, and Logan Canyon, Cache County, 10 June 1937; Behle (1960a:32), Kigalia Ranger Sta- tion, Elk Ridge, San Juan County, 28 August 19.56; Wauer and Carter (1965:59), Zion National Park, Washington County, 8 December 1964. Melanerpes lewis (Gray) Lewis' Woodpecker Status: This woodpecker is of some- what erratic and uncommon occurrence in Utah. It sometimes appears in loose flocks, especially in late summer and fall and at such times may be rather common in cer- tain localities. This species is also known to nest in limited areas within the state. Records: Henshaw (1875:397) considered this species to occur commonly in Utah. Specimens from almost all sections of the state have been taken, a few of which are: Tanner and Hayward (1934:227), La Sal, San Juan County, June 1927; Behle (1958: 21), Dove Creek, Box Elder County, 10 September 1932; Stanford (1938:139), Wells- ville. Cache County, 22 July 1937; and Behle (1943a:42), near Leeds,' Washington County, 2 May 1939. A specimen in the Brigham Young University collection was taken at Provo, Utah County, 2 December 1939. Hayward (1967:37) reported this species to be the most common woodpecker in Cottonwood groves along Green River, 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 121 near Ouray, Uintah County, 17 May 1958. At that time several pairs were nesting. Picoides villosus (Linnaeus) Hairy Woodpecker Status: The Haiiy Woodpecker is a per- manent resident of die state in the moun- tains and along the wooded streamsides at lower elevations. It is known to nest in both mountain and valley woodlands but more commonly in the foiTner. Records: The first known collection of this species in Utah was by McCarthy in 1859 (Baird 1876:377). Ridgway (1877:546) reported specimens taken at Parley's Park, Summit Count}', in July and August 1869. Henshaw (1875:387) collected a specimen in Grass Valley in what is now Sevier and Piute counties on 10 September 1872. Many other records and specimens are extant in various collections. Subspecies: Two subspecies have been recognized in the Utah population. A smaller race inhabiting the southern part of the state has been known as P. v. leuco- thorectus. However, Phillips et al. (1964: 74) and Rich (1967:1-130) were unable to separate this race from P. v. orius. Both of these races were named in the same publi- cation (Oberholser 1911:595-622), and both Phillips and Rich elected to use the name orius. P. v. orius is especially well represented by specimens from Wayne, Garfield, Kane, and Washington counties. The larger race (P. v. monticola) occurs in the counties northward. Numerous ex- amples of the intergradation between the two have been noted. Picoides pubsecens leucurus (Hardaub) Downy Woodpecker Status: A rather common, widely distri- Fig. 46. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, Utah, 18 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. 122 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 buted resident of the state breeding more commonly in aspen forests of the mountains but sometimes in streamside woods in the lower valleys. In winter the species tends to spread to lower elevations and is often seen feeding on ornamental trees around the settlements. Records: Early naturalists recorded the Downy Woodpecker from several sections of the state. Ridgway (1877:546) observed it at Parley's Park, 25 miles east of Salt Lake City, Summit County, July and August 1869. Allen (1872b: 169) found it near Ogden, Weber County, in the fall of 1871, and Hen- shaw (1875:388) recorded it from the vicin- ity of Provo, Utah County. There are many records of nesting and specimens col- lected in more recent years. Picoides scalaris cactophilus (Oberholser) Ladder-backed Woodpecker Status: In Utah this woodpecker is con- fined to the low and hot desert areas in Washington County where it is especially common in the Joshua trees of the southern slope of the Beaver Dam Range. It also occurs in woodlands in the Beaver Dam Wash area and along the Virgin River as far as Zion National Park. Records: Bailey (field notes) found it common along Santa Clara Creek, Wash- ington County, 17 January 1889. A few years later (14 May 1891) Merriam reported this species in the same locality (Fisher 1891:47). Behle (1943a:43) listed several collection records from Beaver Dam Wash for April and May 1932 and 1941. Brigham Young University collection contains seven specimens from St. George and vicinity, April, September, November, and Decem- ber 1928 to 1934. Wauer and Carter (1965: 59) reported seeing one in Zion National Park, Washington County, 18 September 1964. Picoides tridactylus dorsalis Baird Northern Three-toed Woodpecker Status: This species is a resident of conifer forests at higher elevations usually above 8,000 feet. It is rather common in the Uinta Mountains but more rare in the Wasatch and the higher plateaus and iso- lated mountains elsewhere in the area. Records: The early ornithologists seem to have missed this species, possibly be- cause they did relatively little work at high elevations. There is one old reference (Mer- rill 1888:255) to specimens from Utah but no detailed information. The Brigham Young University collection contains 14 specimens mostly from Trial Lake, Uinta Mountains, Summit County. One specimen is from La Sal Mountains, Grand County, 21 July 1934, and another from Navajo Lake, Kane County, 24 August 1934. Several selected references indicate it is found oc- casionally in various other localities within the state: Behle (1943a:44), east of Pine Valley, Washington County, 17 June 1938; Stanford (1944:151), upper Dry Canyon, Logan, Cache County, 6 June 1940; Behle (1960a:32), Abajo Mountains, San Juan County, 24 and 25 August 1956; Worthen (1968:255-256), Big Flat Guard Station, Tusher Mountains, Beaver County, 24 July 1966. Family Tyrannidae Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus) Eastern Kingbird Status: A fairly common breeding species in summer in streamside woodlands in lower valleys of northern Utah. This species is less abundant than formerly and has been persecuted considerably owing to its conspicuous nesting habits. At present it seems to be most common in Cache Val- ley, Bear Lake Valley, and in the Uinta Basin. Records: This species was considered to be common by the early-day ornitholo- gists, and many specimens were taken by them near Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo. Ridgway (1877:533) found it near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in 1869. Allen (1872b: 169) collected it at Ogden, 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 123 Weber County, in September 1871, and Nelson (1875:347) obtained a specimen in the summer of 1872 near Salt Lake City. Henshaw (1875:341-342) reported it as being numerous around Provo, Utah Coun- ty, in late July 1872. Of the many speci- mens collected in recent years nearly all are from the northern and central counties of the state. Specimens taken three miles south of Kanab, Kane County, 18 June 1947 (Behle et al. 1958:56) and Zion National Park, Washington County, 13 May 1964 (Wauer and Carter 1965:59), represent the southernmost record known to us. Tyrannus verticalis Say Western Kingbird Status: The Western Kingbird breeds in summer throughout most of the state, being most abundant in southern Utah and gra- dually diminishing in numbers northward. It nests in deciduous woodlands along the lower valley streams or on trees and utility poles in rural areas. This species appears to be better able to maintain its numbers in this western habitat than does the Eastern Kingbird. Records: Many records are available from the writing of early naturalists in the state, mainly from Ogden, Salt Lake, and Utah valleys. These include the reports of Allen (1872b:169), Merriam (1873:690), Hen- shaw (1875:343), and Ridgway (1877:532). Numerous more recent records have been published; among them are: Webster (1947: 40), three miles north of Levan, Juab Coun- ty, 13 December 1945; Behle et al. (1958: .56), two miles south of Escalante, Garfield County; and Behle (1958:21), Grouse Creek, Box Elder County, 17 June 1956. Tyrannus vociferans Swainson Cassin's Kingbird Status: A common summer resident of southern Utah and sparingly northward from late April until August. It lives in deciduous trees along streamsides, often in company with the Western Kingbird, but it is also often found in pinyon-juniper forests. Records: Mention of this species by early naturalists is lacking, presumably be- cause they did not visit its habitat to any extent. Specimens in the Brigham Young University collection are all from San Juan, Wayne, Kane, and Grand counties. Kashin (1964:50) reported a sight record for Lof- green, Tooele County, 20 June 1964. Muscivora forficata (Gmelin) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Status: This species is of accidental oc- currence in Utah, and the few records available are sight records. Records: One was observed in sage- brush near Snyderville in Parley's Park, Summit County, 11 June 1948, by Guy Emerson, Charles Lockerbie, and Kenneth Tanner (Woodbury et al. 1949:20). Van den Akker (1949:25) reported this record as be- ing at Salt Lake City. One was seen and photographed by Paul A. Pemberton at Three Lakes, near Kanab, Kane County, 11 July 1963 (Behle and Perry 1975:27). Wor- then (1968:258) reported a sight record by Willard E. Ritter, Federal Game Manage- ment agent, 1.5 miles northwest of Lynndyl, Millard County, 4 September 1965. Myiarchus tyrannulus magister Ridgway Wied's Crested Flycatcher Status: This is an uncommon summer resident of the southern part of Utah. Records: The only Utah records known to us are those published by Wauer (1968: 88). One was collected three miles above Lytic Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washing- ton County, 18 May 1966. Other observa- tions were made by Wauer at Beaver Dam, Arizona, near the Utah border, and indi- cated that this species breeds in the Beaver Dam Wash area in Utah. Behle and Perry (1975:27) reported a specimen in the Uni- versity of Utah collection taken at Beaver Dam Wash on 24 May 1968. 124 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 / .f 4 i 1 Fig. 47. Black -capped Chickadee. Rochester, Monroe County, New York, 16 October 1968. Photo by R. J. Erwin. Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens (Lawrence) Ash-throated Flycatcher Status: The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a common summer resident of southern Utah and other less humid parts of the state where habitat is favorable. It is less common in northern Utah. It inhabits low trees and shrubs and is especially charac- teristic of pi nyon -juniper woodlands. Records: Ridgway (1875:33) found it breeding at Parley's Park, 25 miles east of Salt Lake City, Summit County, in June, July, and August 1869. Henshaw (1875:346) mentioned its northward extension into Utah. Fisher (1893:61) reported that Mer- riam found the species in Washington County, 11-15 May 1891. A specimen in the American Museum of Natural History was collected by Rowley at Riverview, San Juan County, 24 April 1892. Cottam col- lected a female, ready to deposit an egg, south of Vernal, Uintah County, in June several years ago. Many collections and observations of both birds and nests have been made more recently from almost every county in the state. Two northern records for this species are Behle (1955:22), Deep Creek Mountains, Tooele County, 29 June 1946, and Behle (1958:22), six miles south of Grouse Creek, Box Elder County, 17 June 1956. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 125 Sayornis phoehe (Latham) Eastern Phoebe Status: This species appears to be of somewhat irregular and casual occurrence in Utah. Records: Two specimens were collected at Springdale, Washington County, 27 March and 17 December 1965 (Wauer 1966c:519). Wauer also reported earlier sight records for Zion's Canyon and Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 21 Octo- ber 1963 and 25 March 1965. Snider (1966: 538) reported that Wauer saw one at Beaver Dam Wash, 19 May 1966. Kashin (Scott 1970:75) reported seeing an Eastern Phoebe near the Jordan River, Salt Lake County, 11 September 1969. Sayornis nigricans semiatra (Vigors) Black Phoebe Status: A sparse resident of the low valleys of the Virgin River drainage in Washington County and extending east- ward in southern Utah to Kane and San Juan counties. It rarely occurs in northern Utah. Wauer and Carter (1965:60) con- sidered it to be increasing in numbers in the Zion Park area in recent years. Records: The University of Utah collec- tion contains a specimen taken by Wood- bury in Washington County, 19 April 1932. Brigham Young University collection con- tains a specimen taken at Gunlock, Wash- ington County, 8 April 1933, and another from St. George, Washington Count)', 27 April 1936. Specimens in the Dixie College collection have been taken along Santa Clara Creek, Washington County, and in the vicinity of St. George, 26 January, 25 March, and 28 April 1940 (Hardy and Hig- gins 1940:101). Behle et al. (1964:454) re- ported several records for the St. George area and from four miles north of Kanab, Kane County, 26 and 27 June 1961. They also mentioned a specimen from Newcastle, Iron County, 26 May 1962. Hayward (field notes) observed one near Bluff, San Juan County, 13 September 1966. Behle (1966: 396) reported one entering a hole in an eave of a roof in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 4 June 1963. On 16 June 1965 a badly decomposed body of a bird of this species was found in Salt Lake City. Sayornis saya (Bonaparte) Say's Phoebe Status: Common spring, summer, and fall resident of low, open valleys and foot- hills or along valley streams where it lives in low brush or scattered trees. It frequent- ly nests in abandoned buildings or in low ledges of rock. A few individuals winter in the warmer sections of tlie state. However, one has been reported in northern Utah near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 2 February 1966 (Worthen 1972b:220). Records: Ridgway (1873:172) found diis bird to be a rather common breeder in Salt Lake Valley in 1869. The U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy has specimens from Bear River, Box Elder County, 25 June 1872 (Merriam 1873:690), and Kanab, Kane County, 30 June 1873. Enough addi- tional specimens and observations are avail- able to establish the universal occurrence of this species in the state wherever there are suitable habitats. (Stanford 1938:139; Twomey 1942:411; Woodbuiy and Russell 1945:73-74; Behle 1955:22). Subspecies: All of the collected speci- mens reported above are of the race saya. Cottam obtained a specimen of the sub- species yukonensis at Johnson Creek Ranch, southwest of Yost, Box Elder County, 18 September 1941 (Behle 1958:22), and Wor- then (1972b:220) recorded a specimen of this race at Saltair, 17 miles west of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 2 February 1966. Empidonax traillii (Audubon) Willow Flycatcher Fig. 36, p. 92 Status: A common breeding resident 126 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 from May to August, the Willow Flycatcher usually lives in willows and other low shrubs near water. It is for the most part confined to lower elevations but is known to breed at elevations of 7,000 feet. Records: McCarthy of Simpson's expedi- tion collected this flycatcher at Goshiute Pass, Tooele County, in 1859 (Baird 1876: 378). Ridgway (1873:173) found it com- mon in streamside thickets near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and Merriam (1873: 691) took several specimens and three nests near Ogden, Weber County, in June 1872. These specimens are in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History. Henshaw (1875:356) found it to be common in the willows along Provo River, Utah County, in late July and early August 1872. Numer- ous records are available for more recent years. Subspecies: Specimens of the Willow Flycatcher are rather variable in colora- tion, and some problems have arisen re- garding subspeciation in the group. Ober- holser (1918a:85-98) named the western race, E. t. brewsteri, and Behle (1948a:71- 72) at first considered this to be the only subspecies found in the Utah population. Later Behle and Ghiselin (1958:7-8) found the race in northeastern Utah to be E. t. adastus, as did Twomey (1942:412). Snyder (1953:7) considered the northeastern Utah birds to be extimus. However, neither adastus nor extimus was accepted in the AOU Check-list (1957:343-344). In die thirty-second supplement to the AOU Check-list (American Ornithologists' Union 1973:415-416) the flycatchers formerly grouped in the species Empidonax traillii are divided into two species based on a dif- ference in vocalization. The species and subspecies found in the West are listed as E. traillii brewsteri under the common name of Willow Flycatcher. Empidonax alnoram breeds in the boreal forest areas of eastern North America, Canada, and Alaska. It could presumably appear in Utah during migration, but its occurrence in the state has not, to our knowledge, been established. Empidonax hammondii (Xantus) Hammond's Flycatcher Status: Hammond's Flycatcher is a summer resident in the conifer and aspen forests of mountainous sections of the state, especially in the Wasatch, Uinta, and Raft River mountains. It also appears in the lower valleys in spring and fall. Records: Of the early naturalists Allen and Henshaw were the only ones to record this species in Utah. Allen (1872b: 179) re- ported it from Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871, and Henshaw (1875:363) found it at Beaver, Beaver County, and at Cedar City, Iron County, in September and October 1872. Numerous specimens have been collected in more recent years. A few of these are from the following locali- ties: Henry Mountains, Wayne County, September 1929 (Stanford 1931:6); 17 miles east of Kamas, Summit County, 31 May 1953 (Behle and Ghiselin 1958:8); south end of Deep Creek Mountains, Juab County, 30-31 May 1953 (Behle 1955:22); Zion National Park, Washington County, 15 May 1963 (Wauer and Carter 1965:61). Subspecies: Johnson (1966:179-200), after making measurements and other com- parisons of some 545 specimens of this fly- catcher, found no morphological basis for division into subspecies. Empidonax oberholseri Phillips Dusky Flycatcher Status: This species formerly known under the name £. wrightii (AOU Check- list 1957:345) is a rather common fly- catcher throughout the state during the summer. It nests at mid-elevations where there is considerable brush or tall shrubs. In migration it is often encountered in woodlands along the valley streams. Records: Early collectors in the state obtained a few specimens often recorded as E. obscurus or E. obsecra. Two speci- mens in the American Museum were taken 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 127 in Utah by Drexler, 28 May 1858 and 17 May 1859. Ridgway (1877:543) reported it as being common at Parley's Park, near Salt Lake City, Summit County, during June and August 1869. Henshavv (1875: .361) found it at Provo, Utah County, 9 August 1872. Recently specimens have been taken in nearly all counties of the state from April tlirough September, in- cluding those reported by Twomey (1942: 413), Behle (1955:22), Behle et al. (1958: 98), and Wauer and Carter (1965:61). Empidonax wrightii Baird Cray Flycatcher Status: The Cray Flycatcher, fonnerly called E. griseus (AOU Check-list 1957: 346), is widespread as a summer resident throughout the state and is perhaps the most common of the Empidonax flycatchers in the area. It inhabits pinyon-juniper woodlands or tall shrubby vegetation in more desert areas. Records: Because of the confusion in separating the several species of small fly- catchers of diis genus, references to this species in the early literature are uncertain. In recent years many specimens have been taken from most of the counties of the state. Some of tliese are: Twomey (1942:413), Behle (1955:22), Wauer and Carter (1965: 62), and Hayward (1967:39-40). Nineteen specimens in the Brigham Young Univer- sity collection are from San Juan, Garfield, Grand, Uintah, Utah, Juab, Emeiy, and Kane counties. Dates range from early April to late August. Fig. 48. White-crowned Sparrow. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 14 July 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 128 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Empidonax dijficilis hellmayri Brodkorb Western Flycatcher Status: This is a sparse breeding species in the mountains from 7,000 to 9,000 feet elevation. As nesting sites it often uses rocky ledges in shaded areas where water is nearby. It is found from late May to early October. Records: Ridgway (1877:544) collected two specimens at Parley's Park, east of Salt Lake City, Summit County, 5 August 1869. Allen (1872b:169) found it at Ogden, Weber County, in 1871, and Henshaw considered it to be common in cool canyons through- out the state although he collected no spec- imens. Many specimens have been taken in more recent years, indicating its rela- tively widespread distribution throughout the state where habitat is suitable: Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 7 August 1936 (Woodbury and Russell 1945:78); 10 miles west of Vernal, Uintah County, 28 May 1937 (Twomey 1942:414); south end of Deep Creek Mountains, Juab County, 31 May 1953 (Behle 1955:23); Zion National Park, Washington County, 25 June 1962 (Wauer and Carter 1965:62). Brigham Young University collection contains speci- mens as follows: Salt Creek Canyon, Mt. Nebo, Juab County, 10 July 1931; Aspen Grove, Mt. Timpanogos, Utah County, 9 June 1934; Jerico, Juab County, 6 August 1959 (migrant); La Sal Mountains, Grand County, 13 July 1967. Hayward (1941:3) gives an account of nesting near Aspen Grove, Utah County, 26 June 1937. Subspecies: Behle (1948a:72) at first recognized two races of this species in Utah specimens that he was able to study, although there appeared to be considerable overlapping of the two. The populations from southeastern and central Utah as far north and west as the Wasatch Mountains are closest to the race E. d. hellmayri, while those of the west desert ranges are closer to the West Coast E. d. dijficilis. Later Behle (1958:23) revised his opinion as stated above on the basis of further study and wrote that "Western Flycatchers from all parts of Utah are referable to hell- mayri even though those from the mountain ranges of the west desert section of the state show an approach to dijficilis." Contopus sordidulus Sclater Western Wood Pewee Status: This is a common spring and fall migrant and summer breeder in lower montane forests and along valley streams. Records: All of the early ornithologists found this species either as a migrant or breeding bird in their travels throughout the state, Ridgway in 1869 (1877:538), Allen in 1871 (1872b:169), Merriam in 1872 (1873: 691), and Henshaw in 1872 (1875:356). Many collections and observations have been made by more recent observers. Subspecies: According to an account of the subspecies published by Burleigh (1960: 143-144), C. s. veliei is the breeding sub- species in Utah. Behle (1967:133-134) has reported the subspecies saturatus from a specimen taken in the Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, 27 May 1953; the sub- species siccicola from 10 specimens ob- tained from all parts of the state except the Uinta Basin; and the subspecies amplus from 5 specimens collected in the follow- ing localities: near Yost, Box Elder County, 7 September 1931; North Willow Canyon, 22 August 1953, and east Hickman's Can- yon, 28 August 1953, both in Stansbury Mountains, Tooele County; Flat Canyon, 13 miles east of Fairview, Sanpete County, 23 August 1950; War God Spring, Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 13 August 1936. Mayr and Short (1970:60-61) con- sidered some of the subspecies as proposed by Burleigh (1960) "unwarranted" and recognize only the race veliei in the western North American population. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 129 Contopus^^ borealis (Swainson) Olive-sided Flycatcher Status: A regular but not common sum- mer breeder in mountain coniferous forests throughout the state. In spring and fall mi- gration it occurs in wooded areas in lower valleys. Records: A specimen in the U.S. Nation- al Museum of Natural History was taken by Ridgway at Parley's Park, Summit County, 23 June 1869 (Ridgway 1877:536). This species was also observed in the state by Merriam (1873:691), Henshaw (1875:350), Nelson (1875:344), and other early orni- thologists. It has since been collected or observed in most of the counties of the state. Brigham Young University collection contains seven specimens taken in Utah as follows: La Sal, San Juan County, 12 June 1927; Lost Lake and Trial Lake, Uinta Mountains, Summit County, 12 and 29 July 1930; Pole Canyon, Utah County, 25 May 1945; Paria, Kane County, 20 May 1961; Oak Creek Camp, Garfield County, 22 June 1963; Sheep Creek Watershed, Sevier County, 27 August 1968. Pyrocephalus rubinus flammeus van Rossem Vermilion Flycatcher Status: A sparse resident of the low deserts of southern Utah and seemingly confined to that part of the state. Records: Woodbury (1939:159) summar- ized the records of this bird from south- western Utah that were known up to that time. He listed several records from the Virgin River Valley in the vicinity of St. George, Hurricane, and near Zion Park, all located in Washington County. He also in- cluded a sight record by Clifton Green- halgh for Kanab, Kane County, 25 April 1935. Brigham Young University collection contains one specimen from St. George, 21 December 1925, and another from the same locality, 26 April 1936. Stanford (1944: 151) obtained a pair of birds east of St. George, 10 May 1940. Wauer (1966b:351) obsewed one in the St. George area Christ- mas bird count, 28 December 1965. Wauer (Snider 1966:591) found a nest near St. George, 2 June 1966. Family Alaudidae Eremophila alpestris (Linnaeus) Horned Lark Fig. 35, p. 91 Status: A common and sometimes abun- dant species through the deserts of the state and occasionally in the alpine. In winter large flocks, often consisting of several subspecies, appear along roadways or on exposed ridges where the ground is bare of snow. Records : All of the early naturalists re- ported the Horned Lark to be common in the state. It was reported by the Stansbury expedition (Baird 1852:318), Stevenson in the Uinta Mountains (1872:464), Allen (1872b:167), Merriam (1873:685), Nelson (1875:339), Henshaw (1875:310-311), Mc- Carthy (Baird 1876:379), Ridgway (1877: 500), and Fisher (1893:66 67). Many hun- dreds of collections and obsei^vations have been made in recent years. Subspecies: A strong tendency of this species toward subspeciation as well as its migratory and wandering habits during the nonbreeding season has led to considerable confusion in the subspecific identification of die Utah population. Behle ( 1942a :205- 316) has reviewed the Horned Larks of western North America in much detail after examination of many hundreds of speci- mens. From his studies it would appear that two races can be identified in the breeding population in Utah. The sub- species E. a. utahensis is the breeding form ^^Mayr and Short (1970:60) agree with Phillips et al. (1964) that the genus name Nuttalornis formerly used for this species "does not comprise a monotypic genus." 130 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 49. Brewer's Sparrow. Vernon, Tooele County, Utah, 2 June 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. in the Great Basin section of the state west- some intergradation between leucolaema ward of the Wasatch Mountains and cen- and E. a. occidentalis in southeastern tral plateaus, while E. a. leucolaema breeds Utah (Behle 1960b: 17, 19-20). Migrant and in the desert lands and high alpine mea- wintering birds may consist not only of dows of eastern Utah. There seems to be breeding subspecies but also of several 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 131 Other subspecies such as E. a. arcticola, E. a. enthymia, E. a. hoyti, and E. a. merrilli (Behle 1943b: 153-156). Family Hirundinidae Tachycineta thalassina lepida M earns Violet-green Swallow Status: This species is a common sum- mer resident throughout the state where it breeds most often at higher elevations. It frequently nests in holes in aspens often in close association with Tree Swallows. The two species sometimes compete for nest- ing holes. Violet-green Swallows may use holes in rocky ledges for nesting sites, especially at lower elevations. From mid- April through May and again in August and September these birds appear in large migratory flocks especially near lakes and reservoirs. Records: Ridgway (1877:444) reported it from the vicinity of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in May 1869. He found it nesting in cliffs. Allen (1872b:167) found it near Ogden, Weber County, 11 September 1872, and Henshaw (1875:218) considered it to be an inhabitant of high mountains. Merriam (1873:677) found it rather com- mon in Ogden Canyon, Weber County, in June 1872. Occurrence of this species in more recent years has been recorded from every county of the state. Wauer (1969: 332) reported it nesting at an extremely low elevation (1,950 feet) in Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 18 May 1966. Tachycineta hicolor (Vieillot) Tree Swallow Fig. 37, p. 94 Status: A regular breeding species throughout the state, especially in the moun- tains where it nests in holes in aspens or other trees. In spring and late summer Tree Swallows appear in large flocks often in company with other species of swallows. Spring migration occurs from mid-March through May, and fall migration takes place through August and September. Records: Specimens were collected by the early ornithologists. Ridgway (1877: 443) obtained specimens in the vicinity of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in May and July 1869. Henshaw (1875:217) found it in Utah County in August 1872. Cary (field notes 9-12 July 1907) found it nesting in aspens in the La Sal Mountains, San Juan County. Many recent records of nest- ing have been reported in the timbered areas of the state. Progne suhis (Linnaeus) Purple Martin Status: A sparse and localized breeding species in the mountains throughout the state where it nests in holes in aspens or dead conifers. Judging from the reports of early naturalists in the area, the martin was far more common in the early years of settlement in the state than it is at the present time. It remains in Utah from May through August. In migration it is occa- sionally seen with flocks of swallows. Records: Ridgway (1877:439) found it abundant in the aspens around Parley's Park, Summit County, east of Salt Lake City, during the summer of 1869. Henshaw (1875:214) reported its occurrence through- out Utah in large colonies, both in towns and cities as at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, where it was breeding in bird boxes. In coniferous forests of the moun- tains it nested in abandoned woodpecker holes. We are not aware of any such large colonies in the state at the present time, although it is found consistently in moun- tainous areas especially where there are aspen forests and ponds or lakes over which the birds feed. More recent records of the species have been published by Behle and Selander (1952:28) and by Hayward (1958: 406). Utah specimens in Brigham Young University collection are as follows: Aspen Grove, Mt. Timpanogos, Utah County, 22 June 1931; Skyline Drive, Sanpete County, 132 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 23 July I960; Sheep Creek Watershed, Sevier County, 15 August 1969. Subspecies: (Behle 1968a:166) has recog- nized the Utah population of Purjole Mar- tin as a new subspecies, P. s. arhoricola, characterized by being larger tlian other races and with females whiter on the fore- head and underparts. The type locality is given as Pay son Lakes, Mt. Nebo, Utah Count\', elevation 8,300 feet, 10 July 1950. Stelgidopteryx ruficolUs (Vieillot) Rough-winged Swallow Status: The Rough-winged Swallow is a common breeding species in the lower valleys throughout the state. It nests in colonies in earthen banks along streams. It is present in the area from about mid- April to late September. In spring and fall migration it appears in large flocks. Records: Ridgway (1877:446) found it common in the river valleys in Salt Lake Valley where it nested in earthen banks. Allen (1872b:167) considered it to be mod- erately common around Ogden, Weber County, in 1871. Henshaw (1875:219-220) reported finding it exceedingly abundant along the banks of the Provo River, Utah County, 26 July 1872. Fisher (1893:112) reported that Merriam considered it the commonest swallow in the Santa Clara Valley, Washington County, in May 1891. Numerous more recent records indicate that it is still a common species through- out the state. Subspecies: The breeding subspecies found in most of Utah is S. r. serripennis (Behle 1958:24; Hayward 1967:41). Wauer (1969:332) obtained a female of the race psammochroa at Beaver Dam Wash, Wash- ington County, 14 April 1966. This bird was flying about an earth bank with holes in it which Wauer assumed were its nest- ing sites. This assumption was further sub- stantiated when he examined the ovary and found it to be 11 X 3.5 mm. If this bird was breeding at Beaver Dam Wash, the breeding range of this race would be extended northward from Flagstaff, Ari- zona, about 180 miles (Phillips et al. 1964: 97). Further work needs to be carried out in soudiwestem Utah as Wauer (1969:332) also collected the subspecies serripennis in the same general locality during the breeding season. Riparia riparia riparia (Linnaeus) Bank Swallow Status: A common summer resident in lowlands where it nests in colonies in ver- tical earthen banks. In spring and late summer Bank Swallows appear in large migrating flocks. They are especially con- spicuous in late August when at dusk they fly into trees or willow patches to roost for the night. Records: Ridgway (1877:445) found it nesting in Weber River Valley in June 1869, and Henshaw (1875:220) found it nesting in colonies with Rough-winged Swallows in July 1872. Others of the early naturalists reported it for various parts of the state. There are numerous records in more recent years. Wauer (1969:332) considered it to be an occasional visitant in the Virgin River Basin from 25 March to 19 May, and 7 to 17 September. Hirundo rustica erythrogaster Boddaert Barn Swallow Status: The Barn Swallow is a wide- spread breeding species throughout the state where it nests in cliffs or in buildings. The birds often nest singly or in small groups, depending on the availability of nesting sites. During spring migration in April and early May and again in late sum- mer and early fall, flocking occurs often with other species of swallows. Records: Most of the early ornitholo- gists doing fieldwork in the state reported it in their writings. Ridgway (1877:441) found it around Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and recorded its nesting in July 1869. Henshaw (1875:216) took specimens BIRDS OF UTAH Fig. 50. Black-throated Sparrow. Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, Utah, no date. Photo by R. D. Porter. at Provo in July and at Fairfield (both in Utah County) in August 1872. Many ob- servations of birds and nesting activities have been reported in recent years. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (Vieillot) Cliff" Swallow Fig. 38, p. 97 Status: This is perhaps the most com- mon and widespread of the species of swallows inhabiting the state during the summer months. It nests in large colonies by attaching its mud nests to overhanging cliffs, eves of buildings, and the undersides of bridges. It is most common at lower elevations. In spring and early fall it may appear in large migrating flocks, often in company with other species of swallows. FIecords: Escalante (Cones 1899:359; Auerbach 1943:61) was the first to record Cliff" Swallows in what is now called Deep Creek, Duchesne County, 19 September 1776. Ridgway (1877:440) considered this to be the most abundant swallow in the Great Basin where he noted nesting on cliffs and in buildings. All of the early ornithologists referred to the great num- bers of this species, and there are numerous records for recent years. Subspecies: Behle (1960b:19) stated diat two races of this species occur in Utah. Ac- cording to him, P. p. hypopolia is found in the western part of the state and P. p. pyrrhonota in the eastern portion. Worthen (1968:285-287) regarded die Washington County breeding population as P. p. tachina and considered the birds elsewhere in the state to be intergrades between hy- popolia and pyrrhonota. Behle (1976a:70), on the basis of a large sample of specimens, indicated that three races exist in Utah: P. p. tachina in the extreme southwestern part of the state, P. p. hypopolia in western Utah, P. p. pyrrhonota in eastern Utah, with a widespread inteiTnediate population between hypopolia and pyrrhonota extend- ing across Utah. Family Motacillidae Anthus spinoletta (Linnaeus) Water Pipit Status: A fairly common breeding species in the mountains and high plateaus 134 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 of the state at elevations near or above timber line. Water Pipits winter in the lower valleys near water, sometimes in large flocks. Records: All of the early ornithologists encountered the pipit in the state but chiefly during periods of migration (Steven- son 1872:463; Allen 1872:166; Henshaw 1875:187). Relatively little work was done by these observers at high elevations where the species breeds. Many specimens of both breeding and wintering birds have been taken in more recent years. Subspecies: The breeding subspecies of the state is A. s. alticola, and this race is also commonly found among the wintering birds. A. s. rubescens has been reported as a migrant to southern Utah (Behle 1943a:60; Check-list of Birds of the World 1960 [9] : 160). Porter and Bushman (1956:153) re- corded two specimens of this race, one collected at Orr's Ranch, Skull Valley, 1 May 1954, and the other at Government Creek, four miles north of Camel Back Mountain, 12 May 1954, both in Tooele County. Porter (1954:363) summarized several records of A. s. pacificus from St. George, Washington County, and from Tooele County, taken in April, September, and December. He also reported A. s. geophilus collected near Simpson Moun- tain, Tooele County, 18 October 1952. The latter race is not recognized in the Ameri- can Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds (1957:457-458) or the Check-list of Birds of the World (1960 [9] : 160-162). Presumably it is a difficult race to distinguish from A. s. pacificus (Phillips etal. 1964:138). Family Laniidae Lanius ludovicianus^^ Linna.eus Loggerhead Shrike Fig. 39, p. 100 Status: The Loggerhead Shrike is a rather common breeding species in the lower valleys and on the foothills through- out the state. It is an inhabitant of desert shrub communities and pinyon-juniper woodlands. There is some evidence that there is a general drifting southward in winter to the lower and warmer valleys of the southern part of the state. Records: Specimens of this shrike were taken or observed by several of the early naturalists. Ridgway (1877:464) found it nesting at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 24 and 27 May 1869, and on Antelope Is- land, Great Salt Lake, 4 and 7 June 1869. He also reported it nesting at Promontory Point, Box Elder County, June 1869, and Fremont Island, 16 August 1869. Allen (1872b:167, 176) found fliis species "quite common" in Ogden, Weber County, during the fall of 1871 (1 September to 8 October). Merriam (1873:677) found shrikes at Salt Lake City, 11 June 1872, and Nelson (1875: 346) found them common about infre- quented fields in late July and early August 1872. Henshaw (1875:235) during the same year collected a specimen at Fillmore, Millard County, 15 November. In 1891 Merriam observed them in Washington County, southwestern Utah, at Beaver Dam Mountains 10 May; Santa Clara Valley, 11-15 May; and Mountain Meadows, 17 May (Fisher 1893:115). Bafley (field notes) found it wintering along the Virgin River, Washington County, in January 1889. In more recent times numerous collection and sight records have been published, indicat- ing that the populations are well sustained at the present time. Subspecies: There has been considerable confusion regarding the subspecific status of the shrikes occurring in Utah. The race L. /. nevadensis, proposed by Miller (1930: 156) as the breeding form in the Great Basin and elsewhere in the West, is placed in synonomy under L. /. gamheli in Check- list of Birds of the World (1960[9] :353). It ^^There is evidence that L. ludovicianus might eventually be considered conspecific with L. excubitor (Mayr and Short 1970:71). 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 135 now seems that the breeding subspecies throughout most of the state is L. I. gambeli with a possibihty that L. /. sonoriensis may nest in extreme southwestern Utah (Behle 1943a:61). Lanius excubitor invictus Grinnell Northern Shrike Status: The Northern Shrike is an un- common but regular wintering species throughout Utah. In the northern part of the state it appears to hirgely replace the breeding L. ludovicianus diat drifts soudi- ward in winter. Records: McCarthy, the taxidermist with Simpson's party, collected three specimens at Camp Floyd, Utah County, in 1859 (Baird 1876:378). Henshaw (1875:233) ob- tained one specimen and observed others late in the fall of 1872 in soudiern Utah. Utah specimens in the Brigham Young University collection are as follows: Provo, Utah County, 2 November 1928, 13 Febm- ary 1958, 15 December 1962; Bridgeland, Duchesne County, 31 December 1955. Family Bombycillidae Botnbijcilla garrulus pallidiceps Reichenow Bohemian Waxwing Status: An irregular but consistent winter resident throughout the state. Large flocks of the species appear in winter especially around parks or homes where there is an abundance of berries on orna- mental shrubs or dried faiits left on trees. They wander from place to place wherever food is available and ordinarily do not remain long in one locality. Records: We have no records of this species in Utah until after the turn of tiiis centuiy when Goodwin (1905:52) noted it in Provo, Utah County, from mid-December to the first week of April. He also stated that he had seen them in Provo each winter from 1898 1899 to 1905 except 1900 1901 when none was obsei'ved. Many collections and observation records of this species are known. Some of these are: Stanford (1938:142), Logan, Cache County, 16 March 1932; Hardy and Higgins (1940: 105), St. George, Washington County, late December; Behle (1958:29), Park Valley, Box Elder County, 29 December 1951; Wauer and Carter (1965:72), Zion National Park, Washington County, 20 December 1965. Brigham Young University collection contains some 27 specimens from the state. These specimens are mostly from the cen- tral Utah valleys with dates ranging from early November through March. Bombycilla cedrorum Vieillot Cedar Waxwing Status: The Cedar Waxwing is a resi- dent of Utah throughout the year, although it appears most abundantly in winter. In winter it is often seen in large flocks, some- times in company with Bohemian Wax- wings. Like the Bohemian it feeds on dried berries and fruits that remain on bushes or trees during the winter. Judging from the scarcity of reports by early naturalists in the state, die Cedar Waxwing is likely more common now than formerly owing possibly to the greater supply of food on introduced shrubs and fruit trees. In summer it nests in small numbers in woodlands along streams, canals, or in parks (Croft 1932:91). Records: Most of the early reports of this species seem to have been based on the observation of Allen (1872b: 167), who regarded it as rather common around Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Numerous reports in more recent years indicate its continued occurrence through- out the state during all months of the year: Escalante, Garfield County, 7 June 1940 (Hayward 1967:48); four miles east of Pine Valley, Washington County, 13 September 1941 (Behle 1943a:61); Yost, Box Elder County, 21 May 1954 (Behle 1958:29). Sev- eral pairs have been known to nest on the Brigham Young University campus (Hay- ward field notes). Bee and Hutchings 136 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 51. Black-throated Sparrow. Camel Back Mountain, Tooele C;ounty, Ut;ih, 12 June 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter. (1942:80) recorded a County, 1 July. nest at Lehi, Utah Phainopepla nitens lepida Xdn Tyne Phainopepla Status: This is an uncommon resident in southwestern Utah in the Virgin River Valley. In this area it is primarily a sum- mer resident, although some may remain throughout the year. Records: Fisher (1893:113) reported that the Pliainopepla was common in the lower Santa Clara Valley, Washington County, 11-15 June 1891, and that "several pairs were breeding in the village of St. George." Behle ( 1943a :61) recorded three specimens taken at Anderson's Ranch, Washington County, 28 June 1932 and 5 July 1932. Brigham Young University has a specimen from St. George taken 19 June 1933 and one from Anderson's Ranch taken 18 May 1934. Hardy and Higgins (1940:105) reported specimens from St. George, 15 November 1938 and 10 May 1939. Behle et al. (1958: 72-73) obtained six specimens two miles south of Kanab, Kane County, 18-19 June 1947. Wauer (1969:333) states that it is found in southern Utah from 1 April to 15 November. Family Cinclidae Cinclus mexicanus unicolor Bonaparte Dipper Status: A common resident the year around along mountain streams and oc- casionally along valley streams where there is swift water. Records: This species was reported con- sistently by all of the early naturalists who did fieldwork along canyon streams. Ridg- way (1877:407) found it nesting in Pack's 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 137 Canyon, Uinta Mountains, 7 July Allen (1872b:166) obtained 14 specimens in Ogden Canyon, Weber County, 2 October 1871, and Merriam (1873:671) noted it in the same area in June 1872. Henshaw (1875: 159) reported it as being particularly nu- merous along Provo River, Utah County, in 1872, and Birdseye (field notes) found it near Pine Valley, Washington County, 13 October 1909. Many recent records indi- cate its continuing occurrence in most mountainous sections of the state. There are also a number of records from lower valley streams. Brigham Young University has specimens from near Provo, on Provo River, 4 December 1932; Escalante, Gar- field County, 9 June 1936; Fruita, Wayne County, 8 June 1960. The species also oc- curs and nests in Zion Canyon (Wauer and Carter 1965:67). Family Troglodytidae Campylorhynchus hninneicapillus couesi Sharpe Cactus Wren Status: A year-round resident of the lower Virgin River Valley of southwestern Utah. It nests in thorny or spiny plants of the hot desert lands. Records: Henshaw (1875:178-179) took a specimen and saw two other birds a few miles north of St. George, Washington County, 27 October 1872. Merriam (Fisher 1893:131) found it common up to 3,800 feet on the Beaver Dam slope and in Santa Clara Valley, Washington County, May 1891. All known records are from the Washington County area. Brigham Young University has two specimens from near St. George, 27 May 1920 and 5 October 1935. Hardy and Higgins (1940:104) collected two males three miles west of the summit of the Beaver Dam Mountains on 17 Feb- ruary 1941. Behle (1943a:55) found this species to be common in the Joshua tree belt on the west slope of the Beaver Dam Mountains. He also noted several nests, all of which were located in cholla cactus. Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus (Say) Rock Wren Fig. 40, p. 103 Status: A common resident throughout Utah, breeding in rocky outcroppings at all elevations from low deserts to the alpine. In winter the Rock Wren drifts to lower elevations and southward. Records: This species was observed or collected by early naturalists in the state and reported by all of diem as being very common. Ridgway (1877:419) found it in suitable localities in 1869; Allen (1872b: 166) in 1871 found it abundant in the Wa- satch Mountains; Henshaw (1875:180-181) recorded it in 1872 as especially common in southern Utah as did Merriam in the Virgin River Valley in 1891 (Fisher 1893:132). Many records have been published, the more recent ones being: Woodbury and Russell (1945:102), near Bluff, San Juan County, 27 October 1931; Twomey (1942: 426), Green Lake, Daggett County, Uinta Mountains, 13 July 1937; Behle (1955:25), north slope of Mount Ibapah, Juab County, 2 July 1950; Wauer and Carter (1965:69), Zion National Park, Washington County, 18 June 1963. Salpinctes mexicanus conspersus (Ridgway) Canyon Wren Status: An abundant resident of cliffs in canyon land countiy of southeastern Utah, becoming common to sparse in similar habitats northward. Nesting takes place in crevices in the rocky cliffs. Records: Ridgway (1873:172) regarded this wren as rare in the canyons near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County. Henshaw (1875:181-182) found it in the cliffs and canyons of southern Utah and collected specimens in October 1872. Merriam (Fisher 1893:133) noted it breeding in the lower Virgin River Valley, Washington County, in available cliff habitats in May 1891. Loring (field notes) found it at Bluff, San Juan County, in November 1893. 138 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Brigham Young University has specimens taken in canyons east of Provo, Utah County, 4 February 1933, 27 July 1944, and 4 October 1946. Cistothorus palustris (Wilson) Long-billed Marsh Wren Fig. 54, p. 142 Status: An abundant species in the marshlands around Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake and present in other lowland areas of the state in lesser numbers. Records: Early records of this species in the state include those of Allen (1872b:166), at Ogden, Weber County; Henshaw (1874: 3), who considered it exceedingly abundant in marshy areas in the state; and Ridgway (1877:425-426) at various localities in Utah. Many records of more recent years have been published. Presnell (1935b:204) did not report this species from Zion National Park, Washington County, but Henshaw (1875:186) collected a specimen at Toquer- ville, Washington County, a few miles west of Zion, 15 October 1872. More recently Wauer and Carter (1965:68) considered it to be a fairly common migrant in areas near Zion Canyon below the high country and believed that it has increased in recent years. Subspecies: The race C. p. plesius ap- pears to be the breeding form throughout most of the state, but Behle ( 1948a :75-76) considered some of his specimens from St. George, Washington County, and Kanab, Kane County, to be of the subspecies C. p. aestuarinus. The latter race may range northward along the Colorado River an unknown distance from its more usual range in southern California and Arizona. Thryomanes bewickii eremophilus Oberholser Bewick's Wren Status: This wren is primarily an in- habitant of pinyon-juniper forests, par- ticularly of southern and eastern Utah, ex- tending its breeding range as far north in the state as the Uinta Basin. Records: Henshaw (1875:183) found the wren at Iron City, Iron County, 6 October 1872, and at several localities in Washing- ton County about the same time. Merriam (Fisher 1893:134) and Birdseye (field notes) also reported this species from Washington County in 1891 and 1909. More recent fieldwork has resulted in many records from the pinyon-juniper areas of eastern Utah (Killpack and Hayward 1958:23; Hayward 1967:45). The species appears to be less common in the Great Basin. A specimen at the University of Utah was taken at Benmore, Tooele County, 10 June 1934, and another in Utah State University was collected at Vernon, Tooele County, 2 May 1936 (Stanford 1938: 141). Troglodytes troglodytes (Linnaeus) Winter Wren Status: A sparse winter resident of die state and occasionally reported breeding (Treganza, near Boulter, Juab County, 11 June 1911). Records: Collection records of the species are scattered and few. Tliere is a specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History from Provo, Utah County, 6 November 1888, collected by Vernon Bailey. Brigham Young University has a specimen taken by C. Cottam in Rock Canyon, near Provo, Utah County, 26 December 1927. Other records are as follows: Boulter, Juab County, 11 June 1909 (Treganza); Santa Clara Creek, Wash- ington County, 16 March 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:103); Capitol Reef Monu- ment, Wayne County, 5 November 1941 (Behle et al. 1958:67). Several sight records have been published: Behle (1958:27), Clear Creek Canyon, Raft River Mountains, Box Elder County, 5 August 1936; Grater (1943:76), Zion National Park, Washing- ton County, 1 Februaiy 1942; Utah Audu- bon News (1964:2), Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 22 December 1963. Winter 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 139 wrens were reported by Kingery (1976:103) for Logan, Cache County, and Zion Na- tional Park in die fall of 1975. Subspecies: Owing no doubt to die paucity of specimens, there has been no careful study of the subspecific status of the Utah population of winter wrens. Accord- ing to Check-list of Birds of die World (1960 [9] :416), Utah would most likely fall within the range of T. t. pacificus. Troglodytes aedon parkmanii Audubon House Wren Fig. 41, p. 106 Status: The House Wren is a common summer resident in wooded areas of both mountains and lowlands. It is present from late April through October over most of the state, and a few remain over winter in the low Virgin River Valley (Wauer and Carter 1965:68). This species nests in holes in trees or under loose bark and frequently in abandoned buildings. Records: Ridgway (1877:422-4) took five nests in Parley's Park, Summit County, east of Salt Lake City, 23-27 June 1869. Henshaw (1875:184-185) noted that it was common at elevations up to 10,000 feet in the areas of the state visited by him. In more recent times many additional records have been obtained. Family Mimidae Dumetelh carolinensis (Linnaeus) Gray Catbird Status: The Gray Catbird is a common summer resident throughout the state where it lives in thickets along the lower valley streams or ditch banks and in similar habitats around dwellings and parks. The bulk of the population arrives in late May or early June and remains until October. A few may winter here. Kashin (1974:488) reported one at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 16 December 1973. Records: During his observations of 1869, Ridgway (1877:399) found diis species to be one of the most abundant birds in the Wasatch region. Allen (1872b: 165) reported Fig. 52. Sage Sparrow. R. J. Ervvin. Rush Valley, Tooele County, Utah, 31 May 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and 140 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 it as common along the Weber River, Weber County, 1 September to 8 October 1871. Other early records for Utah were made by Merriam (1873:670, 705), Henshaw (1875:153), and Vernon Bailey (field notes). Additional notations of this species are continuously being made to the present time. Mimus polyglottos leucopterus (Vigors) Mockingbird Mockingbird Fig. 42, p. 109 Status: A summer breeding inhabitant of tall semidesert brushlands throughout most of the state. Most common in the lower valleys of the Virgin River and Colorado River and becoming less com- mon northward. Records: The early naturalist explorers did not report the Mockingbird from the northern part of the state. However, Mer- riam (Fisher 1893:127) found it to be com- mon in Washington County in May 1891. Rowley collected specimens for the Ameri- can Museum of Natural History at Bluff, San Juan County, in May 1892 (Woodbury and Russell 1945:103). Birdseye (field notes) reported it from St. George, Wash- ington County, in 1892. Numerous more recent records have been reported includ- ing Tanner (1936:185-187), who sum- marized Utah records to that date; Stan- ford (1944:151), Ouray Valley, Uintah County, 6 June 1940; Behle (1960a:41), Moab, Grand County, 8 June 19.56; Wauer and Carter (1965:69), Zion National Park, 24 November 1964. More northern breed- ing records include those of Bee and Hutch- ings (1942:78), who found them nesting in tall greasewood west of Lehi, Utah County, in late May and June. Oreoscoptes montanus (Townsend) Sage Thrasher Status: The Sage Thrasher is a common summer resident of the lower desertlands where it nests in greasewood or tall sage- brush communities. It is found in Utah from March through October. Records: The former abundance of the Sage Thrasher in Utah is indicated by the numerous collection and obsei^vation records of all of the early naturalist ex- plorers. Ridgway (1877:402) seems to be the first to have recorded it and took nests and birds from Antelope and other islands of Great Salt Lake in June 1869. Other early reports include Allen (1872b:166), Ogden, Weber County, September 1871; Merriam (1873:670), Ogden, 11 June 1872; Henshaw (1875:149), central and southern Utah, fall of 1872. Hundreds of additional records have accumulated from every county of the state in recent years. Toxostoma rufum longicauda (Baird) Brown Thrasher Status: The Brown Thrasher seems to be of casual occurrence in Utah. Surely it is rare, although there is some evidence that it may nest within the state. Records: Grantham (1936:85) banded a specimen at Zion Canyon, Washington County, 7 December 1935. It was later preserved as a specimen. Wauer and Carter (1965:69) reported that Presnell ob- served one in Zion Canyon in late March 1936. Behle (1954b:313) reported a speci- men taken in Salt Lake City (Tracy Aviary), Salt Lake County, 25 June 1953. Brigham Young University has a specimen from Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 29 December 1954. Hayward (1967:45) erroneously re- corded this specimen as 29 December 1955. Hayward (1967:45) saw one at the junction of the San Rafael and Green Rivers, Emery County, 4 June 1957. Behle et al. (1964:454) found it at Fish Springs, Juab County, 9 June 1961. Carter (1967 mimeo- graphed list) recorded a sight record from Arches National Monument, Grand County, 25 September 1967. Kingery (1973:94) reported one observed at Fish Springs, Juab County, 27 October 1972. Kingery 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 141 (1975:96) reported them at Salt Lake City in early September 1974; Bear River, Box Elder County, 27 October to 12 November 1974; Canyonlands National Park, San Juan County, 4 December 1974. Toxostoma hendirei bendirei (Coues) Bendire's Thrasher Status: A sparse summer resident in southern Utah. Records: Early naturalists who visited southern Utah did not record Bendire's Thrasher in their lists. Brigham Young Uni- versity has a specimen from Monument Valley, San Juan County, 4 July 1927. Cottam, who collected the specimen, re- ported seeing several birds in that area. A specimen in the University of Utah collec- tion was taken near Escalante, Garfield County, 9 May 1937 (Woodbuiy 1939:159). Behle (1960a:41) recorded a sight record at the top of Lake Canyon, San Juan County, 14 July 1958. Kingeiy (1971:886) reported a Bendire's Thrasher seen twice during tlie breeding season of 1971 at Vernon, Tooele County. Three were observed at the same locality on 24 May 1975 (Kingery 1975:888). Toxostoma lecontei lecontei Lawrence Le Conte's Thrasher Status: Le Conte's Thrasher appears to be confined in Utah to the Virgin River Valley and die south slope of the Beaver Dam Mountains in Washington County. It has been reported rarely from Utah, al- though it is rather common in soudiern Nevada. Records: Fisher (1893:130) listed a specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy taken in Beaver Dam Mountains, Washington County, 10 May 1891, by C. H. Merriam. Merriam in his notes indicated tliat it was rather common on the west side of this mountain range where it lived in close association with the Cactus Wren. Presnell (1935b:205) re- ported it as having been observed near Shunes Creek, Zion National Park, Wash- ington County (no date given). Wauer (1964:292) saw two at St. George on 19 December 1963. Fig. 53. Sage Sparrow. R. J. Erwin. Rush Valley, Tooele County, Utah, 31 May 1954. Photo by R. D. Porter and 142 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 54. Long-billed Marsh Wren. Ogden Bay, Weber County, Utah, 1 July 1969. Photo by R. J. Erwin. Toxostoma dorsale coloradense van Rossem Crissal Thrasher Status: An uncommon resident of the Virgin River Valley in southwestern Utah. Also reported from Kanab, Kane County. Judging from available records, it is the most common of the four representatives of the genus found in southern Utah. Records: Early records of tliis species include a specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History taken by Palmer at St. George, Washington County, 9 June 1870. Henshaw (1874:2) saw this 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 143 species in St. George in 1872. Yarrow and Henshaw (field notes) reported it there in Januaiy 1889 (specimen in U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy). Merriam (Fisher 1893:130) found it breeding in the lower Santa Clara Valley, Washington County, 16 May 1891. Brigham Young University has four specimens taken at St. George in late December 1926 and 8 April 1933. Behle et al. (1964:454) obtained seven specimens from City Springs area, St. George, 31 December 1960, 20 June 1961, 25-26 May 1962. Wauer (1964:292) re- ported seeing four at St. George, 19 Decem- ber 1963. Lund (1968a:360) obsei-ved a Crissal Thrasher at Kanab, Kane County, 20 December 1967. One was also seen at St. George, 25 September 1974 (Kingeiy 1975:96). Family Muscicapidae Sialia mexicana Swainson Western Bluebird Status: The Western Bluebird is a species common to central and southern Utah where it lives in lower mountain and pinyon-juniper communities. There is some altitudinal migration in spring and autumn, and the species winters at lower elevations in flocks. Several pairs were found nesting in a grove of aspens near the Kanab Sand Dunes, Kane County, 7 May 1957 (Hayward 1967:46). Records: Early naturalists in Utah did not mention this species in Utah. A speci- men in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History was taken by Bailey near Kanab, Kane County, 26 December 1888. Sight records were reported by Gary on the lower eastern slope of the La Sal Moun- tains, Grand or San Juan counties, July 1907 (field notes). Nelson and Birdseye (field notes) observed it near Kanab and in Washington County in 1909. There are numerous more recent records and collec- tions. Subspecies: Both the race S. m. occi- dentalis and S. m. bairdi appear in the Utah population. The former seems to be a wintering and transient race, while bairdi is the breeding subspecies. Several of the earlier records of occidentalis, especially nesting records, may be questioned. Behle (1941b: 183) reported a specimen of occi- dentalis (transient) taken near Moab, Grand County, 6 April 1938, and Twomey (1944a:89) collected one on 21 October 1937 at Kanab, Kane County, in a flock of seven bairdi. A series of eight specimens in the Brigham Young University collection taken near the Kanab Sand Dunes, Kane County, early May 1955, are all of the race bairdi. These birds were in breeding con- dition. Sialia currucoides (Bechstein) Mountain Bluebird Fig. 44, p. 115 Status: Formerly a common summer resident in valleys and mountains tlirough- out the state. Now, less common and mostly confined to mountains and high valleys as a breeding species but frequently appear- ing in flocks in the lower valleys during spring and fall migration. A few winter in central and southern Utah (Wauer and Carter 1965:70). Records: In the accounts of early ex- plorations in Utah the Mountain Bluebird was frequently mentioned. The Stansbuiy party (Baird 1852:307, 314-315, 328) re- ported it in Salt Lake Valley in 1849 and collected specimens for the U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy. Remy (1860 [2] :450) reported this species in 1855. Ridgway (1877:405-406) found it in several localities in Utah in June and August 1869, and Henshaw (1875:162-163) also reported it from various areas of the state visited by him in September, October, and November 1872. Numerous collections and observa- tions have been made in more recent years. 144 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Myadestes townsendi townsendi (Audubon) Townsend's Solitaire Status: A widespread but not common species that nests in the mountains and winters at lower elevations in foothills and valleys. Records: Of the early naturalists in Utah, Henshaw (1875:231-232) collected two specimens, one at Pine Valley, Wash- ington County, and the other in Millard County in October and November 1872. Vernon Bailey (field notes) found a speci- men killed at Provo, Utah County, 14 November 1888, and noted that it was common in canyons near Manti, Sanpete County, 3 December. In more recent years records have been obtained from most of the counties of the state. Zoothera naevia (Gmelin) Varied Thrush Status: This is a rare and possibly acci- dental visitor in Utah. Records: The only collection record available for Utah is a specimen at Brigham Young University taken at Cedar City, Iron County, 4 December 1967. Merlin L. Kill- pack (letter) captured a Varied Thrush in a banding operation at Ogden, Weber County, 22 December 1973. The specimen was photographed but was unfortunately destroyed by a house cat before it could be studied further. The first sight record was recorded from Jordan River Park, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 22 and 29 Decem- ber 1946 and 1 January 1947, by Kenneth Tanner, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Lockerbie, and several other observers. The bird was feeding on the fruit of the Russian olive (Lockerbie 1947a:17; Bader 1947:107). Keith (1968:245-276) summarized the eight records for this species in Utah up to and including May 1966. Since then, five more sight records have been reported: Kashin (1967:347) reported one observed sometime between 21 December 1966 and 2 January 1967 in the Salt Lake area. Kingery (1973: 94) stated that one was seen 30 October 1972 at Bryce Canyon, Garfield County, and listed another Salt Lake record on 6 November 1972. Mitchell (letter 1974) ob- served a male and female, 16, 18, 19 May 1974, at Glen Canyon City, Kane County. A single bird was seen at Zion National Park, Washington County, 28 April 1975 (Kingery 1975:888). Subspecies: The races naevia and meru- loides are found along the Pacific coast north to Alaska. The one collected speci- men mentioned above has been identified as meruloides by M. R. Browning of the U.S. National Museum of Natural History. Catharus fuscescens salicicola (Ridgway) Veery Status: The Veery, also sometimes called Willow Thrush, is a summer inhabi- tant of streamside woodlands especially in the lower valleys. From available records it would appear that this species was much more common in the early days of setde- ment than it is at present. Apparently it has not been able to adjust to the pressures of human population. Records: Ridgway (1877:398) found this thrush very abundant along the lower por- tions of the Provo River, Utah County, 10- 11 July 1869. He also found it along the Weber and Bear rivers. Henshaw (1875: 148) considered it to be an abundant sum- mer resident in Utah. Strangely enough, neither of these workers obtained speci- mens. A specimen was taken northeast of Wellsville, Cache County, 21 July 1927 (Stanford 1938:141). There is a specimen in the Royal Ontario Museum collected near Jensen, Uintah County, in July 1935. Stanford (1931:8) reported a specimen taken near Salina, Sevier County, 10 April 1929, but the location of this specimen is not known. Behle and Selander (1952:29) recorded a male specimen collected along Clear Creek, Raft River Mountains, Box Elder County, 14 June 1951. This speci- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 145 men had enlarged testes and was suspected of breeding. Several sight records have been recorded, including a more recent one by Kashin (1964:50) for American Fork Canyon, Utah County, 13 June 1964. Hay- ward (field notes) regarded this diRish as common in woodlands along Provo River, Utah County, in the 1930s, but no speci- mens were taken. Several instances of nesting have been recorded. Brigham Young University collection contains three sets of eggs as follows: Provo River near Provo, Utah County, 29 June 1933, set of two with one cowbird egg collected by R. G. Bee; City Creek, Salt Lake County, 1 June 1934, set of four collected by A. D. Boyle; Provo, 4 June 1934, set of four col- lected by D. E. Johnson. The sets of Veery eggs are decidedly darker blue than a series of Audubon's Henriit Thrush eggs from the Wasatch Mountains. Kashin found one in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 13-14 January 1972 (Kingery 1972: 636). Catharus ustulatus (Nuttall) Swainson's Thrush Status: This is a fairly common summer resident in the mountains of northern and central Utah. It appears to be less common southward. It inhabits approximately the same altitude zone as the Hermit Thrush but tends to live closer to water where it nests in tall shrubs, conifers, and aspens. It is less common than the Hermit Thrush. Records: The earliest published record for the state is that of Ridgway (1877:397- 398), who considered it a common breeder in streamside diickets. He collected specimens, nests, and eggs, 23 and 27 June 1869, at Parley's Park, Summit County. Osgood (field notes) found it at Puffer Lake, Beaver County, and Brian Head, Iron County, August and September 1908. Brigham Young University collection con- tains specimens as follows: Strawberry Reservoir, Wasatch County, 7 July 1926; Kamas, Summit County, 21 August 1930; Yost, Box Elder County, 7 September 1957; Strawberry River, Duchesne County, 19 June 1961; 'sheep Creek Watershed, Sevier County, 16 July 1968 and 8 July 1969. Subspecies: According to Bond (1963: 373-387), the subspecies occurring in Utah is C. u. almae, although he appears to have examined few specimens from the area. Ripley (Checklist of Birds of die World 1964 f 10]: 171-173) also considered almae to be found in Utah. Wauer (1969:333) obtained a specimen of the race swainsoni in Zion National Park, Washington County, 27 May 1966. Catharus guttatus (Pallas) Hermit Thrush Fig. 43, p. 112 Status: The Hermit Thrush is a com- mon breeding species in mountains throughout the state. It is also a frequent migrant in spring and autumn when it may be found in woodlands and thickets along valley streams and occasionally in semi- desert country. Records: Ridgway (1877:394-395) found this species in the Wasatch Mountains in May and August 1869. Allen (1872b:173) reported it for Ogden, Weber County, and Henshaw (1875:144) also recorded it for Utah. In more recent years many addi- tional records have been published. Subspecies: C. g. auduboni appears to be die common nesting subspecies in the mountain ranges of northern and eastern Utah. Behle ( 1948a :76) regarded die breeding thrushes of southern and soudi- western Utah as C. g. polionotus. This view is also indicated in Checklist of Birds of die World (1964[10] :174). However, the status of the subspecies of C. guttatus is still somewhat unsettled (Aldrich 1968: 1-33; AOU Supplement 1973:416). Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin) Wood Thrush Status: The Wood Thrush is of rare and 146 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 accidental occurrence in Utah. Records: Behle (1966:396) reported that a specimen was captured after flying into a wire at Tracy Aviaiy, Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 14 October 1963. The bird later died and was pre- served as a specimen. Kashin observed one at American Fork, Utah County, May 1964 (Behle and Periy 1975:32). Turdus migratorius propinquus Ridgway American Robin Status: A common resident throughout the state. Originally probably an inhabitant of streamside woodlands and mountain forests but spreading into farmlands, parks, cities, and towns following settlement by white man. Although its numbers seem to have diminished somewhat in the past Fig. 55. Dark-eyed Junco. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 27 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 147 decade, the robin is still a rather common summer inhabitant of valleys and moun- tains up to timberline. In winter it is of erratic occinrence depending upon the presence of food. In canyons it is often found in large flocks where wild berries are available, and it frequently occurs around settlements where berries of orna- mental shiiibs or fiiiits are left on tlie trees. Records: McCarthy (Baird 1876:378) collected a specimen at Camp Floyd (now Fairfield, Utah County) in 1859. All of the early naturalists to visit Utah reported it. Ridgway (1877:393) collected a number of specimens in die Wasatch and Uinta moun- tains in June and July of 1869, but he col- lected none in the valley. Henshaw (1875: 143) observed that in September 1872 it was very common in Provo, Utah County, Fig. 56. Chipping Sparrow. North Fork Ogden River, Weber County, Utah, 30 June 1930. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 148 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 where a few years before it was unknown. Most of the early observations indicate that it was not an abundant species in the early days of settlement. In recent years numer- ous observations and collections have been made both in the valleys and in the moun- tains. Polioptila caerulea amoenissima Grinnell Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Figs. 45, 46; pp. 118, 121 Status: A summer resident, less com- mon north to the Great Salt Lake and the Uinta Basin. Its distribution in the state Fig. 57. Yellow Warbler. Rochester, Monroe County, New York, 9 July 1967. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 149 seems to depend somewhat on the presence of pinyon-juniper forests in which it most frequently nests. However, it is also found in willows or brush. It has been reported from early April to mid-September. Records: Early naturalists in the state reported the species only from the southern- most counties. In 1891 Merriam and Bailey (Fisher 1893:143-144) found it breeding commonly in Santa Clara Valley, 11 to 15 May, and in junipers on Beaver Dam Moun- tains, both localities in Washington County. Osgood (field notes) found it in scrub oak at the base of Beaver Mountains, Beaver Fig. 58. Yellow -rumped Warbler. Monte Cristo, Rich County, Utah, 7 July 1973. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 150 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Fig. 59. Solitary Vireo. North Fork Ogden River, Ervvin. County, 25 August 1908. Nelson and Birds- eye (field notes) saw some near Kanab, Kane County, 3 September 1909. Reports of occurrence in more northern counties have been made in recent years. Treganza (field notes) found it nesting in the West Tintic Mountains, Juab County, in 1912 and 1914. One from Skull Valley, Tooele County, taken 22 July 1935, is in die Uni- versity of Utah collection. A specimen from Antelope Island, Davis County, col- lected 24 June 1938, is in die U.S. National Museum of Natural History. Brigham Young University has specimens from Provo Bay, Utah County, 10 May 1942, and from Cedar Valley, Utah County, April 1946. Bee and Hutchings (1942:80) re- ported it nesting in Cedar Valley, Utah Weber County, Utah, 8 July 1956. Photo by R. J. County, in late June and early July. Hay- ward (field notes) found it to be very com- mon near Bonanza, Uintah County, in June 1954. Family Sylviidae Regulus satrapa Lichtenstein Golden-crowned Kinglet Status: This species is a rather common breeding species in coniferous forests of mountainous areas throughout most of the state. In winter it tends to move down to lower elevations where it occurs in small flocks in brush or pinyon-juniper wood- lands. The Golden-crowned Kinglet seems to be less common than the Ruby-crowned 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 151 Kinglet, but it is more secretive and less conspicuous in song so that it is more likely to be overlooked. Records: The earliest records for the state appear to be those of Osgood (field notes), who found it at Fish Lake Park, Sevier County; Rabbit Valley, Wayne County; and in the llcniy Mountains, Gar- field County. His obseivations were made in September and October 1908. Treganza (field notes) noted that they were common in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains where Fig. 60. Warbling Vireo. Snow Basin, Webtr C^uunty, Utiih, 30 June 1959. Photo by R. J. Er 152 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 he located 27 nests. Nearly all the numer- ous collection records are for fall, winter, or early spring. Woodbury (1939:159-160) and Behle and Ross (1945:169) summarized collection and sight records of this species. Subspecies: The Utah population of Golden-crowned Kinglets has been vari- ously referred to the races olivaceus or amoenus. The AOU Check-list (1957:453) includes Utah within the range of R. s. amoenus named by Van Rossem (1945:77- 78). Behle (1955:26; 1958:29; Behle et al. 1958:71) used R. s. olivaceus in lists of birds from the Deep Creek Mountains, the Raft River Mountains, and the Kanab area. Later Behle referred to them as R. s. amoenus in his treatise on birds of south- eastern Utah (1960a:43). A series of eight specimens at Brigham Young University, all taken in fall, winter, or early spring, came within the larger size range of R. s. amoenus with the exception of one specimen. It would seem that there is a need to assemble a collection of breeding as well as winter- ing birds to clarify the subspecific relations of the Utah population. Regulus calendula cineraceus Grinnell Ruby-crowned Kinglet Status: This is a common breeding species in coniferous forests throughout the mountain ranges of the state. In fall, winter, and spring it occurs in small flocks or indi- vidually in lowland areas wherever there are streamside woodlands or ornamental trees. During the nonbreeding season it is more common southward. Records: This kinglet was reported by most of the early naturalists who visited Utah. Ridgway (1875:33) considered it a common breeding species at Parley's Park, Summit County, during the summer of 1869. Most of the other early observations or col- lections were made in fall, winter, and early spring when the birds were migrating or on their wintering ground. Henshaw (1875: 165) took a specimen near St. George, Wash- ington County, 26 September 1872. A specimen in the American Museum was taken by Rowley, near Four Corners, on the San Juan River, 20 April 1892. The Museum of Comparative Zoology contains specimens collected by Allen near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Many collections have been made and reported in recent years. Family Paridae Parus atricapillus Linnaeus Black-capped Chickadee Fig. 47, p. 124 Status: The Black-capped Chickadee is a rather common permanent resident throughout the state, being somewhat more common northward. In winter it inhabits woodlands along the streams of the valleys but in summer tends to move upwards into the mountains where it breeds. This active species almost invariably appears in pairs or small flocks of two or three pairs. Records: Reports of the early naturalists vary as to the numbers of these chickadees. Baird (1852:316) reported one specimen taken in Utah by Stansbury in 1849 or 1850. He called it rare. Ridgway (1877: 412) stated that it was probably wanting in the western Great Basin and extremely rare on the eastern side in 1869. Allen (1872b: 166) called it abundant around Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Neither Merriam nor Nelson found it in 1872. Henshaw (1875:171) reported it as common in cottonwood groves near Provo River, Utah County, in July and November 1872, but did not see it elsewhere in his travels. Vernon Bailey (field notes) con- sidered it to be common to abundant from Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, all the way to southern Utah during October, November, and December in 1888. The variable observations by these early travel- ers reflect the erratic nature of these chicka- dees in their search for food, especially in winter, and would probably be no indica- tion that they were less common than they are at present. Subspecies: The Utah population ap- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 153 pears to contain two recognizable sub- species, although many specimens seem to be intergrades between the two. A race known as P. a. septentrionalis, typical of west central Canada and central United States, intergrades in eastern Utah with P. a. nevadensis which occurs in the Wasatch Mountains and Great Basin sections of Utah. P. a. garrinus, described by Behle (1951:75-79), was placed in synonomy with P. a. septentrionalis in Checklist of Birds of the World (1967[12] :81). Wauer (1969: 332) reported a specimen of the race nevadensis at Springdale, Washington County, 20 March 1965, as being the first for the Virgin River Valley. Parus gambeli Ridgway Mountain Chickadee Status: A permanent resident with con- siderable altitudinal migration. In summer it inhabits coniferous forests where it breeds, but in winter it spreads into stream- side woodlands at lower elevations. Records: Several of the early naturalists made note of this chickadee in Utah. Ridg- way (1877:411) found it in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains in 1869. Stevenson (1872:464) recorded it from the Uinta Mountains, Summit County, September 1870. Henshaw (1875:170) regarded it as a common resident in coniferous forests and found it also in lower valleys in Novem- ber 1872. He collected several specimens at Fillmore, Millard County, 17 November 1872. Many records are available from more recent collections and observations. Subspecies: P. g. inyoensis appears to be the only clear-cut subspecies inhabiting Utah. In eastern and southern Utah it inter- grades with P. g. gambeli, a race typical of the Rocky Mountains. A population named P. g. wasatchensis by Behle (1950b:273- 274), which he supposed inhabited Utah, was considered by Snow in Check-list of Birds of the World (1967 [12] :84-85) to be a synonym of P. g. inyoensis. Parus inornatus ridgwayi Richmond Plain Titmouse Status: A common resident found throughout the state but especially charac- teristic of pinyon-juniper woodlands. Records: The type of this subspecies named by Richmond (1902:155) was col- lected by Henry W. Henshaw at a locality then known as "Iron City," Iron County, 8 October 1872 (Henshaw 1875:168). This specimen is now in the U.S. National Mu- seum of Natural History. Numerous col- lection and sight records are available from all sections of the state, especially where pinyon-juniper forests are present. Auriparus flaviceps acaciarum^'^ Grinnell Verdin Status: A breeding species of hot deserts along the Virgin River of southwestern Utah. Records: Merriam (Fisher 1893:142) found several nests of Verdin on Beaver Dam Creek, Arizona (near Utah), 9-10 May 1891, and a single nest near the junction of Santa Clara Creek with the Virgin River, Washington County, 14 May 1891. Two specimens at the University of Utah were collected near the Utah-Arizona border, one in Arizona, 28 October 1938, and the other in Utah, 9 May 1941 (Behle 1943a:53). There is a sight record (Wauer and Carter 1965:66) from Zion National Park, Washing- ton County, 20 December 1962. Psaltriparus minimus^^ (Townsend) Bushtit Status: A permanent breeding resident of the state where it occurs most commonly in pinyon-juniper forests or in biaishlands i^Snow (Check-list of Birds of the World 1967 [12] :69) has placed this species in the family Remizidae rather than Paridae. l^Snow (Check-list of Birds of the World 1967 [12] :59) places this species in the family Aegithalidae rather than Paridae. 154 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 \ i ^ f ^^0^'^- \ ^^^^0'^^ #-/ ": .It-- ^■P^K 0^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H^^^^\^v ry^ Lf' -^ ^<^ j^v.^;^ 1 m ^„ - ^ m ■ 'IM^ y ' '^/' -' ''''*^^i|^HlH^^^^3l^^^ iWi ^ 1 >J-«^II •^^ms^^gT--- - , ^, ^A l^^B''^ W" '' ^ JRP*'' Fig. 61. Northern Oriole. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 18 June 1973. Photo by R. J. Envin. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 155 Fi Erwin ig. 62. Brewer's Blackbird. Tremonton Box Eld er County, Utah, 9 June 1974. Photo by R. J. at mid elevations. It has been reported from most of the counties, although it is more abundant southward. Records: Early records for the state in- clude those of Ridgway (1877:413-414), who observed a few near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in 1869. It was taken by Stevenson (1872:464) on Green River, Daggett County, 10 October 1870. Hen- shaw (1875:172) reported large flocks in several localities of the state in fall and winter. He noted it in pinyon-juniper and streamside thickets and collected speci- mens at Iron City, Iron County, 5 October 1872, and at Beaver, Beaver County, 10 November 1872. Numerous additional rec- ords are available in recent years. Subspecies: The race P. m. plumheus appears to be found in Utah except for tlie southwestern and south central areas. Here many specimens are intergrades between P. m. plumbeus and P. m. providentalis, the latter being a race described by Aveiy (1941:74-75) from Providence Mountains of southeastern California. Behle (1948a:45) regarded two specimens from Kanab, Kane County, as being well-defined P. m. pro- videntalis. 156 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Family Sittidae Sitta pusilla ^^ Latham Pigmy Nuthatch Status: The Pigmy Nuthatch is present as a permanent resident throughout Utah wherever there are forests of ponderosa pine. While not strictly confined to the ponderosa pine, it seems to be more at home there and is often rather common in such forests. Records: This nuthatch was observed rarely by early naturalists in the state, owing perhaps to its limited habitat. Neither Henshaw (1874:3) nor Ridgway (1877:373) reported taking any specimens, but Henshaw did mention that it oc- curred in the state. Vernon Bailey (field notes) found it in ponderosa pine between Garfield and Kane Counties, 18 December 1888. Cottam took one from a juniper near Lynndyl, Millard County, 18 September 1926. Twomey (1942:424) took specimens at Green Lake, Daggett County, 30 June 1937. A few records are available from the Henry Mountains and high plateaus of Garfield County (University of Utah and Brigham Young University). Specimens have also been taken principally from pon- derosa pines in Pine Valley Mountains of Washington County (Behle 1943a:54; Har- dy 1941b:2.36). Wauer and Carter (1965:67) reported them from localities in Zion Na- tional Park, Washington County. Most of the available records for the species are from the La Sal and Blue mountains of San Juan County where they seem to be most common. Subspecies: Birds inhabiting the Utah area are of the subspecies S. p. melanotis. Hardy (1941b:236) regarded specimens of the Pine Valley Mountains as S. p. canes- cens, but Behle (1943a:.54) cast some doubts upon the identification. Worthen (1968: 320-322) concluded that the subspecies canescens does not occur in Utah. Further- more, Greenway in Check-list of Birds of the World (1967 [ 12] : 135) stated that S. p. canescens is "perhaps not separable from melanotis." Sitta canadensis Linnaeus Red-breasted Nuthatch Status: A common summer resident and breeding species principally in coniferous forests throughout the mountains and high plateaus of the state. It may sometimes be found as a migrant in the lower valleys. Records: Ridgway (1877:416) regarded this species as being less common than the Pigmy and White-breasted Nuthatch in the summer of 1869 in coniferous forests of the Wasatch Mountains. It was missed by most of the odier early naturalists, presumably because they did relatively little work in the mountains. Where suitable habitat occurs, this species has been reported in recent years from most parts of the state. Sitta carolinensis Latham White-breasted Nuthatch Status: A peiTnanent resident of pinyon- juniper forests, coniferous forests, and streamside woodland throughout the state. While it may not be regarded as a common species in Utah, this nuthatch is rather widespread and not so restricted to particu- lar habitats as the other two species. Some- times it occurs in small loose colonies, especially in less disturbed woodlands along the valley streams. Records: Some of the early naturalists who visited in Utah missed this species entirely, and all considered it to be rare. Ridgway (1875:32) found it breeding in Parkley's Park, Summit County, in 1869, and Henshaw (1874:3) reported a single speci- men from the Wasatch Mountains. This species has been reported often in more I6phillips et al. (1964:114-115) and Mayr and Short (1970:66) consider S. pygniaea to be conspecific ith S. pusilla. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 157 recent years from most of the counties of the state where suitable habitat occurs. Subspecies: Greenway in Check-hst of Birds of the World (1967[12] :138-139) in- cluded S. c. tenuissima and S. c. nelsoni in the Utah population. However, his de- scription of their distribution is not clear and indicates that the ranges of the two races overlap. It seems evident that S. c. nelsoni inhabits most, if not all, of the state. If S. c. tenuissima occurs at all, it should be looked for in the mountains of western Utah. Behle (1943a:54) found one speci- men from Pine Valley Mountains, Washing- ton County, that approached tenuissima in bill length, but other specimens from that area appeared to be typical nelsoni. A race described by Twomey (1942:422-424) as S. c. uintaensis has not been accepted by other ornithologists. This race is con- sidered a synonym for S. c. nelsoni (Check- list of Birds of the World 1967[12] :138- 139). Family Certhiidae Certhia familiaris Linnaeus Brown Creeper Status: A widespread but not common resident throughout the state where it lives in summer principally in montane coni- ferous forests and tends to migrate to lower elevations in winter. It is a quiet bird and often solitary so that its presence may be easily overlooked. Records: Some of the early-day natural- ists considered the Brown Creeper to be rather common or even abundant (Nelson 1875:343; Ridgway 1877:418). It was missed by other observers such as Allen, Merriam, and Henshaw. Numerous records and obsei"vations have been made more recently. Subspecies: Behle (1948a:75) has re- viewed the subspecific status of the Brown Creeper in Utah. It appears that the birds of the Kane County area and presumably those of Washington County belong to C. / leucosticta, while C. /. montana occurs elsewhere in the state. Family Emberizidae Calcarius lapponicus (Linnaeus) Lapland Longspur Status: The Lapland Longspur is an uncommon but apparently consistent visitor in Utah most likely to be found in winter, late fall, and early spring. It associates often with flocks of Horned Larks and seems to be more common in the Colorado River Basin. Records: Several records have been re- ported for the Uinta Basin (Killpack 1953: 152; Killpack and Hayward 1958:25). Speci- mens from that area in the Brigham Young University collection are as follows: one, Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 1 January 1952; five, Myton, Duchesne County, 17 December 1955, 28 January 1956, 15 Janu- ary 1957, February 1958. Porter (1954:364) reported specimens from four miles north of Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, 13 April 1953, and near the same locality on 3 November 1953. Behle et al. (1964: 4.56) reported specimens from Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management area, Davis County, 5 November 1955, and three miles east of Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, 9 October 1957. A large flock (120) was reported at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 18 February 1975, by Kingeiy (1975:724). Subspecies: Judging from the specimens collected to date, C. /. alascensis appears to be the most common race found in Utah. A specimen of C. /. lapponicus from near Camel Back Mountain, taken 13 April 1953, was reported by Porter (1954:.364). Calcarius ornatus (Townsend) Chestnut-collared Longspur Status: A rare, seemingly accidental, visitor in Utah. Records: Porter (1954:364) recorded a 158 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 specimen taken near Government Creek, four miles north of Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, 14 October 1953. One was observed by Stewart Murie in Cedar Valley, Iron County, 25 November 1966 (Behle and Perry 1975:45). Kertell reported one at Zion National Park, Washington County, 10 October 1974 (Kingeiy 1975:97). Three were observed at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 20 April 1975 (Kingery (1975:889). Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnaeus) Snow Bunting Status: The Snow Bunting is a regular although uncommon winter visitor in Utah. It is known to occur only in the northern part of the state. Records: At the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, it was re- ported to be common in the winter of 1930- 31, and three specimens were taken there 13 October 1932 (Behle and Ross 1945:170). One of these specimens is in the University of Utah collection. Another specimen in the University of Utah collection was taken near Centerville, Davis County, 29 Novem- ber 1939 (Behle and Ross 1945:170). Three specimens from Utah at Brigham Young University are as follows: near Provo, Utah County, 25 February 1934 (Johnson 1935a: 160), and 9 February 1935 (Johnson 1935b: 294); Fort Duchesne, Uintah County, 14 January 1952 (Killpack 1953:152). Locker- bie and Behle (1952a:17) reported diat Floyd Thompson saw a flock of 25 at Rock Island, Utah Lake, Utah County, 5 Novem- ber 1951. One specimen was found dead on the island. Behle (1958:37) reported one observed at Stanrod, Box Elder County, 30 December 1951. Calamospiza melanocorys Stejneger Lark Bunting Status: The Lark Bunting is a sparse but regular summer resident and migrant especially in the northern part of the state. It is primarily a grassland species but also inhabits semideserts where sagebrush and other low-growing shrubs are predominant. During migration it appears sporadically in small numbers in pasture lands and fields. Records: The earliest record of the species in Utah was a specimen taken by the Simpson Expedition presumably in Cedar Valley, Utah County, in 1859 (Baird 1876:379). At Parley's Park, Summit County, Ridgway (1877:487) collected a juvenile specimen and regarded the species as a straggler from the Great Plains. Speci- mens in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History were taken at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 1 June 1916. In recent years several col- lections have been made in Salt Lake, Utah, Juab, Millard, Sanpete, and Washington counties. Recent published reports in- clude those of Killpack (1951:99) and Behle and Ghiselin (1958:19) for the Uinta Basin and Behle et al. (1964:455) for Tooele County. Treganza (field notes) reportedly found two nests and noted several birds on the flat between Garfield and Saltair, Salt Lake County, but the dates are not available. Another record of breeding at Murray (AOU Check-list 1957:585) was apparently based on a report by Behle and Selander (1952:31), who took a male in breeding condition at that locality on 11 June 1950. Porter and Egoscue (1954:219- 221) gave a very complete account (28 speci- mens, 98 observations) of this species in Utah. Zonotrichia iliaca (Merrem) Fox Sparrow Status: The Fox Sparrow is a sparse breeding species particularly in the north- ern part of the state. It is also a migrant, but a few possibly winter here. It inhabits thickets usually near running water or springs and ranges from the lower valleys well into the mountains. In the 1930s it was rather common in Utah Valley espe- cially along Provo River, but in recent 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 159 years it has become very scarce (Hayward field notes). Records: Ridgway (1877:486-487) found it to be an abundant breeder in Parley's Park, 25 miles east of Salt Lake City, in the summer of 1869. Allen (1872b:168) ob- served it near Ogden, Weber County, 10 September 1871. Henshaw (1875:293) took a specimen near Provo, Utah County. There have since been numerous records, mostly from northern Utah. Brigham Young University has the following speci- mens from Utah: Long Lake, Uinta Moun- tains, 21 July 1930; Provo, Utah County, 18 March 1932, 25 June 1932, 4 April 1935, 3 March 1958; Sheep Creek Watershed, Sevier County, 3 May 1969. Subspecies: The Utah population was referred to the race Z. i. swarthi by Behle and Selander on the basis of the "decided gray color to the head and back" (1951a: 364). However, Ridgway (1901:395) has used this same character to distinguish die race Z. i. schistacea. Phillips et al. (1964: 24) considered swarthi to be a synonym of schistacea, but Paynter, in Check-list of Birds of the World (1970[13] :44-45), has recognized Z. i. swarthi as the race found in Utah. Zonotrichia melodia (Wilson) Song Sparrow Status: The Song Sparrow is a common resident species throughout the state. It is confined mainly to thickets along valley streams or irrigation canals or occurs around the borders of lakes and ponds wherever there are thickets or emergent vegetation providing ample cover for nest- ing and feeding. Records: All of the early naturalists in- cluding Allen (1872a:168), Merriam (1873: 682), Henshaw (1874:6), Ridgway (1877:482- 483), and others found this bird in abun- dance throughout the state and collected many specimens as well as their nests and eggs. Numerous specimens taken more re- cently are in the collections of the various institutions of the state. Subspecies: The race now known as Z. m. montana is the breeding and also winter- ing form throughout most of the state of Utah. Z. m. fallax, at one time named Melospiza melodia virginis (Marshall and Behle 1942:123), occurs in a limited area of the lower Virgin River drainage in Wash- ington County. Intergradation between fallax and montana seems to occur in south central and southeastern Utah (Behle 1948a:79-80). However, Wauer (1969:334) collected a female of the race montana on a nest at St. George, Washington County, 17 June 1966. Two specimens in the Brig- ham Young University from Bear Lake Valley near the Utah-Idaho border show some features of Z. m. merrilli and indicate intergradation with montana. Behle and Ross (1945:170) reported a specimen taken in the winter near Hooper, Weber County, which also showed characteristics of mer- rilli. Worthen (1968:465) recorded two specimens of Z. m. merrilli in the Univer- sity of Utah collection from Delta, Millard County, 18 December 1965. Fisher (1893: 100) reported that Bailey collected a speci- men of the subspecies guttata at Santa Clara, Washington County, 13 January 1889. Later Ridgway (1901:361) considered this specimen to be a representative of the race merrilli, which seems to be valid in that the American Ornithologists Union Check-list (1957:632-633) lists merrilli as wintering in southern Utah at Santa Clara. Four specimens in the Royal Ontario Mu- seum taken near Jensen, Uintah County, in the spring of 1935, were identified by P. A. Tavemer as Z. m. jiiddi (Twomey 1942: 476). Behle (1958:37) reported five speci- mens of the subspecies fisherella taken at Yost, Raft River, and Grouse Creek, Box Elder County, 18-19 September 1941. Since tliere seems to be some latitudinal migration among song sparrows, it is likely that individuals of these several races may appear in the winter population or as migrants out of their breeding range. 160 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Zonotrichia lincolnii (Audubon) Lincoln's Sparrow Status: A rather common summer bird of die mountains of the state where it nests in boggy areas, especially where there is a growth of willows or other low-growing shrubs. In spring and fall it appears as a migrant near water in the lower valleys. Most of the migration takes place during April-May and September-October. Records: The first specimen was taken by the Stansbury expedition to Great Salt Lake, 21 March 1850 (Baird 1852:317). This was most likely a migrating bird. Remv (1860 [2] :450) included it in his list of Utah birds in 1855. Ridgway (1877:485) found it plentiful as a migrant in the lower valleys and nesting at Parley's Park, Sum- mit County, in 1868-69. Stevenson (1872: 465) collected a specimen at the head of Henry's Fork, Summit County, in 1870. Allen (1872b:168) found it to be exceeding- ly abundant at Ogden, Weber County, in 1871. Henshaw (1874:6) considered it to be rather uncommon. He collected a speci- men in Grass Valley, Sevier County, 10 October 1872 (Henshaw 1875:283-284). Numerous records and collections of both migrating and breeding birds have been made in more recent years. Subspecies: Most of the birds taken in Utah, whether breeding or migrating, seem to belong to the race Z. /. alticola, a larger race proposed by Miller and McCabe (1935:156). All of the specimens in Brig- ham Young University fall within the size range of that subspecies. The subspecies Z. /. lincolnii may also be found in the mi- grating population. Behle (1941b: 184) re- ported a specimen from Moab, Grand County, 9 April 1938. It has also been col- lected at the junction of the Virgin River and Santa Clara Creek, Washington Coun- ty, 9 September 1941 (Behle 1943a:78), and near Vernal and Jenson, Uintah County, in May and September 1937 (Twomey 1942: 475). Early records of Z. /. lincolnii prior to the naming of Z. /. alticola are somewhat doubtful. Worthen (1968:461) obtained a specimen of the race lincolnii from Clear Lake, Millard County, 20 March 1965. Zonotrichia georgiana ericrypta (Oberholser) Swamp Sparrow Status: An uncommon winter visitor in Utah to be looked for in large flocks of White-crowned Sparrows. Records: Henshaw (1875:285) collected a specimen near Washington, Washington County, 23 October 1872. Behle (1954b: 313) reported a specimen taken in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, by Boyd Shaffer, 20 February 1952. The specimen was placed in the Tracy Aviary of that city. Wauer and Russell (1967:423) gave two more records of this species in the Virgin River Valley. One specimen was collected at Springdale Ponds, Washington County, 2 March 1965, and is in the Zion Park col- lection. There is also a sight record on 9 February 1966 near the confluence of the Virgin and Santa Clara rivers, Washington County. Carter (Scott 1965:501) recorded a specimen taken at Arches National Monu- ment, Grand County, 19 May 1965. Zonotrichia querula (Nuttall) Harris' Sparrow Status: A regular but uncommon win- ter resident in most parts of Utah. Wauer (1969:334) considered this species to be a regular winter visitor in the Virgin River Valley of southwestern Utah. It is usually found in company with flocks of White- crowned Sparrows or juncos living in lower and warmer valleys. Records: This species was not reported by early naturalist visitors to the state but could have easily been overlooked because of its casual association with flocks of more common sparrows. Published collection records of more recent years are as follows: Linwood, Daggett County, 26 November 1916 (Cottam 1942b:255); Centerville, 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 161 Davis County, 9 February 1937 (Woodbury 1939:162); Wellsville, Cache County, 17 April 1937 (Stanford 1938:145); Price, Car- bon County, 28 December 1941 (Behle and Higgins 1942:54); Nephi, Juab County, 15 March 1942 (Long 1943:39); Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, 4 Februaiy 1951 (Behle and Selander 1952:31); Government Well, Tooele County, 21 October 1953 (Porter 1954:363); Santa Clara, Washington County, 16 December 1939 (Behle and Higgins 1942:54). Brigham Young University has the following specimens from Utah: My ton, Duchesne County, 4 and 29 December 1955; two specimens, near Magna, Salt Lake County, 7 January 1971. Several sight records have also been published (Kashin 1964b:293, 1966:351, 1967:347; Wauer 1965a:311). Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forster) White-crowned Sparrow Fig. 48, p. 127 Status: A common year-round resident in Utah with one race breeding in the moun- tains throughout the state and another win- tering in large flocks in the foothills and valleys. Records: Specimens of this sparrow were taken by most of the early ornithol- ogists who visited Utah. Ridgway (1877: 470-471) found it nesting in the Wasatch Mountains in June and July 1869. Steven- son (1872:464) reported specimens taken by the Hayden expedition on Green River in October 1870. Allen (1872b:177) collected specimens from near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:260-263) collected it from several localities in the state in the fall of 1872 and thought that it bred in the Wasatch Moun- tains. Many records from all of the counties of the state have since been recorded. Subspecies: The race breeding within the state has been called Z. /. oriantha, named originally from the Warner Moun- tains near Adel, Oregon (Oberholser 1932: 12). This name was extended by Miller (1941:262) to include the Utah breeding population. Banks (1964:114) was unable to separate Z. /. oriantha from Z. /. leu- cophrys from eastern North America and considered the former to be a synonym of the latter. Paynter in Check-list of Birds of the World (1970[13] :60-61) feels justified in retaining the name oriantha, however. The race Z. /. gambelii, distinguished on the basis of white rather than black lories, seems to be quite distinct. It is the com- mon wintering subspecies in Utah, although lesser numbers of Z. /. oriantha may also appear in the wintering flocks. Zonotrichia albicolUs (Gmelin) White-throated Sparrow Status: The White-throated Sparrow ap- pears to be a sparse winter resident or mi- grant in Utah. It should be looked for in flocks of wintering White-crowned Spar- rows or juncos. Records: Porter (1954:364) reported col- lecting one specimen at Orr's Ranch, Tooele County, 12 October 1953. Wauer and Rus- sell (1967:423) collected a female at Oak Creek Canyon, Zion National Park, Wash- ington County, 29 October 1965. Merlin L. Killpack (pers. comm.) captured one in a banding operation at Ogden, Weber County, 15 December 1963. The specimen was banded and released. Other records from Utah that we have been able to find are sight records. They are as follows: Box Elder, Salt Lake and Utah counties, be- tween 14 October and 15 May (no years) (Woodbury et al. 1949:35); Springdale, Washington County, 20 November 1964 (Wauer and Carter 1965:85); Terry Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 15 May 1965, and near St. George, Wash- ington County, 11 January 1966 (Wauer and Russell 1967:423); near Cedar City, Iron County, 5 October 1966 (Scott 1967: 64); Arches National Monument, Grand County, 30 December 1966 (Carter 1967b: 345); Arrowhead Mine, southern Utah, fall 1969 (Scott 1970:75); Stansbury Mountains, 162 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Tooele County, 18 October 1972 (Kingery 1973:96); Zion National Park, early May 1973 (Kingery 1973:802). Zonotrichia atricapilla (Gmelin) Golden-crowned Sparrow Status: A rare but seemingly regular winter resident in lower and warmer val- leys throughout the state. It is likely to be found with flocks of Wliite-crowned Spar- rows. Records: In Zion Canyon, Washington County, a bird was captured on 16 January 1936 and eventually made into a study skin (Long 1936:89 90). One was also taken at Standrod, Box Elder County, 4 October 1947 (Greenlialgh 1948:46). Porter (1954: 364) reported collecting a specimen at Cane Springs, west side of Cedar Moun- tains, Tooele County, 13 October 1952. A number of sight records are also available. These include: Zion National Park, 7 March 1942 (Woodbury et al. 1949:35); Zion Na- tional Park, 22 April 1963, and Springdale Ponds, Washington County, 13 April 1964 and March 1965 (Wauer and Carter 1965: 85); Santa Clara, Washington County, 28 December 1965 (Wauer and Russell 1967: 423); St. George, Washington County, 29 December 1969 (Lund 1970:416); Zion Na- tional Park, 27 January 1974 (Kingery 1974: 672); Logan, Cache County, 25 April 1975 (Kingery 1975:889). A Golden-crowned Sparrow was trapped, banded, and ob- served at Logan from 26 March until 3 May 1976 by Ralph (1976:67). She diought this bird might have wintered in the Logan area. Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus) Dark-eyed Junco Fig. 55, p. 146 Status: A common year-round resident of the state composed of two subspecies that breed in the mountains and several sub- species that winter in the area. In summer the nesting birds are confined almost entire- ly to montane forest communities. In win- ter large flocks occur, especially in lower valleys and foothills, but they may be found at almost any elevation where ground food is available. Records: Collections and observations of this abundant species by early collectors in the state as well as by more recent observ- ers are numerous for all parts of the area. No attempt will be made to list them here. Subspecies: Several foims of the Junco in die United States previously considered to be separate species are now regarded as subspecies of Junco hyemalis. (Mayr and Short 1970:86; AOU Check-list 1973: 418). This is because more field work has indicated that there is a general over- lapping and hybridization wherever the breeding populations of the several forms meet. /. h. caniceps appears to be the breeding subspecies in the mountains through most of Utah. However, /. h. mearnsi breeds in the Wasatch Mountains of extreme northern Utah. In this area the two breeding forms hybridize commonly. Wintering juncos in Utah are primarily of the race /. h. montanus, which is of an ex- tremely variable group somewhat confused with /. h. shufeldti, which may also occur in the wintering populations. Smaller num- bers of /. h. hyemalis (Behle and Higgins 1942:54-55)—/. h. mearnsi, J. h. caniceps, J. h. cismontanus (Behle 1941b:184), and possibly other races — also appear in win- ter, usually in mixed flocks. Ammodramus sandwichensis (Gmelin) Savannah Sparrow Status: A common summer resident March through September throughout most of the state except in the warmer desert areas of southwestern Utah where it occurs mainly in winter. It lives in salt grass meadows and open pasture lands around the borders of lakes and ponds. Records: Ridgway (1877:464-465) col- lected specimens, nests, and eggs from several localities near Salt Lake City, Salt 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 163 Lake County, in May, June, and July 1869. Henshaw (1875:254-255) took six speci- mens near Provo, Utah County, in July and August 1872. Nelson (1875:346) collected a specimen near Salt Lake City on 7 July 1872. During the years 1888 to 1893, Bailey (field notes) recorded several collections and observations in Utah as follows: Og- den, Weber County, 8 October; Kanab, Kane County, 21 December; Virgin River Valley, Washington County, January; Fair- field, Utah County, abundant in meadows, 20-30 July; Laketown, Rich County, 25 July. Many records of birds and nesting activities have been recorded recently. Subspecies: The common and apparently only breeding subspecies within the state is A. s. nevadensis. A specimen taken by Vernon Bailey and now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History was collected at Ogden, Weber County, 8 October 1888, and is considered to belong to the race A. s. anthinus (Woodbury et al. 1949:33). A second specimen of this race now in the University of Utah was taken by Behle (1943a:74) at Santa Clara, Washington County, 19 December 1939. Porter and Bushman (19.56:153) have reported three specimens of anthinus from Orr's Ranch, Skull Valley, Tooele County, 13, 14, 21 April 1954. Wauer (1969:334) reported three specimens from Washington County: a female taken at Washington on 14 January 1966, a male at the same locality on 18 February 1966, and another male at St. George on 4 March 1966. Worthen (1968: 437) recorded a male anthinus from Wah Wah Spring, Beaver County, 24 May 1962. Ammodramus leconteii (Audubon) Le Conte's Sparrow Status: This is a species of rare or acci- dental occurrence in Utah. The only known specimens were noted in winter and spring. Records: A specimen at Brigham Young University was taken two miles southwest of Provo, Utah County, 24 December 1927, by Cottam (1941a:116). Three others were seen near the same locality on 10 March 1928 (Woodbury et al. 1949:33). Carter (Scott 1966:537) observed one at Moab, Grand County, 19 April 1966. Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus (Coues) Grasshopper Sparrow Status: Fomierly a common breeder in the valleys of northern Utah; now very rare. Early observers reported that this bird lived in the dry grassy plains. Since most of the dry grasslands in Utah were soon taken up for farmlands or else were heavily overgrazed, it is likely that the species' disappearance was a result of the loss of its native habitat. By the restoration of much of this grassland in recent years it is pos- sible that the Grasshopper Sparrow might become reestablished. Records: Ridgway (1877:467) obtained the type specimen of this bird from Ante- lope Island, Great Salt Lake, 4 June 1869, and considered it to be abundant. Allen (1872b: 167) found it common in September 1871 near Ogden, Weber County, and Merriam (1873:706) found it nesting there on 5 June 1872. Henshaw (1875:257-258) took a specimen near Gunnison, Sanpete County, 7 September 1872. Nelson (1875: 346) found it common in the fields near Bountiful, Davis County, in 1872. Bailey (field notes) reported sighting a specimen north of Ogden in July 1893 and stated that they were common. Pearson (1927:381) referred to it at Currant Creek, Wasatch County, and Cottam and Williams observed one near Stewart's Lake, Jensen, Uintah County, 21 September 1941. Behle and Ross (1945:169) obtained a specimen 10 miles west of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 20 September 1942. Behle et al. (1964:455-4.56) reported one taken near Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, 19 September 1961. 164 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Spizella arborea ochracae Brewster Tree Sparrow Status: A rather common winter resi- dent in the central valleys of the state from late September to early May. It is more common in northern Utah than it is farther southward. Its wintering habitat includes brushy areas where it is often found with Song Sparrows and White-crowned Spar- rows. Records: Stevenson (1872:465) reported collecting specimens on Green River and Henry's Fork near the Utah-Wyoming border, 11 October 1870. Henshaw (1875: 277) found it to be common at Provo, Utah County, in December 1872, and a few were observed around Beaver, Beaver County, during the first part of November 1872. Bailey and Loring (field notes) reported them from Manti and Cunnison, Sanpete County, in December 1888, and from Bluff, San Juan County, in November 1893. There are many recent records from nearly all the counties of the state. Spizella passerina arizonae Coues Chipping Sparrow Fig. 56, p. 147 Status: A common summer resident throughout the state from April into Octo- ber. This species ranges in altitudinal dis- tribution from montane coniferous forests to valley woodlands and brushlands. It is less common in very dry deserts. During migration it often appears in sizable flocks, especially in sagebrush communities. Records: Early ornithological work in Utah including that done by Allen (1872b: 168), Henshaw (1875:277-278), and Ridg- way (1877:479) all commented on the abundance of the Chipping Sparrow in Utah. Several hundred records, represent- ing all sections of the state, have more lately accumulated. Spizella atrogularis evura Coues Black-chinned Sparrow Status: A rather common species of the Virgin River Valley in southwestern Utah. It lives in brushy areas in canyons and ap- parently breeds there. There is some indi- cation that it may have increased in num- bers in more recent years (Wauer and Carter 1965:84). Records: The earliest record of this species for Utah seems to be that of Hardy and Higgins (1940:110), who observed them on 8 April 1939 and collected them near the summit of Beaver Dam Mountains, Washington County, 20 May 1939 and 16 June 1939. Behle (1940:224) obtained four specimens at Danish Ranch, near Leeds, Washington County, 20-30 April 1939. Wauer and Carter (1965:84) reported this species as being a "fairly common summer resident" in Zion National Park, Washing- ton County. Their records range from 22 April to 14 September. Spizella pallida (Swainson) Clay -colored Sparrow Status: A rare and probably accidental visitor in Utah. Records: Knowlton (1937:165) collected a specimen at Dolomite, Tooele County, 21 September 1934. Behle and Periy (1975:44) report that Gleb Kashin saw one at Spirit Lake, Daggett County, late August 1961, and that Stewart Murie saw this species many times in the area of Cedar City, Iron County, in the spring and fall of 1963, 1964, and 1965. Spizella breweri breweri Cassin Brewer's Sparrow Fig. 49, p. 130 Status: A veiy common summer resi- dent of Utah where it is known to occur from mid-April to mid-October. It lives primarily in sagebrush lands or in mixed sage and grasslands. In late summer and fall it gathers in large flocks where it may be seen along roadways or on its breeding grounds. Records: Baird (1876:379) reported specimens taken by McCarthy of the Simpson explorations in areas of uncertain 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 165 location in western Utah, 9 May 1859. Ridgway (1877:481) found it nesting in abundance in sagebrush near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and collected 22 sets of eggs in May and June 1869. Allen (1872b:168) apparently confused it with the Clay-colored Sparrow but considered it to be common around Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Bailey (field notes 1893), after much travel in the state, concluded that it was common all through the sagebrush communities. In more recent years there have been many hundreds of records from every county. Pooecetes gramineus (Gmelin) Vesper Sparrow Status: A common breeding bird of sagebrush areas throughout the state. It appears to be most abundant in higher valleys where it occupies the same habitat as the equally common Brewer's Sparrow. Like the latter species, it often appears in flocks during spring and fall migrations in March, April, and September. Records: Abundant records of occur- rence are available from early collectors in the state as well as from more recent ob- servers. Ridgway (1877:466) found it breeding at Parley's Park, Summit County, in June and July 1869. Four specimens now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History were taken by the Hayden expedi- tion on the north slope of the Uinta Moun- tains in September 1870 (Stevenson 1872: 464). Henshaw (1875:256) considered die Vesper Sparrow and Savannah Sparrow to be the most common species of sparrows in the state. It is still an abundant species. Subspecies: P. g. confinis is the common breeding and migrant subspecies found in Utah. P. g. afftnis, which is a smaller and more brownish race, appears to be an un- common migrant. A specimen of diis race in the University of Utah collection was taken at King's Ranch, Henry Mountains, Garfield County, 9 September 1929 (Stan- ford 1931:10). Another specimen at Brig- ham Young University is from Panguitch, Garfield County, 20 August 1934. More recently Behle and Selander (1952:31) have reported specimens from St. George, Washington County, 11 September 1941, and from Farmington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 1 September 1949. Behle (1959:34) reported a specimen collected by Cottam at Yost, Box Elder County, 18 September 1941. Chondestes grammacus strigatus Swainson Lark Sparrow Status: A summer resident breeder found throughout the state from April through September. It may winter in southern Utah where Wauer and Carter (1965:82) saw three birds near Rockville, Washington County, 29 December 1964. It inhabits open brush communities mainly in the lower foothills and valleys. Areas of scattered sagebrush seem to provide die most favorable nesting habitat. Records: Ridgway (1877:470) found this species nesting under sagebrush around Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and col- lected several specimens in May and June 1869. Nelson (1875:346) found it abundant in flocks near Bountiful, Davis County, in July and August 1872. Henshaw (1875: 259-260) encountered it in many localities and took six specimens near Provo, Utah County. Bailey (field notes) found it com- mon during his travels in Utah in 1890, 1891, and 1893. In recent years many re- ports have listed it as a common species in suitable habitat. Aimophila^'^ bilineata deserticola (Ridgway) Black-throated Sparrow Figs. 50, 51; pp. 133, 136 Status: A summer resident throughout l^Phillips et al. (1964:202) and Mayr and Short (1970:84) concur in merging the former genus Amphispiza into Aimophila. 166 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 much of the state from late April to Septem- ber. This sparrow is more common to the drier desert country, especially the more saline communities where shadscale, greasewood, and other low shrubs are found. It is more abundant southward, and a few may winter in the Virgin River Valley of southwestern Utah (Hardy and Higgins 1940:109). Records: This sparrow seems not to have been noted by a number of the early ornithologists who visited Utah. However, Ridgway (1877:475-476) collected speci- mens and nests around the Great Salt Lake and on Antelope Island in May and June 1869, and Merriam (Fisher 1893:96) found it in 1891 on both slopes of the Beaver Dam Mountains and in the lower Santa Clara Valley, both localities in Washington County. He found several nests with eggs and considered it an abundant breeding bird. Among the more northern records are three specimens in the Brigham Young University collection from Cedar Valley, Utah County, 3 May 1936. Other northern records for the state are: Behle (1955:30) Fish Springs, Juab County, 25 June 1946; Behle (1958:34) Standrod, Box Elder County, 19 May 1948. There are numerous records from the southern counties of the state. Aimophila belli nevadensis (Ridgway) Sage Sparrow Figs. 52, 53; pp. 139, 141 Status: A rather sparse summer resident throughout much of the state confined to sagebrush, greasewood, and other shrubs of the open valleys. In the northern part of the state it occurs on the nesting grounds from late March into October. Wintering birds may be found in the Virgin River Valley in southwestern Utah (Wauer and Carter 1965:83) and in southern Nevada (Phillips et al. 1964:201-202). Records: Ridgway (1877:476) found this sparrow less abundant than the Black- throated Sparrow in the deserts around Great Salt Lake in 1869. Stevenson (1872: 465) made records of specimens collected on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains and Green River (Wyoming?) in early October 1870. Allen (1872b:168) found it common in sagebrush near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:276) reported collecting specimens in Iron and Washington counties in Octo- ber 1872. Bailey (field notes) found it wintering around St. George, Washington County, January 1889. More recently many collection and sight records have come from most of the counties of the state. Aimophila ruficeps scottii (Sennett) Rufous-crowned Sparrow Status: An uncommon resident of southwestern Utah where it has been found in the warmer canyons in Zion National Park. Scanty records indicate that it is both a wintering and breeding species in that area. Records: There is some question as to when this species was first observed in Utah. Scott (1964:60) indicated that a specimen was collected in Oak Creek Canyon, Zion National Park, Washington County, 25 October 1963. Wauer and Carter (1965:82) mentioned the first record of this species as being collected 25 October 1964. Wauer (1965:447), in his summary of the Rufous-crowned Sparrow in Utah, in- dicated the first bird collected was on 5 November 1963 and that the first bird re- corded was one banded 3 November 1963. This bird banded in November was recap- tured 2 December 1963 and 4 March 1964, indicating that it wintered in Zion National Park during 1963-64. Wauer in this same report indicated different sightings, collec- tions, or bandings between 3 November 1963 and 30 January 1965. There is also a report of nesting at Zion National Park, 28 June 1966 (Scott 1966:589). Lund (1968b: 361) noted a sight record for Zion National Park, 27 December 1968, and Scott (1974: 489) reported another at Zion, 17 December 1973. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 167 Fig. 63. House Finch. Cedar Mountain, Tooele County, Utah, 30 June 1953. Photo by R. D. Porter and R. J. Erwin. Pipilo chlonirus (Audubon) Green-tailed Towhee Status: A common summer resident and breeder in foothills and mountains throughout the state. It may occur rarely in winter (Bader 1948:109). It nests in shrubby communities where there is rather dense cover from 5,000 feet to timberline and frequently wanders into the alpine when the young are grown. During migra- tion it may also appear in shrubs or stream - side thickets in lower valleys. Records: This species was included in most of the early lists of Utah birds. Ridg- way (1877:496 497) considered it to be common in various localities around Salt Lake City in 1869. Two specimens in tlie U.S. National Museum of Natural History were taken by the Hayden Expedition to the Uinta Mountains, 20 September 1870. Allen (1872b: 168) found it common around Ogden, Weber County, after 20 September 1871. Henshaw (1875:309) collected speci- mens in central Utah in August and Sep- tember 1872. Such travelers through the state as Merriam, Bailey, Preble, and Os- good all recorded the Green-tailed Towhee in their field notes. Many records of birds and nests have been reported more recently from all die counties of the state. Pipilo erythrophthalmiis (Linnaeus) Rufous-sided Towhee Status: This towhee is a common in- habitant of shrubby lower slopes of the mountains throughout most of the state. It is especially common in the oakbrush community of the Wasatch Front where it lives the year around. A few individuals also breed in thickets along the valley streams. In winter there is some altitudinal as well as latitudinal migration, particularly 168 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 of those birds breeding at higher elevations or farther north. Records: Ridgway (1877:494-495) con- sidered this species to be common around Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and took several specimens as well as six nests with eggs between 20 May and 18 June 1869. Allen (1872b:168) found it at Ogden, Weber County, September 1871, and Merriam (1872:684, 708) collected eight skins and three sets of eggs in the same locality in June 1872. Henshaw (1875:303-304) re- ported taking specimens at Provo, Utah County, and in Washington County in July, August, late October, and November 1872. The field notes of Bailey, Preble, Osgood, and Birdseye also contain records of this bird from many localities in Utah. Nu- merous records from all of the counties of the state are available for more recent years. Subspecies: The breeding and common migrating and wintering subspecies in Utah is P. e. montanus. There was some con- fusion in the early literature on Utah birds, and many of the migrants were regarded as P. e. arcticus (Ridgway 1901:416). The only confirmed record of this latter race known to us is that of a specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History taken by Yarrow and Henshaw at Provo, 30 November 1872 (Woodbury et al. 1949: 32). This identification was made by J. W. Aldrich and A. R. Phillips. Pipilo aberti aberti Baird Abert's Towhee Status: A resident of the Virgin River Valley in extreme southwestern Utah. It inhabits tall leafy shrubbery of stream- sides. Records: Henshaw (1875:307) reported specimens from Washington and St. George, Washington County. Bailey took a specimen in Santa Clara Canyon, Wash- ington County, 15 January 1889 (U.S. Na- tional Museum of Natural History). Fisher (1893:105) noted that Merriam found it "breeding commonly" near St. George in May 1891. Birdseye (field notes) found it common in brushy areas at Washington, Washington County, and collected a speci- men in early November 1909 (U.S. National Museum of Natural History). Wauer and Carter (1965:82) considered it common at Washington and St. George. Spiza americana (Gmelin) Dickcissel Status: A casual or possibly accidental visitor to Utah. Records: The only collection record of this species known to us was taken at Provo, Utah County, 25 May 1964 (Frost 1966:126). One was seen at the Jordan Narrows, Utah County, 12 June 1955 (Kashin 1955:39) and five were observed in the Salt Lake Ceme- tery, Salt Lake County, 1 October 1959 (Scott 1960:60). Pheucticus ludovicianus (Linnaeus) Rose-breasted Grosbeak Status: This species is of rare and rather irregular occurrence in Utah, found particularly in the southern and western parts of the state. Records: Behle ( 1973b :245) has sum- marized the collection and well-verified sight records known for this species to the present time: Kanab, Kane County, 26 April 1935 (sight, Behle et al. 1958:79); Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 4 August 1955 (not heretofore recorded, collected but not saved); Springdale Ponds, Washington County, 3 May 1965 (collected, Wauer and Carter 1965:78); Kanab, 7 June 1965 (sight, oral report from Wauer); Arches National Park, Grand County, 26 May 1965 (col- lected, Behle 1966:396-397); Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Juab County, 2 June 1965 (collected) and 4 June 1965 (sight); Terry Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 19 May 1972 (col- lected, Behle 1973b:245). Kingery (1975: 889) reported one at Zion National Park, Washington County, in the spring of 1975. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 169 Pheucticus melanocephalus melanocephalus (Swainson) Black-headed Grosbeak Status: A common summer resident diroughout the state where it occurs from late April to September. It lives primarily in deciduous woodlands of the mountains and streamsides of the valleys. It adapts rather well to human populations and is frequently found in ornamental trees of towns and parks. Records: McCarthy, a collector of Simp- son's expedition, took specimens in Skull and Rush valleys, Tooele County, about 1859 (Baird 1876:379). Ridgway (1877:489) took specimens near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County in 1869. Henshaw in 1872 (1874:6; 1875:298) regarded it as common in Utah, but found it particularly numerous at Provo, Utah County, where he collected 11 specimens. Fisher (1893:106) reported that Merriam found it plentiful along Santa Clara River, Washington County, in May 1891. In more recent times there have been numerous observations and collections from all the counties of the state. Passerina caerulea interfusa (Dwight and Griscom) Blue Grosbeak Status: A summer resident of shrubs and thickets usually near water from April to September. Early records indicate that it is primarily a bird of southern Utah, but more recent observations show that it is well distributed in lower valleys of more northern counties although it is less com- mon northward. Records: A specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History was collected by Vernon Bailey near St. George, Wash- ington County, 14 May 1891. Fisher (1893: 106) reported that Merriam found it to be common in the lower Santa Clara Valley, Washington County, 11-15 May 1891. More northern records have appeared in recent years: Behle and Selander (1952: 31) report records for Vernal, Uintah County, June 1950 and 4 August 1951. A specimen at Brigham Young University was taken at Myton, Duchesne County, 8 June 1957 (Killpack and Hayward 1958:24). Behle et al. (1964:455) recorded specimens from Lehi, Utah County, 29 June 1961. Roger Tory Peterson observed it at Far- mington Bay Refrige, Davis County, 22 August 1962 (Behle et al. 1964:455). Geog- hegan (1959:41; 1963:40-42) observed a single bird on 14 June 1959 and a pair on 9 June 1963 at Jordan Narrows, Utah County. Two pairs were seen at Grants- ville, Tooele County, 31 May 1964 (Utah Audubon News 1964:42). A pair was ob- served by Frost at Provo Airport, Utah County, on several occasions during the summer of 1968. Passerina amoena (Say) Lazuli Bunting Status: A summer resident from early May to early September occupying stream- side shrubbery and mountain brush lands up to 9,000 feet. Records: Ridgway (1875:490-491) found it in Utah in 1869, where he noted it most frequently in streamside shioibs and found it nesting at Parley's Park, Summit County. Allen (1872b: 168) found it not common near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:300-301) reported it to be common in streamside vegetation near Provo, Utah County, in 1872 and recorded it from several other localities in the state. Later, field observers recorded the Lazuli Bunting in their field books: Powell at Gunnison, Sanpete County, in 1873; Bailey at many places from 1890 to 1893; Loring near Bear Lake, Rich County, in 1893. Merriam found it in the lower Santa Clara Valley, Washington County, where it was found nesting in May 1891 (Fisher 1893:107). Many specimens and observations have been made more re- cently, and there are numerous specimens in the several institutions of the state and elsewhere. 170 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Passerina cyanea (Linnaeus) Indigo Bunting Status: A sparse breeding species in the Virgin River Valley of southwestern Utah and appearing elsewhere rarely dur- ing migration. Records: Hardy (1939:86) reported a specimen taken at St. George, Washington County, 11 July 1937. Behle (1943a:70) mentioned a sight record for St. George, 14 May 1940. Cottam (1941:122) observed a specimen at the mouth of Zion Canyon, Washington County, 21 July 1940. Wells (1958:223) observed a pair of Indigo Buntings along Leeds Creek in Pine Valley Mountains, Washington County, 6 June to 1 August 1957. Wauer and Carter (1965:79) listed a number of records from the Zion Park area, including several from Spring- dale, Washington County. One male was banded at Oak Creek Canyon by Wauer on 1 July 1963. Records from outside the Virgin River Valley are all sight obsei-va- tions. Scott (1957:.368; 1966:537; 1968:633) reported specimens from Saratoga Springs, Utah County, 30 May 1957; near Provo, Utah County, 8 May 1966; and Cedar Valley, Iron County, 7 June 1968. Carl Wadsworth (field notes) observed a single male with a flock of Lazuli Buntings at Sheep Creek watershed, Sevier County, 22 August 1968. Worthen ( 1972b :220) col- lected one on the University of Utah cam- pus. Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 20 May 1966. Whitmore (1975:509) has sum- marized the more recent records of the species. Piranga rubra cooperi (Ridgway) Summer Tanager Status: Not reported in the state prior to 1962 (Zimmerman 1962:498). This species seems to have become fairly well established as a breeder in streamside cottonwoods and willows at Beaver Dam Wash and in the Virgin River Valley in Washington County. It has been reported as far north as Eureka, Juab County (Behle and Perry 1975:40). Records: Carter (Zimmerman 1962:498) observed the first specimen at Beaver Dam Wash, 3 August 1962. A few weeks later Murie (1963:45) reported one from near Parowan, Iron County, 21 August 1962. In 1963 three birds were observed by Wauer near Santa Clara, Washington County, one on 30 July and two on 19 September (Mon- son 1964:63). Easterla (1966:210) in 1964 reported die following sightings at the Teny Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash: one singing male, 20 May; two pairs, 10 June; one immature, 3 September; one adult male, 24 September. He also reported seeing a female about one mile west of Santa Clara on 22 July. On the following day at the same locality he saw another female and found a dead female which was made into a study skin and is now in the University of Utah collection, no. 18458. This was the first collection record for the state. Wauer and Russell (1967:422) ob- served a female and immature at the Teriy Ranch on 25 August 1965 and two females at Santa Clara on 7 September 1965. Wauer (1969:334) collected a male at Berry Spring near Hurricane, Washington County, 11 May 1966. This specimen extended the range another 20 miles north along the Virgin River, indicating that in the future it may be found further north into Utah where suitable habitat is available. A specimen in Brigham Young University was collected near Santa Clara, 18 May 1974. Kingery (1975:889) reported one at Zion National Park, Washington County, during the spring of 1975. Piranga ludoviciana (Wilson) Western Tanager Status: A common summer resident of mountains diroughout the state where it inhabits coniferous and aspen forests. In May and early June and again in late August and September it often appears as a migrant in lower valleys where it is com- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 171 monly seen in streamside woodlands and in ornamental trees. Records: Early naturalists who visited Utah reported the Western Tanager to be a common species. Ridgway (1877:455) found it breeding in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains during die summer of 1869. Allen (1872b:167) considered it frequent near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:235-236) found it at Provo, Utah County, where he took an adult male on 29 July 1872. Many records from most of the counties of the state indi- cate that it is still a common species in the area. Family Parulidae Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus) Black and White Warbler Status: This warbler is an accidental or casual visitor in Utah. Records: Behle and Selander (1952:30) reported a specimen found dead in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 10 December 1951. Lockerbie (1953:79) recorded one seen at Centerville, Davis County, between 25 May and 6 June 1953. Kingery (1976: 105) reported one at Santa Clara, Washing- ton County, 5 July 1975. Vermivora celata (Say) Orange-crowned Warbler Status: A common breeding species and migrant throughout the state. Its summer habitat is principally the brush- covered slopes of the mountains at mid- elevations, but during spring and fall migra- tion it may be found in streamside wood- lands of the lower valleys. A small number winter in the Virgin River Valley, Washing- ton County (Wauer 1969:333). Records: Early records include those of Ridgway (1877:429-430), who found this warbler at Parley's Park, Summit County, where he took specimens on 17 July and 12, 16 August 1869. He also noted nu- merous fall migrants in streamside shrub- bery in the lower canyons. Stevenson (1872:463) reported specimens taken by the Hayden expedition at several localities in the Uinta Mountains in September and October 1870. Allen (1872b: 166) found it near Ogden, Weber County, in September and October 1871. Numerous more re- cently collected specimens are in the sev- eral institutions of the state. Hayward picked up a fresh specimen found dead on a sidewalk in St. George, Washington County, 28 December 1972. Subspecies: The common breeding and migrating race found in Utah is V. c. orestera. The more northerly breeding race, V. c. celata, appears in the state dur- ing migration and may be more common at this time than is usually supposed. Cottam ( 1942b :255) reported the following speci- mens of celata: Parley's Park, Summit County, 16 August 1869; north slope of Uinta Mountains, 16 September 1870; Green River, south of mouth of Heniy's Fork, Daggett County, 6 October 1870. A specimen in Brigham Young University was taken at Lyndyl, Millard County, 18 September 1926. Twomey (1942:438) collected two specimens of celata, one at Green Lake, Daggett County, 13 September 1937, and one south of Jensen, Uintah County, 29 September 1937. It has also been recorded in Raft River Canyon, Box Elder County, 18 September 1941. (Behle 1958:29), and south of Kanab, Kane County, 16 September 1946 (Behle et al. 1958:74). Behle and Selander (1952:30) reported specimens of celata from Lake Solitude, Salt Lake County, 4 September 1945, and from Arcadia, Duchesne County, 3 Septem- ber 1949. A specimen of the Pacific Coast race, V. c. lutescens, in the Carnegie Museum was taken by Twomey ( 1944a :89) at St. George, Washington County, 12 October 1937. Wauer (1969:333) reported two races in Washington County: lutescens at Washington on 6 January 1966 and orestera at Springdale on 13 May 1965. 172 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 County, 16 September 1946 (Behle et al. 1958:74). Behle and Selander (1952:30) reported specimens of celata from Lake Solitude, Salt Lake County, 4 September 1945, and from Arcadia, Duchesne County, 3 September 1949. A specimen of the Pacific Coast race, V. c. lutescans, in the Carnegie Museum was taken by Twomey (1944a:89) at St. George, Washington County, 12 October 1937. Wauer (1969: 333) reported two races in Washington County: lutescens at Washington on 6 January 1966 and orestera at Springdale on 13 May 1965. Vermivora ruficapilla ridgwayi van Rossem Nashville Warbler Status: An uncommon migrant through Utah where it appears in April and Sep- tember along streamside woodlands in canyons and valleys. It has been reported to breed in the Northern Wasatch Moun- tains (AOU Check-list 1957:484), but Johnson (1976:224-225) conclusively showed that the Check-list is in error. Records: The earliest record of this species in the state appears to be that of Ridgway in 1869 (1873b:177). Allen (1872b: 166) collected one at Ogden, Weber County, 20 September 1871, and more re- cently it has been observed and collected consistently. Behle et al. (1958:74) recorded a sight record for Kanab, Kane County, 21 April 1935. Woodbury and Russell (1945: 119) listed specimens from Navajo Moun- tain, San Juan County, 11 August 1935, and East Gypsum Drainage, Monument Valley, 17 August 1936. Brigham Young Univer- sity has specimens from Kamas, Summit County, 21 August 1930, and from Soap- stone, Uinta Mountains, Wasatch County, 30 August 1940. Lockerbie (1948:21) re- ported a sight record for the Salt Lake area on 14 September 1947 and another sight record for near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 26 December 1955 (Locker- bie 1956:208). One at Bear River, Box Elder County, 15 August 1974, and one at Springdale, Washington County, 15 Sep- tember 1974 (Kingery 1975:97), have been recorded. Vermivora virginiae (Baird) Virginia's Warbler Status: A common summer resident and breeding species throughout the state where it inhabits dense mountain brush and streamside thickets at mid-elevations and in lower valleys. Migration occurs in April and May and again in September. Records: Ridgway (1877:429) found Virginia's Warbler in City Creek Canyon, Salt Lake County, and near Salt Lake City, where he collected four specimens on 24 and 26 May and 21 June 1869. He also found a nest containing four eggs under an oak on 19 June. In July of that year he reported it from Pack's Canyon, Summit County (1877:376). It was apparently missed by other early ornithologists. Specimens have more recently been ob- served and collected in most of the counties of the state. Vermivora luciae (Cooper) Lucy's Warbler Status: A fairly common summer resi- dent and breeding species of southern Utah where it inhabits streamside vegetation along the lower San Juan, Colorado, and Virgin rivers and their tributaries. Records: Merriam, of the Death Valley expedition (Fisher 1893:117), took speci- mens at Santa Clara, Washington County, 11 May 1891, and at St. George, Washing- ton County, 16 May 1891. A specimen in the American Museum was taken by Row- ley at Riverview near Four Corners, San Juan County, 27 April 1892. Numerous records have since been obtained from Garfield, San Juan, Kane, and Washington counties. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 173 Dendwica petechia (Linnaeus) Yellow Warbler Fig. 57, p. 148 Status: A common summer resident throughout Utah from late April to October. It lives mainlv in the woodlands along streams in the lower valleys or in orna- mental trees of farms and cities. It occurs less commonlv in aspen forests and tall shrubbery in the mountains. Records: The Yellow Warbler was noted bv several of the early ornithologists. Ridgway (1877:432) reported it for Salt Lake Valley and other localities in 1869. Allen (1872a: 396) also reported it for Salt Lake \^alley in 1871. Henshaw (1875:192) collected six specimens at Provo, Utah Count)', in 1872. Several hundred obsei-va- tions and collections have been made more recentlv. Subspecies: The race D. p. morcomi is conceded to be the common migrant and breeding subspecies in the state and is identical with the West Coast population formerly known as D. p. brewsteri (Behle 1948a:77 78). Migrants of other races may occasionally appear in Utah. Specimens in the American Museum taken at Uncom- pahgre Indian Reservation, Uintah County, 3 May 1895, and from Riverview, San Juan County, 4 May 1892, were identified by A. R. Phillips as D. p. aestiva (Woodbuiy and Russell 1945:121). Another specimen from Strawberry X'allev, Wasatch County, 17 May 1941, now in tlie Carnegie Museum, was identified as the same race by J. S. Aldrich. Cottam (1942b:255) reported a specimen collected by Henshaw in Provo, Utah Count)', 30 July 1872, as being of the race amnicola. Specimens in Brigham Young Universit)' collected near Provo on 27 May 1936 and 17 May 1945 were identi- fied by J. W. Aldrich as D. p. amnicola. Wauer (1969:333) reported a specimen of the race amnicola collected at Springdale, Washington County, 6 May 1965. Wood- buiy et al. (1949:28) listed the race rubigi- nosa from Utah, Wasatch, and Washington counties, 10, 27 May and 7, 30 July (no years given). Worthen (1968:487) also mentioned this race apparently on the basis of the Woodbury report. Dendwica caerulescens (Gmelin) Black-tliroated Blue Warbler Status: A rare or accidental visitor to Utah only recently reported. Records: A male specimen of the Black- throated Blue Warbler in immature plum- age was taken at the headquarters of the Desert Range Experiment Station, Millard County, 27 September 1974 (Porter and Pritchett 1975:31). These authors have also referred to additional sight records by Lockerbie and Emerson at Salt Lake City, 24 October 1953 (Scott 1954:33) and by Behle (letter 24 May 1973) in the Stansbuiy Mountains, Tooele County, 16 October 1955. Behle and Perry (1975:36) reported that Stewart Murie saw this species near Cedar City, Iron County, 16 October 1955. Behle and Periy (1975:36) reported that Stewart Murie saw diis species near Cedar City, Iron County, 20 May, 19 August, 10 September, all in 1963. Subspecies: The above mentioned specimen was examined by Roxie C. Lay- bourne of the Bird and Mammal Labora- tory, U.S. National Museum, and assigned to the race D. c. caerulescens. Dendwica graciae grac\ Grace's Warbler graciae graciae Baird Status: An uncommon summer resident in southern Utah where it inhabits pon- derosa pine forests. Wauer and Carter (1965:75) regarded it as common in the higher countiy around Zion National Park. They stated that the bird arrives in late April and remains through August. It may rarely occur as far north as central Utah. Records: Benson (1935:445) included it in his list for Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, mid-June 1933. Woodbury and Russell (1945:125) collected a specimen at 174 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Navajo Mountain, 15 June 1938. Behle ( 1960a :45) recorded a specimen taken at Kigalia Ranger Station, Elk Ridge, Gar- field Count)', 27 August 1956. Wauer (1966b:352) reported that a bird was ob- sei-ved at Zion Park, Washington County, visiting a feeder for a week beginning 21 December 1965; it was considered by die Audubon Field Notes editor as a possible first winter record for this species in die United States. Kashin (Scott 1970:630) reported seeing Grace's Warbler at Provo, Utah County, 13 April 1970. Dendroica nigrescens nigrescens (Townsend) Black-tliroated Gray Warbler Status: A common summer resident throughout the state from late April into September. During the nesting season it is most likely to be seen in pinyon-juniper forests. Records: Ridgway (1875:32) made ref- erence to this species breeding in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. He also re- ferred to it breeding in the Uinta Moun- tains (1877:433). Most of the other early ornithologists seemed to have missed it possibly Ijecause of its restricted habitat. Still a common species in pinyon-juniper woodlands, the Black-throated Gray Warbler has numerous observations and specimens on record. Dendroica townsendi (Townsend) Townsend's Warbler Status: A seemingly regular but un- common migrant through Utah in spring and fall. Records: All of the published records for tliis species appear to be of more recent date. It was reported first by Stanford (1931:8), who took a specimen in the Henry Mountains, Garfield County, 12 September 1929. Behle (1960a:45) summarized a num- ber of records from southeastern Utah, and later several additional records were pub- lished by Hayward (1967:50). Brigham Young University has the following speci- mens from Utah: Bennion Park, Duchesne County, 24 August 1957; Provo Boat Har- bor, Utah County, 24 September 1960; Bluff, San Juan County, 13 September 1966. Dendroica occidentalis (Townsend) Hermit Warbler Status: An uncommon summer resident and migrant of southern Utah. Records: Woodbury and Russell (1945: 125) referred to specimens from Navajo Mountain, San Juan County, 11 August 1935. Woodbuiy et al. (1949:29) reported a specimen from Navajo Mountain, 13 August 1936. Behle ( 1960a :45) mentioned a specimen taken on the slope of Mount Ellen, Heniy Mountains, Garfield County, 13 August 19,56. Wauer and Russell (1967: 422) reported a specimen from Beaver Dam, Mohave County, Arizona, 17 August 1965. Since Beaver Dam is about seven miles south of the Arizona-Utah border, this warbler could be looked for in the Virgin River drainage of Utah. Dendroica magnolia (Wilson) Magnolia Warbler Status: An uncommon spring and fall migrant through Utah to be looked for in company with other more common species of warblers. Records: This species has been reported only in recent years. Sight records are as follows: Scott (1963:54), two at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 14 October 1962; Scott (1968:.561), one at Green River, Emeiy County, 30 May 1968; Kingery (1972:98), several at Bear River, Box Elder County, 26 September 1971. Behle (1973b:244) 'col- lected a specimen at Terry Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, southwestern Washington County, 19 May 1972. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 175 Dendroica coronata (Linnaeus) Yellow-rumped Warbler Fig. 58, p. 149 Status: The Yellow-rumped Warbler, a variety of which has been commonly known as Audubon's Warbler, is a common summer resident of montane forests throughout the state and is frequently seen in lower valleys during migration. A few may remain in warmer sections of die state throughout the winter. Records: A few references to this species were made by early ornithologists. Ridg- way (1877:433-434) included the subspecies auduboni (see subspecies account below) in his Utah list and stated diat it bred in the pine belt of the mountains and wintered in the valleys in 1869. Cottam (1942b:254) listed a specimen of the race coronata, which was collected by the Hayden Survey of 1870 on the Green River south of die mouth of Heniy's Fork in what is now Daggett County on 9 October 1870. A second record of coronata was listed by Gunther and Van den Akker (1946:285) for Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 7 May 1946. Henshaw (1875:194 195) mentioned collecting speci- mens o( auduboni in 1872 from half a dozen localities in Utah. Brigham Young Univer- sity' has several wintering specimens of auduboni as follows: St. George, Washing- ton Count}', 27 December 1926 and 5 Janu- ary 1934; Provo, Utah County, 4 January 1937 and 17 Januaiy 1955. There are also abundant sight and collection records for other niondis of the year. Subspecies: According to the account in Check-list of Birds of the World (1968 [14] : 29-31), tlie yellow-throated form previously given fidl species status as D. auduboni is now considered to be a subspecies under D. coronata, since the two are known to interbreed (Hubbard 1969:393-432). Tliis taxonomic decision is also accepted by the AOU Check-list (1973:417). Further- more, the intermountain breeding race, known for many years as D. a. memorabilis (Oberholser 1921:243), is now considered to be in synonomy with D. c. auduboni. There are, therefore, two kinds of warblers in the Utah population: D. c. coronata, which appears as an uncommon spring and fall migrant, and the common D. c. audu- boni, which is the breeding, migrating, and wintering race. Dendroica striata (Forster) Blackpoll Warbler Status: A species of rare occurrence in Utah known presently only as a spring and fall migrant. Records: One specimen found dead on the Brigham Young University campus, Provo, Utah County, 3 October 1973. The specimen was a fall bird of uncertain sex. It was found by M. Vanhille and is now in the university collection (museum number 5364). Sight records were reported by Behle and Peny (1975:37) for Bear River Migratoiy Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 15 June 1970, and at the same locality, 19 September 1974. Dendroica castanea (Wilson) Bay -breasted Warbler Status: A rare and possibly accidental or casual migrant in Utah. Records: A male specimen (number 22249 in University of Utah) was taken along the floodplain of White River near Bonanza, Uintah County, 25 May 1974 (Behle and Perry 1975:37). Tliis appears to be the only record known for Utah. Setophaga ruticilla tricolora (Miiller) American Redstart Status: A sparse breeder in deciduous trees of valleys and low canyons in nordiern Utah. Apparently more common fomierly than at present. Records: Ridgway (1877:367; 372-373; 376-377; 438-439) found it from 20 May to 16 August 1869 along City Creek, near Salt 176 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Lake City, Salt Lake County, in Parley's Park, Summit County, and Provo Canyon, Utah County. Henshaw (1875:209)' re- garded it as common in wooded lowlands and collected a specimen at Provo on 29 July 1872. Hayward (field notes) found it to be of regular occurrence in streamside woodlands near Provo in the early 1930s, took specimens, and found it nesting. Other earlier collection localities include River- dale, Weber River, 10 June 1942 (Univer- sity of Utah), and Jensen, Uintah County, 20 August 1935 (Royal Ontario Museum). Porter (1954:363) reported making collec- tions at Warburton Ranch, Pilot Mountain, Box Elder County, 31 August and 1 Sep- tember 1935, and Cedar Mountains, Tooele County, 22 September 1953. Behle and Selander (1952:30-31) took specimens near Vernal, Uintah County, 12 June 1949, near Duchesne, Duchesne County, 3 September 1949, and on the north side of the Uinta Mountains at Hideout Canyon along the Green River, Daggett County, 12 Septem- ber 1950. Behle et al. (1964:454) published an additional record for Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, 30 August 1961. Wauer (Snider 1966:538) saw several Red- starts in Washington County on 18 xMay 1966. Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmelin) Northern Waterthmsh Status: A sparse but apparently regular migrant along water courses in the state in May and again in August and September. Possibly occurs rarely in winter (Bader 1948:109). Records: Most of the early-day orni- thologists did not record this species for Utah perhaps because of its scattered oc- currence during migration. A specimen in the U.S. National Museum of Natural His- tory was taken by Merriam and Bailey at Santa Clara, Washington County, 11 May 1891 (Fisher 1893:122). Two other speci- mens in the same museum were collected by Wetmore at Bear River, 12 and 21 August 1915, and several otliers were ob- sei-ved by him. Cottam (1942b:255) men- tioned a sight record of one on 20 May and three on 22 May 1917 at Linwood, Daggett County. The Royal Ontario Museum con- tains three specimens collected by Lloyd near Jensen, Uintah County, 8 May and 11 August 1935 (Twomey 1942:445). Wood- bury took one near Bluff, San Juan County, 11 May 1933 (Woodbuiy and Russell 1945: 125). The following more recent collection records have been published: Behle and Selander (1952:30), Faiinington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 10 May 1949; near Snyder- ville. Summit County, 14 May 1949; and Benjamin, Utah County, 15 May 1949; Behle et al. (1964:454), near Natural Bridges National Monument, San Juan County, 13 May 1960, and Dugway, Tooele County, 21 May 1961. There are also numerous sight records. Subspecies: Formerly it was thought that both the races S. n. notabilis and S. n. limnaeus occurred in the migratory popu- lation, but the species is now considered to be without subspecific diff'erentation (Check-list of Birds of the World 1968 [14] : 35-36). Geothhjpis trichas (Linnaeus) Common Yellowthroat Status: A radier common summer resi- dent and migrant diroughout the state wherever there are suitable habitats. It inhabits sedge and cattail vegetation around the borders of lakes and ponds and is also found in willow diickets near water especially during migration. Records: Ridgway (1877:366-.367) found this warbler at Deep Creek, Box Elder County, 5 October 1868, and near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, through August 1869. Allen (1872a:396) took specimens near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871 and considered it common. Merriam (1873:674, 705) collected it near Ogden, 17 June 1872, and found it nesting. Hen- shaw (1874:10) considered it common and 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 177 (1875:205) found it in various parts of Utah. He collected it at Panguitch, Garfield County, 17 September 1872. Such early naturalist visitors as Vernon Bailey, Os- good, and others made references to it in their field notes. Merriam (Fisher 1893:123) observed it along the lower Santa Clara River, Washington County, 11-15 May 1891. Numerous additional records have been published in recent years. Subspecies: The most widespread breed- ing Yellowthroat in Utah is G. t. occi- dentalis, which also includes G. t. utahicola described by Oberholser (1948:3). G. t. scirpicola occurs only in the extreme south- western part of the state (Behle 1950a:210). Recently, Wauer (1969:333) reported die race occidentalis as also breeding in south- western Utah. The race G. t. campicola is known to migrate through die state (Behle 1948a:78). Geothlypis agilis (Wilson) Connecticut Warbler Status: Known only as an accidental visitor to the state. Records: The only collection record of this warbler known to us is that published by Porter and Bushman (1956:153). A specimen was obtained by them at die mouth of South Willow Canyon, 10 miles south of Grantsville, Tooele County, 22 September 1954. A sight record by Kashin in City Creek Canyon, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 26 August 1972 (Behle and Peri-y 1975:37) has been published. Geothlypis tolmiei (Townsend) MacGillivray's Warbler Status: A common breeding species and migrant diroughout the state widi two races being represented in the Utah popu- lation. The breeding birds live at mid- elevations where diey nest and forage in radier dense shmbby vegetation in canyons or under aspens. Records: Ridgway (1877:435-436) found this warbler in "all the fertile canyons from the Sierra Nevada to the Uintahs [sic] . It inhabited the rank herbage near the streams, or the undergrowth of the thickets and aspen copses." He took nests and eggs at Parley's Park, Summit County, in June and July 1869. Allen ( 1872a :396) obtained specimens near Ogdeii, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:205-206) referred to its presence in Utah but ap- parently took no specimens. There have since been many records from most of the counties of the state. Subspecies: The subspecies G. t. monti- cola is the breeding form found in Utah and throughout most of the intermountain area. The more northern breeding race G. t. tolmiei, including G. t. austinsmithi de- scribed by Phillips (1974:298), is a regular migrant dirough the state (Behle et al. 1958:76; Behle 1958:31, 1960a:46). The spring migration occurs mainly in May and the fall migration takes place from mid- August into October. Wilsonia pusilla (Wilson) Wilson's Warbler Status: A common migrant especially along the streams in the lower valleys dur- ing May and again in August and Septem- ber. Known also to breed in small numbers in the high mountain forests. Records: Most, if not all, of the speci- mens taken by early-day ornithologists were probably migrants. Ridgway (1877: 438) collected one on Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, 24 May 1869. Stevenson (1872:463) reported specimens from the northern slope of the Uinta Mountains on 16 September 1870. Allen (1872b:167) found it common and took specimens near Ogden, Weber County, 11-30 September 1871 (1872a:396). Nesting records are scarce, but Higgins (field notes) reported seeing several dozen birds around his camp on Boulder Mountain, Sevier County, 27 July to 2 August 1941. Twomey (1942:448- 449) found young birds and family groups on Bald Mountain, Summit County, 19 178 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 July 1937, and at Moon Lake, Duchesne County, 21 August 1937. Many records of migrant birds are available for more recent years. Subspecies: The breeding and migrant race found in the state is W. p. pileolata; however, Cottam (1942a:127) reported the collection of a specimen of W. p. pusilla at the west base of Pilot Peak, Elko County, Nevada, 20 September 1941. This collec- tion site is only two miles west of die Utah- Nevada border, so it appears that this race probably migrates through Utah, although not in any great numbers. Wilsonia canadensis (Linnaeus) Canada Warbler Status: A rare migrant in the state. Records: A partially decomposed body of a bird of this species was found at Callao, Juab County, 31 May 1975. It is in the Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum (museum number 5390). Myioborus pictus pictus (Swainson) Painted Redstart Status: An uncommon and perhaps ac- cidental visitor to the Virgin River area in southwestern Utah. Records: Presnell (1935b:207) first pub- lished a record of this species based on an observation by V. M. Tanner at Zion National Park, Washington County, 26 April 1930. Dixon Joyner saw one at the Terry Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washing- ton County, 22 May 1965 (Behle and Perry 1975:38). Wauer (1969:333-334) sum- marized several other sight records, all from Zion National Park in 1966. These are as follows: 22 April, three individuals; 24 April, two seen and one heard; 30 April, one observed. The 1930 sighting and the 1966 observations were within a (juarter mile of each other. Kingery (1975:88) re- ported a Painted Redstart at Zion National Park during the period 28 April to 2 May 1975. Icteria virens auricoUis (Deppe) Yellow-breasted Chat Status: A common summer resident and breeding species in suitable habitats throughout the state. The Yellow-breasted Chat is an inhabitant of dense thickets along natural waterways and canal banks in the lower valleys and canyons. Records: Henshaw (1875:206-207) re- ferred to the Yellow-breasted Chat from several localities in Utah, and Allen (1872b: 166) found it moderately common in the vicinity of Ogden, Weber County. Ridg- way (1875:24) considered it to be a com- mon breeder in the Salt Lake Valley in 1869. Merriam (Fisher 1893:124) indicated it as a "tolerably common breeder," 11-15 May 1891, in tlie Santa Clara Valley, Washington County. Many more recent occurrences are on record. Family Vireonidae Vireo griseus noveboracensis (Gmelin) White-eyed Vireo Status: An accidental or casual visitor to Utah. Records: This species was reported by Porter and Bushman (19.56:153), who re- corded a specimen taken by Heber H. Hall eight miles west of Boulder, Garfield County, 11 May 1953. It was found in a fruit orchard in a mixed flock of other species of birds. Vireo hellii arizonae Ridgway Bell's Vireo Status: This vireo is an uncommon but regular summer resident in tlie Virgin River Valley of southwestern Utah. Records: Two males were collected by Ross Hardy three miles south of St. George, Washington County, 19 and 20 April 1940. These records were reported by Hardy and Higgins (1940:105) as being of the race V. b. pusiUus. Later, Hardy (1941a:125) cor- rected die subspecies name to arizonae. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 179 Wauer and Carter (1965:73) published a sight record from Parunuweap Canyon, Zion National Park, Washington County, 17 August 1962 and 26 August 1962. In die latter case an immatiue bird was seen with adults. Vireo vicinior Coues Gray Vireo Status: A fairly common summer resi- dent, particularly of the more soudrern counties where it inhabits principally the arid pinyon-juniper forests and dry biiish- lands. Records: The University of Utah has several specimens from Washington County, including Beaver Dam Mountains, 22 April 1930 and 4-6 May 1941 and a locality near Leeds, 30 April-4 May 1939 (Behle 1943:62). A specimen in the Dixie Junior College collection was taken on Beaver Dam Mountains, 29 June 1940 (Hardy and Higgins 1940:105). More re- cent published records (Behle et al. 1958: 73) are from Cave Lakes Canyon, Kane County, 15 May 1946 and 23 May 1947, and from confluence of Calf Creek and Escalante River, Garfield County, 7 May 1954. Wauer (1969:333) considered it a common resident from 2 April to 30 June in the mountains near Zion National Park, Washington County. Sight records include that of Webster (1947:40), who reported seeing two in a pinyon-juniper forest near Salina, Sevier County, 22 August 1945. Scott (1965:.567-.568) reported that Carter saw the Gray Vireo at Arches National Park, Grand County, and in the nearby La Sal Mountains and that it was found nest- ing in both localities in June 1965. Tlie following year it was again recorded all during die summer at Arches National Monument (Scott 1966:589). Vireo solitarius (Wilson) Solitary Vireo Fig. 59, p. 150 Status: A radier common summer resi- dent throughout the state where it inhabits streamside woodlands, pinyon-juniper forests, and yellow pine forests. Records: Ridgway (1875:321, .367, 374) obsei-ved it in scrub oak and pinyon- juniper habitats of City Creek Canyon, Salt Lake County, in July and August 1869, and also at Parley's Park, Summit County. Allen (1872:167) collected it at Ogden, Weber County, 8 September 1871, and considered it to be "rather frequent. " Hen- shaw (1875:225) found it in die Wasatch Mountains. In addition, many recent oc- currences are on record. Subspecies: The common breeding sub- species in the state is V. s. plumbeus. The race V. s. cassinii may also appear as a spring and fall migrant. Some recent pub- lished records of this race include those of Stanford (1938:142), Logan, Cache County, 27 September 1930; Behle (1943:62), Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 18 April 1932; Behle (1958:29), Clear Creek, Box Elder County, 3 September 1932; Behle (1955:27), Queen of Sheba Mine, Deep Creek Mountains, Juab County, 16 Sep- tember 1947; Behle ( 1960a :43), La Sal Mountains, San Juan County, 14 September 1955; Hay ward (1967:48), White River near Bonanza, Uintah County, 20 Sep- tember 1966. Vireo olivaceus olivaceus (Linnaeus) Red-eyed Vireo Status: A sparse migrant dirough the state in late May and early June and again in September. It usually appears as a migrant in streamside vegetation of the lower valleys, although an obseivation by Cottam and Kalmback (field notes) for Aspen Grove, Mt. Timpanogos, Utah County, 7 July 1938, indicated that it might rarely nest in the state. Records: The only records from die early naturalists were those of Allen (1872b: 167), who collected it near Ogden, Weber County, 8 September 1871. He regarded it as more or less common in that area in 180 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 September and early October. More recent collection records for the state include the following: four miles soutli of Jensen, Uintah County, May and June 1937 (Two- mey 1942:437); near Logan, Cache County, 30 May 1941 (Stanford 1944:151); losepa. Skull Valley, Tooele County, 11 September 1953 (Porter 1954:363); Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, June 1962, and Dugway, Tooele County, 6 September 1962 (Behle et al. 1964:454). A number of sight records have also been reported. Vireo gilvus (Vieillot) Warbling Vireo Fig. 60, p. 151 Status : A common summer resident and breeding species in the state from late March through September. It inhabits deciduous woods along valley and moun- tain streams but is especially abundant in aspen forests. Records: Most of the early-day orni- thologists either collected or observed this species in various sections of the state. Ridgway (1875:449) took a specimen at Antelope Island, Davis County, 5 June 1869. He also found nests and eggs at Parley's Park, Summit County, 23-24 June 1869. Stevenson (1872:464) found it along Green River, Daggett County, in October 1870. Allen (1872b:167) regarded it as "rather common" around Ogden, Weber County, in September and early October 1871. Henshaw (1875:221) found it to be a widespread and common vireo in several localities he visited. Two specimens col- lected by Granger in Uintah County on 31 May 1895 are in the American Museum. Numerous collection and sight records have been made more recently. Subspecies: The common breeding and migrating race in the state is V. g. leuco- polius. V. g. swainsonii appears as an un- common migrant. Tlie University of Utah collection contains specimens of the latter from King's Ranch, Henry Mountains, Gar- field County, 10 September 1929, and from Deep Creek Mountains, Tooele County, 16 September 1947 (Woodbury et al. 1949: 217; Behle 1948a:77). A specimen at Brig- ham Young University from Henrieville, Garfield County, 7 September 1937, also appears to be V. g. swainsonii (Hay ward 1967:49). There are four specimens of tliis race taken at Clear Creek and along the slope of the Raft River Mountains, Box Elder County, 18 May 1948 and 25 August 1949 (Behle 1958:29). However, on die basis of a study of some 200 specimens, Worthen (1968:367,368) doubted diat swainsonii occurs in the Utah population at all. Family Icteridae Icterus cucullatus nelsoni Ridgway Hooded Oriole Status: This oriole is an uncommon summer resident in extreme southwestern Utah. Records: Behle (1943a:68) reported a specimen at Terry Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washington County, 22 April 1930. Hardy and Higgins (1940:107) obtained a specimen on 23 April 1940 at St. George, Washington County, which tliey indicated was of the race sennetti. Later Hardy (1941a: 125) reported that the specimen had been misidentified and belonged to die race nelsoni. Behle et al. (1964:455) also recorded a male specimen with enlarged testes taken at Lytle Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, 25 June 1961, and mentioned that this was the third specimen known for the state. Wauer (1969:334) collected a male at tlie Lytle Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, 27 April 1966. He observed this species from 8 April to 25 August in the Virgin River Valley of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Icterus galhula (Linnaeus) Northern Oriole Fig. 61, p. 154 Status: A common summer resident and 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 181 breeding species throughout the state from early May through August. Its natural habitat appears to be woodlands along the streams of the lower valleys, but it has also adapted rather well to ornamental trees in towns and parks. Records: Ridgway (1877:509) collected specimens, nests, and eggs in the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Mountains in 1869. Henshaw (1875:320) referred to finding this species in several localities in Utah during his fieldwork in 1872. All the other early naturalists to visit the state re- corded its occurrence in dieir reports and field notes. The species is still common in the state, and many specimens are in local collections. Subspecies: The subspecies I. g. hul- lockii, known as Bullock's Oriole for many years, is by far die most common and wide- spread, if not the only, morphologically distinct form occurring in Utah. It was formerly given flill species status but is now considered as a subspecies of the ubiquitous I. galhula (AOU Check-list 1973:417). Worthen (1968:385; 1973b :677-678) re- ported a specimen of 7. g. galbula in the University of Utah collection from Milford, Millard County, 27 June 1964. Icterus parisoru7n Bonaparte Scott's Oriole Status: An uncommon summer resident more frequently found in the southern part of the state, but in recent years reported in a number of locations in the north. It in- habits pinyon-juniper woodlands and semi- desert country where there are tall shrubs. Records: There seem to be few refer- ences to this oriole in die early reports on Utah birds. Fisher (1893:77) mentioned its occurrence in tlie Beaver Dam Mountains of southwestern Utah. Behle et al. (1964: 455) collected several specimens at Lytle Ranch, Washington County, 25 June 1961. Behle and Selander (1952:31) collected it 25 miles east of Hanksville, Wayne County, 20 May 1951. Carter (1967a:5)' included it for Arches National Park, Grand County, 30 May and 29 June 1965; it was also re- ported to have nested there. Long (1943: 39) reported seeing it at Nephi, Juab County, 17 May 1942. Porter (1954:363) reported a sight record for Cedar Moun- tains, Tooele County, 7 May 1953. Hay- ward and Frost (field notes) saw a male near Fish Springs, Juab County, 19 May 1966. Some additional sight records have appeared as follows: Scott (1959:391; 1962:436; 1965:568) near Eureka, Juab County, 30 May 1959; Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 30 April 1962; nest with young. Arches National Park, 29 June 1965; and Kingery (1971:887), Topaz Mountain, Juab County, summer 1971. Hayward (field notes) found it nesting near Topaz Moun- tain, Juab County, 29 May 1973. Xa7ithocephalus xanthocephahis (Bonaparte) Yellow-headed Blackbird Status: A common summer resident throughout the state in lower valleys where there are swamplands or lake borders with ample rushes or odier emergent vegetation suitable for nesting colonies. It may oc- casionally remain all winter as witnessed by Cottam et al. (1942:53), who obsei-ved one at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 16 December 1941. In addition, Wauer (1969:334) saw five at Washington, Washington County, 28 December 1965. Records: This conspicuous bird was noted by all of the early investigators to visit the state. Ridgway (1877:.502-503) found it plentiful at the mouth of Jordan River, Davis County, in 1869, as well as at other localities. Allen (1872b:168) found it in the marshes near Ogden, Weber County, and Henshaw (1874:7) reported it as being veiy numerous in the state. Many colonies of tliis species may still be found through- out die state. The abundance of this species may, in part, be attributed to the creation of new water storage resei-voirs wherein emergent vegetation is able to grow around 182 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 »^ 1 lirt J H Fig. 64. Gray Jay. Paradise Park, Uinta Mountains, Uintah County, Utah, 30 July 1953. Photo by R. J. Erwin. the borders. This has apparently increased dieir numbers and extended their distribu- tion. Agelaius phoeniceus (Linnaeus) Red-winged Blackbird Status: A common resident of valley marshlands and meadows where it nests. In winter large flocks remain in the wanner valleys. Records: A number of references to this species for Utah were found in the early records of Allen (1872b: 168), Henshaw (1874:7; 1875:314-315), and Ridgway (1877: 505). Since this is one of the more common birds in the state, hundreds of records have been made in recent years. Subspecies: The breeding and wintering population found throughout Utah appears to be A. p. fortis. A race named A. p. utahensis was proposed by Bishop (1938:2), and Behle (1940b: 234- 240) supported tliis view principally on the basis of the de- cidedly pinkish color found on tlie throat in many females. However, Blake (Check- list of Birds of the World 1968[14] :168) has placed utahensis in synonomy with fortis. Behle (1948a:78-79) indicated that there is some evidence of intergradation of fortis with A. p. nevadensis on die western border of the state, where he considered collected birds to be atypical breeding A. P. nevadensis individuals. Twomey (1942:453) collected three specimens, which he considered to be migrants of the race nevadensis, two miles south of Jensen, Uintah County, in late September 1937. Behle ( 1976b :44) reported a specimen in the Zion National Park collection as being of the race A. ;;. sonoriensis. Sturnella ncglecta Audubon Western Meadowlark Status: A permanent resident through- out the valleys of the state especially in grasslands or cultivated fields and pasture- 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 183 lands. It also sometimes occurs in sage- brush or other low growing sliRibs. In winter it tends to congregate in small flocks especially around cattle feed lots. Records: Baird (1852:316), in Stans- buiy's report on his explorations of Great Salt Lake, found the meadowlark in that area in 1850. Ridgway (1875:30, 33) indi- cated it as a breeding species in the Salt Lake Valley and at Parley's Park, Summit County, in 1869, and Henshaw (1875:318) also reported it from Panguitch, Garfield County, and from Washington County in September and October 1872. Bailey and Loring (field notes), during their travels throughout much of the state in 1888-89 and 1893, recorded it frequently. The meadowlark still maintains itself well in the state and seems to adapt to the expand- ing human population. Quiscahis quiscula (Linnaeus) Common Crackle Status: An accidental visitor to Utah. Records: Talley (1957:400) reported a specimen collected near Provo, Utah County, 21 March 1957. Lockerbie and Behle (1952b:53) recorded a specimen seen at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 20 November 1952. Behle and Perry (1975: 39) reported the following sight records: eight at Bear River Marshes, Box Elder County, 13 September 1941; Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 26 November 1952, late fall 1958, and 17 May 1969; Fannington Bay, Davis County, 8 August 1954; Jordan Narrows, Salt Lake County, 30 November 1957. Kashin (1974:489) reported two at Salt Lake City on 16 December 1973. Euphagus carolinus carolinus (Miiller) Rusty Blackbird Status: A casual and rare visitor in Utah. Records: Porter (1954:363) reported col- lecting a male Rusty Blackbird near Camel Back Mountain, Tooele County, 24 Novem- ber 1952. Two were seen at Trial Lake, Summit County, in early August 1956 by Kashin (Behle and Perry 1975:39). A male specimen at Brigham Young University was taken by Merlin L. Killpack near Soldier's Summit, Utah County, 18 October 1963. Wauer and Carter (1965:77) also recorded a sight record for Zion National Park, Wash- ington County, 1 June 1965. Euphagus cijanocephalus (Wagler) Brewer's Blackbird Fig. 62, p. 155 Status: A common resident in the lower valleys throughout the state. It frequently nests in willow thickets or trees along natu- ral streams and irrigation canals. It is often seen feeding on lawns and in pastures and commonly occurs in small flocks along roadways. Records: Early records in the state in- clude those of Henshaw (1875:323), who found it at several localities in the state during his fieldwork in 1872. Ridgway (1877:368, 374) recorded it from localities in Utah in 1869. Bailey (field notes) made reference to this species from many local- ities through the state in 1888-89. Many obsei^vations have been made in more re- cent times, indicating that the species is still common although there is some evi- dence of a decline in population in the last five years. Molothrus ater (Boddaert) Brown-headed Cowbird Status: A rather common summer resi- dent throughout the lower valleys of the state where it inhabits streamside wood- lands and ornamental trees in parks and towns. It may also sometimes be seen in small flocks in open country or pastures where cattle are feeding. Records: During his fieldwork in Utah, Ridgway (1877:501) found a few cowbirds at Parley's Park, Summit County, and in Bear River Valley in June 1869. Henshaw (1875:312) collected specimens near Provo, 184 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Utah County, in 1872. There have since been many collections and observations made in the state. Subspecies: M. a. artemisiae is the race occupying most of the state, with M. a. obscurus occurring in southwestern Utah (Blake in Check-list of Birds of the World 1968 [14]: 199-200). Hardy (1941a:125) re- ported four specimens of obscurus from St. George, Washington County, 7 May 1939, 26 April 1940, and 15-16 May 1940. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linnaeus) Bobolink Status: An uncommon summer resident seemingly confined mainly to the valleys west of the Wasatch Front. Its habitat is restricted almost entirely to wet, short grass fields and pastures. Its numbers seem to have declined somewhat over the past 10 years. Records: All of the early investigators visiting Utah prior to the turn of the cen- tury found this bird present and in con- siderable numbers. Allen (1872b: 168) and others considered it to be a common breed- er in Salt Lake Valley in 1871 and 1872. Henshaw (1875:311) collected it near Provo, Utah County, where he found it feeding young on 25 June 1872. Occasionally it has been found in irrigated land in the veiy arid areas of western Utah. Behle (1955:28) collected one at Ibapah, Tooele County, 25 July 1950, and Frost (field notes) saw two in an alfalfa field at Callao, Juab County, 31 May 1975. Family Fringillidae Carduelis pirius pinus (Wilson) Pine Siskin Status: An abundant resident species found diroughout the state where it nests primarily in conifer trees from the lower valleys to timberline. In winter it occurs in large flocks especially in the valleys and on foothills where weed seeds are exposed. Records: Ridgway (1877:464) collected a nest with one egg from a fir tree in Par- ley's Park, Summit County, 23 June 1869. Henshaw took a specimen at Provo, Utah County, in 1872 (U.S. National Museum of Natural Histoiy). Osgood and Birdseye (field notes) found it in the Beaver Moun- tains, Beaver and Piute counties, and the Henry Mountains, Garfield County, in 1908, and in the Pine Valley Mountains, Washing- ton County, in 1909. There have since been many reports of its occurrence in die state. Carduelis tristis pallida (Mearns) American Goldfinch Status: A common resident throughout the state where it breeds in lower valleys and lower canyons. It nests primarily in deciduous trees growing along valley streams or in ornamental trees of towns and parks. In winter it may appear in the val- leys in large flocks especially where sun- flower seeds are available. Records: Ridgway (1877:461) found this finch nesting in Pack's Canyon on the west slope of the Uinta Mountains in 1869. Ste- venson (1872:464) reported taking five specimens along the Green River in Dag- gett Comity in northeastern Utah, and Allen (1872b:167) recorded it as abundant near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:244) diought it to be common in Utah where it appeared to live and nest in cottonwood trees. Bailey (field notes) found it common from one end of the state to the other during his travels from 1888 to 1893. Loring in 1893 and Os- good in 1908 (field notes) also noted it on many occasions. This species is still com- mon in Utah, and many records have been made in recent years. Carduelis psaltria Jiesperophila (Oberholser) Lesser Goldfinch Status: A common resident throughout the state but more abundant southward 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 185 especially in the Virgin River Valley. It inhabits deciduous trees along the valley streams and in the parks and settlements. In winter it is especially fond of the seeds of several kinds of native and ornamental birches. Records: Most of the early investigators in the state reported this finch as being common. Allen (1872b: 167) found it at Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:246) recorded it from St. George, Washington County, in October 1872, and Ridgway (1875:33;1877:462-463) found it breeding in the lower canyons of the Wasatch and Uinta mountains in the summer of 1869. Numerous more recent accounts from most of the counties of tlie state are on record. Carduelis jlammea flammea (Linnaeus) Common Redpoll Status: An uncommon and irregular visitor to Utah. It should be looked for along streams where birch and alder are growing and in birch trees of settlements and parks. Records: Stevenson (1872:464) and Cot- tam ( 1942b :254) referred to two specimens taken by the Hayden expedition on tlie north slope of the Uinta Mountains, 10 October 1870. Killpack (Killpack and Hay- ward 1958:24) collected a female from a flock of 40 birds 11 miles west of Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 1 January 1958. A num- ber of sight records have been reported in more recent years. Webster (1947:40) saw flocks near Perry, Box Elder County, 20 Febmary 1944. In the Uinta Basin one was obsei"ved near Roosevelt, Duchesne County, 27 or 28 December 19.56 (Killpack 1957:215; Scott 1957:285). Murie (1963:45) obsewed several at close range at Parowan, Iron County, 19 and 23 November 1962. Kashin (1964a:37) stated that 25-30 Com- mon Redpolls were seen in City Creek Can- yon, near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 7 March 1964. Hayward (field notes) saw three feeding in a birch tree at his home in Provo, Utah County, 1 Febmary 1969. Leucosticte arctoa (Pallas) Rosy Finch Status: A common summer and winter- ing species throughout the state, being re- stricted in breeding to tiie higher mountain ranges where it is found mainly in alpine areas. In winter it is found in large restless flocks of several subspecies in valleys and on low hills. Records: The occurrence of this bird in Utah was not reported by most of the early naturalists who visited the area, presum- ably because they did not visit alpine areas where these birds breed nor did they en- counter the large but irregular wintering flocks. The second specimen known of die race L. a. tephrocotis and die first specimen located in the United States is now in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History and was taken at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, by R. J. Pollard of tiie Stansbuiy Expedition on 21 March 1850. It was described by Baird (1852:317-318) and re- ported again by Remy (1860[2] :450). Ste- venson (1872:464) reported a specimen taken by Schmidt on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains on 20 September 1870. This specimen proved to be a juvenile of the breeding race L. a. atrata. In recent years it has been obseived and collected in many localities throughout the state. Subspecies: Three races of L. arctoa are known to occur in the state. L. a. atrata is the breeding subspecies found in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains. L. a. lit- toralis and L. a. tephrocotis are widespread in winter, witii tephrocotis being the more common. All tliree races ma\' appear to- gether in wintering flocks. L. a. tephrocotis and L. a. atrata were fomierly considered to be separate species, but are now known to be conspecific with L. arctoa (Howell in Check-list of Birds of the World 1968 [14] :261-262; Mayr and Short 1970:80). Carpodacus cassinii Baird Cassin's Finch Status: A common summer resident of 186 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 the mountains throughout the state where it inhabits montane forests and nests in conifers and aspens. The species winters in lesser numbers in lower valleys where it is sometimes seen in small flocks feeding on the buds of deciduous trees in early spring. Records: Most of the early naturalists re- ported Cassin's Finch as being common in the mountains. Ridgway (1877:457-458) found it at Parley's Park, Summit County, and in City Creek Canyon near Salt Lake, Salt Lake County, in 1869; he also collected nests and eggs from aspens and cotton- woods. Allen (1872b: 167) found it near Ogden, Weber County, in September 1871. Henshaw (1875:240) considered it to be abundant in 1872. Bailey, Cary, and Osgood all refer to it in their field notes from 1890 to 1908. Many recent accounts attest to the species' abundance in the mountains. Carpodacus rriexicanus frontalis (Say) House Finch Fig. 63, p. 167 Status: A common year-round resident in lower valleys throughout the state. Its natural habitat appears to have been desert brush, streamside woodlands, and pinyon- juniper forests, but it has readily adapted to human communities where it may at times live in orchards and feed to some ex- tent on ripened fruits. Records: Judging from the earliest writ- ings on Utah birds, this finch was common in the state when the pioneer settlers arrived. Henshaw (1874:5; 1875:241 243), Ridgway (1877:458-461), Fisher (1893:81), and several others made frequent reference to it as being abundant in all areas of die state visited by them. The species is still common, and numerous accounts of its oc- currence are on record. Subspecies: The subspecies C. m. soli- tudinus, C. m. grinnelli, and C. m. sordidus have recently been consolidated under C. m. frontalis (Howell in Check-list of Birds of the World 1968 [14] :272). Pinicola enucleator montanus Ridgway Pine Grosbeak Status: An uncommon resident of coni- ferous forests in most of the mountain ranges of the state. In severe winters the birds tend to drift downward along the can- yon streams and may even appear in the higher valleys. Records: Some of the early-day natural- ists failed to report this species in the state, undoubtedly because they did not work extensively in the higher elevations where Pine Grosbeaks are found. Stevenson (1872:464) reported a juvenile specimen taken on the north slopes of the Uinta Mountains on 20 September 1870, and Nel- son (1875:344) found it common in about the same locality between 22 June and 24 July 1872. Osgood (field notes) found it in the Beaver Mountains, Beaver County, and at Brian Head, Iron County, Septem- ber 1908. More recent records are numer- ous from all the major mountain ranges and high plateaus of the state. Loxia curvirostra Linnaeus Red Crossbill Status: An irregular but sometimes common summer resident of coniferous forests in the high mountain ranges and plateaus of the state. Known to nest in the Uinta Mountains and in die vicinity of Navajo Lake, Kane County. Crossbills normally appear in restless flocks flying from tree to tree and remaining only a few minutes in one place. Records: Records of crossbills in the early literature on Utah birds are scarce. Stevenson (1872:464) reported a specimen taken by the Hayden expedition on the Green River in early October 1870. Nelson (1875:344) saw flocks on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains and noted that nearly full-grown young were present. Specimens in the U.S. National Museum of Natural History were taken by Osgood in the Beaver Mountains, Beaver County, 17 August 1907. He also found them in the Parowan Mountains, Iron County, and 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 187 Heniy Mountains, Garfield County, in Sep- tember and October of die same year. Many additional records have been estab- lished more recently. Papers summarizing much of this infonnation have been pub- lished by Hayward (1943:276 277), Se- lander (1953:158 160), and Behle and Ghiselin (1958:18). Subspecies: Several authors have dis- cussed the subspecific status of die Red Crossbill population in Utah (Woodbuiy 1939:162; Behle 1944a:84; Selander 1953: 158-160). It appears tliat there are several races within the area with considerable overlapping of racial characteristics. L. c. benti seems to be the most common nesting subspecies especially in the Uinta Moun- tains. Typical L. c. hendirei appears less commonly, and L. c. grinnelli is the least common of the three. The southern race L. c. stricklandi may appear as a wanderer in soudiern Utah (Howell in Check-list of Birds of the World 1968 [ 14] :292; Wood- buiy 1939:162; Woodbuiy and Russell 1945:140 141; Behle et al. 1958:83). Loxia leucoptera leucoptera Gnielin White-winged Crossbill Status: A rare and presumably acci- dental visitor to Utah. Records: Worthen (1968:431; 1972a:243- 244) reported three specimens in the Uni- versity of Utah collection (nos. 19577-19579) from Pioneer Ranger Station, onie mile north of Mount Catherine, Pavaiit Moun- tains, Millard County, 2 August 1965. Kashin (1970:416) saw diree White-winged Crossbills at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, on several occasions prior to 21 December 1969, and another one at Salt Lake City, 16 December 1973 (Kashin 1974: 489). One was reported at Salt Lake City in Januaiy 1974 (Kingeiy 1974:671). Coccothraustes vespertimts brooksi (Grinnell) Evening Grosbeak Status: A common but erratic winter resident in lower valleys throughout the state where it is found in small flocks feed- ing on buds and fruits of native and orna- mental trees. It has been reported as nest- ing in small numbers in conifer and decidu- ous trees in higher mountains. Records: Early ornithologists visiting Utah, such as Henshaw, Ridgway, and Allen, seem not to have encountered this species, probably because of its erratic distribution. All major reports of more re- cent years, however, indicate its wide- spread and rather common occurrence, especially in winter and early spring. Family Ploceidae Passer domesticus domesticus (Linnaeus) House Sparrow Status: The House Sparrow, also called English Sparrow, was introduced in Utah sometime prior to 1870 and has since spread throughout the state wherever diere are settlements or ranches. Records: Allen (1872a:395; 1872b:167) reported this species from Ogden, Weber County, and Salt Lake Valley during his visit to die area in the fall of 1871. Numer- ous reports have been made since that time. Family Sturnidae Sturmis vulgaris vulgaris Linnaeus Starling Status: A common introduced resident species throughout the state principally in and near human habitations and livestock feeding areas. Occasionally found in wood- lands along the streams of the lower valleys. Records: Although the Starling was in- troduced into eastern United States many years ago, it did not appear in Utah until the late 1930s. Lockerbie (1939:170) re- ported a specimen in the University of Utah collection taken by Thayer Evans near Salt Lake City on 26 February 1939. Behle (1954a:49-50) reviewed the history of the bird in Utah. Cottam (1945b:172) re- ported a dead starling at the Desert Range Experimental Station in southwestern Mil- 188 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 lard County on 1 September 1942. The first records were for wintering birds, and nesting was not reported before 1949 (Utah Audubon News 1949:1). Killpack and Crit- tenden (1952:338-344) have given an ac- count of the Starhng in the Uinta Basin from 1947 to 1951 and indicate that it might have appeared in that area at least 10 years prior to that time. At present the species nests commonly in the state and winters in flocks of hundreds wherever it can obtain food. Family Corvidae Gymnorhinus cijanocephala Wied Pihon Jay Status: A common resident species liv- ing primarily in pinyon-juniper forests wherever such forests are to be found in the state. It usually appears as family groups or small, loosely -organized flocks that wan- der restlessly over large areas of their habitat. Records: Ridgway (1877:517) did not specifically mention its occurrence in Utah; he did, however, refer to its presence throughout the West. Henshaw (1875:331- 333) collected specimens near Beaver, Beaver County, in 1872, and considered it to be common in that area. Merriam (Fisher 1893:73) reported it to be present on the east slope of the Beaver Dam Moun- tains, Washington County, in southern Utah. Because of the state's extensive and relatively undisturbed areas of pinyon- juniper, the Pihon Jay is still frequently reported. Cijanocitta cristata cyanotephra Sutton Blue Jay Status: A species common to eastern North America and of accidental occur- rence in Utah. 1\ecords: a Blue Jay specimen collected by John Bushman at Holladay, Salt Lake County, 30 April 1970, was reported by Behle ( 1973b :244). In the same account Behle also included sight records from the vicinity of Holladay where one had been seen for some time prior to 5 January 1969; another was observed in the same area dur- ing the winter of 1970-1971; one was re- ported on die Markagunt Plateau, Iron County, beside state highway 143, 25 June 1950. One was seen by Stewart Murie on Cedar Mountain, Iron County, 29 October 1966 (Scott 1967:63). Cyanocitta stelleri (Gmelin) Steller's Jay Status: A fairly common although ir- regular resident of coniferous forests and adjacent mountain shrub areas throughout the mountains of the state. In winter a few birds may descend to lower valleys where they appear in streamside woodlands or ornamental trees. Records: The earliest reports of Steller's Jay in Utah referred to it under the name Cyanura stelleri var. macrolophus (Henshaw 1874:7). Ridgway (1877:525 526) con- sidered it comparatively plentiful in the Uinta Mountains in 1869.' Allen (1872b: 178) reported it from near Ogden, Weber County, and Henshaw (1875:3^36) collected speci- mens in Provo Canyon, Utah County, 31 July 1872 and 30 November 1872. Since that time numerous specimens have been collected. Subspecies: Various subspecific names have, at one time or anodier, been applied to the Utah population. Behle (1943a:48- 51) and Phillips (1950:252-254) have re- viewed tlie races found in Utah and ad- jacent areas. Blake and Vaurie (Check-list of Birds of die World 1962 [15] :209) refer all Utah birds to the race C. s. macrolopha. The subspecies C. s. percofitatrix, C. s. cot- tami, and C. s. hrowni have been placed in synonomy with the above race. There is evidence that the northern breeding sub- species C. s. annectens may wander into northern Utah (Stanford 1938:140). 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 189 AphelocoiJia coerulescens (Bosc) Scnib Jay Fig. 65, p. 197 Status: A common jay tliroughout the state occurring usually in shrubby vegeta- tion or pinyon-juniper forests along the foothills. Records: This widespread and common jay was reported by all the early-day natu- ralists who worked in Utah. Ridgway (1877:526-527) recorded it from the Wa- satch Mountains in 1869. Merriam (1873: 688) reported it from near Ogden, Weber County, Utah, in 1872. Henshaw (1875: 338) referred to this species from several locations in Utah in 1872, and Fisher (1893: 69) recorded it from the Beaver Dam Mountains of Washington County in 1891. More recent references in the literature are abundant. Subspecies: While there appears to be considerable intergradation between diem, two rather distinct subspecies of Scmb Jay have been recognized in the Utah popula- tion (Behle 1948a:74). A race described by Pitelka (1945:24), known as A c. neva- dae, occupies western Utah, especially the Great Basin, while A. c. woodhouseii oc- curs in the eastern part of the state in the Upper Colorado River Basin (Hayward 1967:42). Perisoreus canadensis capitalis Ridgway Gray Jay Fig. 64, 182 Status: The Gray Jay, also sometimes called the "Camp Robber," is a rather com- mon resident of spruce-fir forests in tlie higher mountain ranges and plateaus of central and southern Utah. In winter this jay may drift to lower elevations in yellow pine forests, but it is rarely seen in lower valleys. Records: Some of the early workers in the state, such as Allen (1872b), Merriam (1873), and Henshaw (1875), missed this species probably because they did relative- ly little fieldwork in the high spruce-fir forests where the species lives. It was re- ported by Stevenson (1872:465) from the Uinta Mountains, 20 September and 2 Octo- ber 1870 (U.S. National Museum of Natural History). Nelson (1875:344) also found it on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains in July 1872. Specimens were taken by the Stansbuiy Expedition in 1849-50 and by the Simpson Expedition (Baird 1876:380); exact localities are unknown. Many other occurrences have been recorded more re- cently. Pica pica hudsonia (Sabine) Black-billed Magpie Status: A common resident throughout the state living in shrubby and wooded areas along the lower foothills and in the valleys. It is more abundant in tlie north- ern part of the state and occurs more spar- ingly in the south. Judging from early re- ports, it may have increased somewhat as the area became populated with white settlers. Records: Captain J. C. Fremont (1845: 1.56) reported that on 9 September 1843 a Magpie visited his camp on Fremont Island in Great Salt Lake. Ridgway (1877: 521) found it abundant in Nevada in 1869 but noted that it was absent from many favorable localities on the east side of the Great Basin in Utah; however, in his report of traveling down Provo Canyon, Utah County, 10-11 July 1869 (1877:377), he re- corded several different species of birds and stated, "And the Magpie again numer- ous." In an earlier preliminaiy report (1875:35) he recorded Magpies in Provo Canyon and stated that diis species "in other localities in Utah was found to be rare or entirely wanting." Stevenson (1872: 465) noted that it was abundant in north- eastern Utah (now Daggett County) in October 1870. Allen (1872b:169) found it common around Ogden, Weber County, during September-October 1872. In die summer and fall of 1872, Henshaw (1875: 334) found it a common resident of the 190 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 lower portions of tlie mountains, tlie val- leys, and the plains where the streams issue out upon them. Many hundreds of records have been made for all of the counties of the state in recent years. Nucifraga columhiana (Wilson) Clark's Nutcracker Status: A resident of coniferous forests of the higher mountains and plateaus throughout the state. In winter it tends to drift to lower elevations where it may be found in pinyon-juniper forests of tlie Wa- satch and Uinta mountains. Records: Ridgway (1877:515) called it common in the high coniferous forests of the Wasatch and Uinta mountains in die summer of 1869. Henshaw (1875:329) found it in more open coniferous forests and first saw it at Otter Creek, Piute County, 8 Sep- tember 1872. Bailey (field notes) found it at the divide between the Sevier and Virgin rivers, Kane County, 18 December 1888. Osgood (field notes) also reported it from Fishlake Plateau, Henry Mountain, and other localities in September and October 1908. Birdseye (field notes) recorded it from Pine Valley Mountain, Washington County, 1909. Recent recordings include nearly every county in the state. Corvus brachyrhynchos Brehm Common Crow Status: A common wintering bird in the central valleys of the state especially in Salt Lake and Utah valleys and a sparse breeder in wooded areas along the streams. Along the Bear River in Rich County it nests rather commonly in colonies. Records: Ridgway (1877:514-515) did not report the presence of crows in Utah in 1869, and Henshaw (1875:327) called it rather rare in the state in 1872. He saw a few at Provo, Utah County, during his field- work in Utah Valley. Other early workers, such as Allen, Merriam, and Nelson, appar- ently did not find it. Most of the records for more recent years have been for the large wintering flocks. Richards and White (1963:530-531) have summarized die nest- ing records tliat are available. Subspecies: For many years it has been assumed diat the breeding and wintering crows of Utah were of the race C. b. hes- peris. However, Richards (1971:116-118), who studied a large series of residents as well as wintering specimens from Utah localities, has concluded that the Utah birds are in most respects more closely related to C. b. brachyrhynchos. Corvus corax sinuatus Wagler Raven Status: A common resident of wide- spread habitats, living usually at lower elevations but sometimes moving to higher elevations, even alpine, for feeding. It is more commonly seen in desert country where it feeds on animals killed along the highways. It nests in cliffs or trees or some- times on deserted buildings. Records: Captain Bonneville (Iwing 1868:491) reported an abundance of Ravens in Bear River Valley, Rich County, in 1835. Gunnison and Beckwidi (Baird 1854:14) obtained a Raven between White River and San Rafael, Utah. This is in present- day Emeiy County. Simpson (1876:380) reported two specimens from Fairfield, Utah County, May 1859. Ridgway (1877: ;368, 374) found it common in the Great Basin in 1869. Allen (1872b: 169) reported it common around Ogden, Weber County, in the fall of 1872. Bailey (field notes) dur- ing his fieldwork in Utah from 1888 to 1890 recorded it from many localities. Numer- ous records have been added in more re- cent years. SPECIES OF UNCERTAIN STATUS The following species have been reported as sight records from the state. They have not been documented by specimens, photo- graphs, or by several detailed descriptions. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 191 Thus, for the present, we prefer to separate them from the main body of the annotated hst. Wherever possible, observations from adjacent states are given to help substan- tiate die records from Utah. Where there are several records from neighboring states or from within a single state, we have used that report closest to Utah. Podiceps grisegena (Boddaert) Red-necked Grebe Records: The Red-necked Grebe was reported at Fannington Bay, Davis County, 20 May 1963, by Kashin and Webb (Utah Audubon News 1963:38), and by Behle and Perry (1975:7) along the causeway from Syracuse to the north end of Antelope Island, Davis County, 3 December 1970. Has been found at Lake Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County, Idaho, 11 October 1950 (Burleigh 1972:3). Recently it was recorded from Lake Mead, Clark County, Nevada, 15 December 1973 (Mowbray 1974:496; Kingeiy 1974:669). Dichromanassa rufescens (Gmelin) Reddish Egret Records: A single sight record at Fann- ington Bay, Davis County, 15 April 1949, seen by Calvin D. Wilson and Boyd Shaffer of the Tracy Aviary (Behle and Perry 1975: 8). The AOU Check-list indicated it as accidental in Arizona and Colorado (1957: 46). Phillips et al. (1964:6) recorded several sightings from southern Arizona. The most northern report was one across the state line on the San Bernardino County, Cali- fornia, side of Lake Havasu on 9 September 1954. Hydranassa tricolor (Miiller) Louisiana Heron Records: Two sight records in Utah, one seen at Farmington Bay Refuge, Davis County, by Calvin Wilson, 15 May 1947, and another at the same locality, 15 June 1973, obsei-ved by Dorodiy Piatt (Behle and Periy 1975:8). In Arizona it has been re- ported north to Camp Verde, Yavapai County, 27 August 1886 (Phillips et al. 1964: 6). The AOU Check-list (1957:49) listed it as wandering north to southern Nevada. Anas fulvigtila Ridgway Mottled Duck Records: W. E. Ritter reported a flock of 21 seen near Hurricane, Washington County, 25 September 1965 (Behle and Peri-y 1975:11). Mottled Ducks have been designated as being of casual occurrence in Colorado (AOU Check-list 1957:73). We have no other records of this species in ad- jacent states. Melanitta nigra (Linnaeus) Black Scoter Records: One seen at Bear River Mi- gratoiy Bird Reflige, Box Elder County, by Lloyd F. Gunther in the fell of 1966 (Scott 1967:63). Behle and Peny (1975:12) dated this record as 9 September 1966. This northern species is reported in die AOU Check-list (1957:94) as being found irregu- larly in Wyoming and Colorado. We have not found it reported in the literatine from any of the other states adjacent to Utah. Buteo platypterus (Vieillot) Broad-winged Hawk Records: Observed in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County, 25 September 1970 by Vernon Kousky (Behle and Perry 1975:14). Kingeiy (1975:886) reported one seen at Provo, Utah County, 25 April 1975. A Broad-winged Hawk was banded and remained in a woodlot at Pocatello, Ban- nock County, Idaho, 30 April 1973 (Kingery 1973:800). One was seen at Cheyenne, Laramie County, 19 May 1968, and was considered to be a new record for Wyoming (Scott 1968:.561). The AOU Check-list (1957:108) listed it as casual in Colorado. 192 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No.l In Arizona this species has been collected once, on 22 September 1956, in the Chiri- cahua Mountains, Cochise County, in the southeastern area of the state (Phillips et al. 1964:22). The first record for Nevada was at Corn Creek, Desert National Wildlife Range, Clark County, 7 May 1973 (Monson 1973:804). Buteo albicaudatus Vieillot White-tailed Hawk Records: There have been a number of sight records of this species in the state. Behle and Peny (1975:14) reported the fol- lowing: near Vernon, Tooele County, 27 February 1957, observed by John B. Bush- man and D. Elmer Johnson; near Eureka, Juab County, in 1942, 1953, and 19.56, seen by Clyde Ward; one at Hell's Backbone, near Boulder, Garfield County, early August 1960, observed by Gleb Kashin. Kashin and Albert Webb reported one near Tooele, Tooele County, 10 April 1960 (Scott 1960:410). It has been reported in Arizona around Phoenix, Maricopa County, from 1899 to the winter of 1955 (Phillips et al. 1962:22-23). Parabuteo unicinctus (Temminck) Harris' Hawk Records: A bird of this species has been reported at Parowan, Iron County, 1 or 11 April 1963. Murie (1963:46), who saw the bird, reported it as 1 April 1963, while Scott (1963:422) reported it for 11 April. Behle and Perry (1975:14) indicated diat the correct date is 1 April 1963. This wide- spread species over the southern tier of western states is reported as far north in Arizona as Topock in southern Mohave County (Phillips et al. 1964:23-24). Falco rusticolus Linnaeus Gyrfalcon Records: Clayton White (pers. comm.) has furnished us with the following sight records in Utah. In December 1946-48 Boyd Shaffer saw one at Red Butte Can- yon, Salt Lake County. Gary Lloyd, Robert Ford, and Clayton White were flying trained Prairie Falcons west of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in November 1954, when a large falcon was attracted to them. It was about twice the size of the female Prairie they were flying. Ford had a close look at it and thought it was a Gyrfalcon. Lee Camp of Logan reported the occurrence of one in Logan, Cache County, in die win- ter of 1970. During the winter of 1970 or 1971 Teriy Roundy saw one near Sandy, Salt Lake County. Behle and Perry (1975: 15) reported one seen by Jim Hatchett, a falconer, at Riverton, Salt Lake County, December 1969. Kingery (1972:635) re- ported sight records at Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho, 4 March 1972, and at Cur- lew Valley, Oneida County, Idaho, 11 March 1972. He also reported it being sighted at Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming, 5 Januaiy 1972. Rogers (1974: 80) saw another bird in southeastern Idaho, 21 November 1973. Lagopus leucurus (Richardson) White-tailed Ptannigan Records: Woodbuiy et al. (1949:36) listed it as hypotlietical. They stated: "Re- ported by stockmen, sportsmen and others from mountain tops above timberline in Raft River, Uinta and Tusher Mountains, but no authentic record is available." Worthem (1968:470) did not find White- tailed Ptarmigans in the Tusher Mountains, Beaver and Piute counties, during his study of the area, although he indicated suitable habitat was available. White-tailed Ptarmi- gans have been released by die Utah State Division of Wildlife Resources at the head of Painter Basin near Gilbert Peak in die Uinta Mountains, Duchesne County. The first release of 23 birds was made on 3 June 1976, and an additional release of 32 birds occurred on 3 September 1976. These birds were obtained from Colorado and are of 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 193 the race L. I. altipetens (personal com- munication Darrell H. Nish and LaVar A. Ware, Utah State Division of Wildhfe Re- sources). Ptarmigans are found in the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado south- ward to northern New Mexico (AOU Check- hst 1957:136). Coturnicops novehoracensis (Gmelin) Yellow Rail Records: Woodbury et al. (1949:37) re- ported it under die hypothetical list for Utah. The AOU Check-list (1931:98) re- ported it as casual in Utah. This statement was dropped in the 1957 (157-158) edition. The original record for this rail is Ridgway (1877:613), who reported seeing it at Par- ley's Park, Summit County, and several other localities. Stewart Murie reported two sight records for Cedar Valley, Iron County, one about 1947, the other on 14 July 1969 (Behle and Perry 1975:17). There is a summer report for Barr Lake, Adams County, in eastern Colorado (AOU Check- list 1957:157-158), and one caught alive at Sacaton, Pineal County (southeast of Phoenix, Arizona), 28 March 1909 (Phillips etal. 1964:31). Haematopus hachmani Audubon Black Oystercatcher Records: Wilson and Norr (1949:246) reported that C. L. Lockerbie observed a Black Oystercatcher at Farmington Bay Refuge, Davis County, 5 August 1949. It was obsei^ved in company with Willets. This West Coast species occurs as far south as Baja California but has not been reported inland (AOU Check-list 1957:165). Bartramia longicauda (Beckstein) Upland Sandpiper "Plover" Records: This species has been reported sporadically over the past centuiy in Utah. Ridgway (1877:611) considered it common in the Kamas Prairie area of Summit County in July 1869. One was seen by Stanford (1931:4), probably in Sevier County, 16 April 1929, and Webster (1947:40) reported one at Perry, Box Elder County, 6 May 1945. Murie observed one at Cedar City, Iron County, 28-29 August 1965 (Scott 1966:77). Burleigh (1972:13) has reported it from Kootenai County in Idaho's pan- handle, and Snider (1970:631) listed one near Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, 19 April 1970. Phillips et al. (1964:34) re- ported one on the San Bernardino County, California, side of Lake Havasu on 11 Sep- tember 1952. Heteroscelus incanwn (Gmelin) Wandering Tattler Records: Behle and Perry (1975:18) re- ported the following sight records of tlie Wandering Tattler: two birds seen at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 13 August 1961, by Gleb Kashin. In 1974 Vernon Kousky saw one at Farmington Bay, 2 September, and later this one was ob- served by Paul Adamus on 4 and 11 Sep- tember. Kingei-y (1976:102) reported a Wandering Tattler at Farmington Bay in the fall of 1975 in the same locality as die one reported in 1974. One was reported at Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, be- tween 18 September and 9 October 1971 (Monson 1972:101). Calidris fusciollis (Vieillot) White-rumped Sandpiper Records: A single bird was observed feeding and in flight at Fish Springs Na- tional Wildlife Refuge, Juab County, 29 March 1974, by Clyde L. Pritchett. Bur- leigh (1972:123-124) reported one collected at Hauser, Kootenai County, Idaho, 26 May 1960. In Colorado, Kingeiy (1971:884) reported one from Antero Resei-voir, Park County, during the summer of 1971. Mon- son (1973:804) recorded 35 at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro County, New Mexico, 6 May 1973, and 194 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Snider (1970:76) reported two at Tuscon, Pima County, Arizona, 5 October 1969. Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus) Bar-tailed Godwit Records: One observed at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 24 August 1973 by Mark Collie (Behle and Perry 1975:20). There are no records from adjacent states. There were several reports of this species on the Pacific Coast in 1973 and 1974. Two reports are listed for Cali- fornia: one at Bolinas Lagoon, Marin County, 26 October 1973, where it was photographed (Remsen and Gaines 1974: 101), and anotlier at Areata, Humboldt County, 17-31 July 1974 (Stallcup and Greenberg 1974:944). Limosa haemastica (Linnaeus) Hudsonian Godwit Records: Six Hudsonian Godwits were observed by Stewart Murie at Cedar City, Iron County, 28 April 1968 (Scott 1968:561). Burleigh (1972:133) reported one in south central Idaho (Minidoka County), 7 July 1919, and Scott (1968:561) reported one near Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming, 19 May 1968. Cyclorrhynchus psittacula (Pallas) Parakeet Auklet Records: One bird was seen at Fairning- ton Bay Reflige, Davis County, 19 August 1962, i)y Gleb Kashin and Bert Webb (Behle and Periy 1975:22). It has not been reported inland in any of tlie adjacent states. Columbina passerina (Linnaeus) Ground Dove Records: A Ground Dove was seen at Cedar City, Iron County, 4 September 1963, by Stewart Murie (Behle and Perry 1975:22). Two were observed in Wyoming in 1972, one at Green River and the other at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Sweetwater County, 20 October. This species has been found at Grand Canyon Village, Coconino County, Arizona, 22-23 October 1930 (Phillip et al. 1964:43). It has been collected at two localities in Nevada. Wauer (1969:332) obtained one at Overton, Clark County, 20 July 1966, and Monson (1972:639) reported a collec- tion at Monnon Farm, Clark County (near Las Vegas), 25 December 1971. Caprimulgus vociferus Wilson Whip-poor-will Records: The Hardens heard this species calling in Oak Creek Canyon, Zion National Park, Washington County, on two consecu- tive nights in early May 1965 (Wauer and Carter 1965:56). Richard W. Russell re- ported hearing it calling at Pine Lake, northeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, Garfield County, 7 and 9 July 1965 (Scott 1966:77). It is considered as casual at Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado (AOU Check-list 1957:291), and in Arizona it has been found as far north as Kingman, Mo- have County (Phillips et al. 1964:55 56). Lampornis clemenciae (Lesson) Blue-tliroated Hummingbird Records: Reported at Springdale, Wash- ington County. The bird was described as "a large hummingbird with white rectal and postocular stripes, white tail feathers, and an aggressive behavior contrasting markedly with the docile Rivoli's" (Kingery 1973:94). The date of this quoted obsei"va- tion was not given; however, in correspond- ing witli Kingery we found that the bird was first observed 3 August 1972 and was seen 12 times in the following few days by Jerome Gififord and one other competent observer. This species, which is found in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas, has been reported twice 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 195 from Colorado in the past few years. In 1970 it was found at Evergreen, Jefferson County (in mountains west of Denver), 7 September (Scott 1971:85). Two years later Kingeiy (1972:885) reported one at Rock Creek Canyon, El Paso County, south of Colorado Springs, 30 July 1972. Melanerpesformicivorus (Swainson) Acorn Woodpecker FIecords: There have been three ob- servations of tliis species in southern Utah. Stewart Murie saw one seven miles north of Cedar City, Iron County, 25 May 1963, and one near Cedar City, 20 October 1971 (Behle and Perry 1975:26). Phillip Sollins saw a woodpecker of this species near Springdale, Washington County, 25 August 1970 (Scott 1971:85). It has been reported at the south rim of die Grand Canyon, Coconino County, Arizona, by Phillips et al. (1964:70-71) and at Tsegi Canyon, Navajo County, Arizona, 23 July 1936, by Wood- bury and Russell (1945:66). Recendy it has been seen twice in Nevada: at Boulder City, Clark County, 23-31 October 1971 (Monson 1972:102), and east of Las Vegas, Clark County, 27 October 1972 (specimen collected, Monson 1973:99). Anthus spragueii (Audubon) Sprague's Pipit Records: Behle and Periy (1975:33) re- ported this species in the Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and Cedar City, Iron County, areas. Obsei^vations are 3 and 23 January, 11 March, 27 August, 16 October, 14 November, 22-23 December. It has been found in north central Wyoming at Lake DeSmet, Johnson County, November 1967 (Scott 1968:74), and near Durango, La Plata County, Colorado, 28 Febmaiy 1969 (Scott 1969:504). In New Mexico one was sighted at Bitter Lake Refuge, Chaves County, 29 April 1972 (Monson 1972:794). It has been found as far north in Arizona as Wikieup, Mohave County (Phillips et al. 1964:138). Cathanis minimus (Lafresnaye) Gray-cheeked Thrush Records: There are two sight records of this species in Utah, both reported by Kashin. He obsei"ved one in south Willow Canyon, Stansbuiy Mountains, Tooele County, 18 October 1972, and the other in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 7 Novem- ber 1972 (Kingery 1973:94). It has been reported from Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, 15 May 1973, where a specimen was collected (Kingeiy 1974:85), and again on 13 May 1974 (Kingery 1974: 834). Monson (1972:794) reported one at Tule Springs Park, Las Vegas, Clark Coun- ty, Nevada, 13 May 1972, and Kingery (1974:834) gave a sight record for die spring of 1974 at the same locality. Popioptila melanura Lawrence Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Records: The Christmas Bird Count of the National Audubon Society at St. George, Washington County, 29 December 1969, recorded this species (Lund 1970:416). It has been seen a number of times in Nevada. At an earlier date (Fisher 1893: 110) took one at Bunkei-ville, Clark Comity, Nevada, 9 May 1891. Lawson and Mow- bray (1970:423; 1971:469; 1972:487) found it at Henderson, Clark County, Nevada, 21 December 1969, 2 Januaiy 1971, and 18 December 1971. Austin (1968:366; 1969:396) and Mowbray (1973:487) found it at the Desert Game Range, Clark and Lin- coln counties, 28 December 1967, 22 De- cember 1968, and 30 December 1972. Wauer (1969:333) obtained a specimen at Overton, Clark County, Nevada, 12 May 1966. Calcarius mccowanii (Lawrence) McCowan's Longspur Records: McCowan's Longspurs have been reported from west of Ogden, Weber County, 22 October 1953 (Scott 1954:33); 196 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 at Logan, Cache County, 27 December 1956, by Ronald Ryder (1957:215); and in Cedar Valley, Iron County, 24 November 1966 (Scott 1967:64). Burleigh (1972:440) reported one from Butte County in south- eastern Idaho, 6 August 1890. Woodbury and Russell (1945:154) reported observa- tions from the following northeastern Ari- zona locations: Cameron and Tuba City, Coconino County, 17 February 1937, 19 February 1937; Ganado, Apache County, 10 February 1938; Polacca, Navajo County, 30 September 1938. Ammodramus bairdii (Audubon) Baird's Sparrow Records: This species has been reported at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 12 March 1961, by Kashin (Scott 1961:348). Behle and Perry (1975:42) reported the following dates in northern Utah without any definite localities: in the spring (24, 30' April; 10 May); in the fall (14, 19 Sep- tember; 12 October). It breeds in southern Canada and usually migrates east of the Rockies to southern New Mexico and Ari- zona (AOU Check-list 1957:592). Phillips et al. (1964:193, 194) recorded it in Arizona northward to the vicinity of Maverick in the southern part of Apache County. Spizella pusilla (Wilson) Field Sparrow Records: Several were seen at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, in late September and early October 1972 by Kashin (Behle and Perry 1975:44). It breeds in the Boul- der, Boulder County, and Fort Morgan, Morgan County, Colorado, areas (AOU Check-list 1957:616). Aimophila cassinii (Woodhouse) Cassin's Sparrow Records: Woodbury et al. (1949:39) re- ported that A. O. Treganza saw one in April (no year given) near Low, Tooele County. Murie (1963:45) reported Cassin's Sparrows "in groups of 3-4, among Brewers, lark, chipping and white-crowned spar- rows" at Parowan, Iron County, 18 Sep- tember 1962. A Cassin's Sparrow was found at Evergreen, Jefferson County, Colorado, 9 November 1970. It was seen by many ob- servers and banded (Scott 1971:86). It remained all winter in Evergreen at a feeder (Scott 1971:608) and was last seen on 13 May 1971 (Kingeiy 1971:779). It has been found in central Arizona near Camp Verde, Yavapai County (Phillips et al. 1964:200 201). In 1891 Merriam obtained a specimen at Timpahute Valley, Lincoln County, Nevada, on 26 May (Fisher 1893: 98). Piranga olivacea (Gmelin) Scarlet Tanager Records: Behle and Periy (1975:39) reported that A. Dean Stock obtained a specimen at St. George, Washington County, 17 June 1950. The skin was later destroyed. A nest with four eggs was found during the same summer in this area. A sight record in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 29 June 1963, was given by Mrs. Gleb Kashin to Behle and Periy (1975:39). The AOU Check-list (1957:543 544) indi- cated it as being accidental in Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming. Kingeiy (1973: 95) reported a sight record at Gunnison, Gunnison County, Colorado, 3 September 1972. A male was seen in Farmington, San Juan County, New Mexico, 19 and 28 May 1970 (Snider 1970:632). Phillips et al. (1964:175) gave three records for Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, for 18 May 1884, and Scott (1968:633) stated that Fritz Ryser found one at Genoa, Douglas County, Nevada, 8 June 1968. Piranga flava (Vieillot) Hepatic Tanager Records: A male Hepatic Tanager was observed at a feeder at the headquarters of 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 197 Bryce Canyon National Park, Garfield County, for almost a month commencing in late August 1964 (Scott 1965:64). One was reported by D. Elmer Johnson at Three Lakes near Kanab, Kane County, 4 June 1965 (Behle and Perry 1975:39). Phillips et al. (1964:175) reported it as far north as the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Coconino County, Arizona. Mowbray (1974:496) has found it at the Desert Game Range, Clark and Lincoln counties, Ne- vada, 29 December 1973. Vermivora peregrina (Wilson) Tenessee Warbler Records: Observed several times by Stewart Murie in the Cedar City area. Iron County, between 9 August and 16 October 1963; six or seven were seen in South Willow Canyon, Stansbuiy Moun- tains, Tooele County, 26 September 1972 by Kashin (Behle and Periy 1975:35). One collected at Potlatch, Latah County, Idaho, 13 September 1949 (Burleigh 1972:328). In Colorado it has been found at Durango, La Plata County, 12 October 1970 (Scott 1971:86), and in New Mexico near Questa, Taos County, 21 May 1970 (Snider 1970: 632). One was collected in the Chiricahua Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona, 7 April 1925. (Phillips et al. 1964:146). Sev- eral have been reported from Corn Creek, Desert Game Range, Clark County, Nevada, 9 and 18 October 1972 and 8 May 1973 (Monson 1973:100, 805). Parula americana (Linnaeus) Northern Paixila Warbler Records: One observed at Farmington Bay, Davis County, 5 September 1968, by Kashin (Scott 1969:87). This nordiern and eastern species has been recorded as casual at Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming, and at Clear Creek, Jefferson County, Colorado (AOU Check-list 1957:485-486). Mowbray has reported this species at tlie Desert Game Range, Clark and Lincoln counties, Nevada, 4 May 1969 (Snider 1969:614) and 16 and 19 May 1971 (Snider 1971:784). Fig. 65. Scrub Jay. Ogden, Weber County, Utah, 10 May 1959. Photo by R. J. Erwin. 198 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Dendroica dominica (Linnaeus) Yellow-throated Warbler Records: One seen by Robert Sundell and William H. Behle at East Canyon, Wasatch County, 19 May 1962 (Behle and Perry 1975:37). There are two recent records for southern Arizona, one at Guadalupe Canyon, Cochise County, 19 May 1972 (Monson 1972:794), and the other at Patagonia, Santa Cruz County, 2 June 1972 (Monson 1972:? Dendroica virens (Gmelin) Black-throated Green Warbler Records: Murie (1966:8-9) reported two sight records of this species at Parowan, Iron County, 5 September 1963 and 10 September 1963. Kashin found one at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 2 October 1971 (Kingery 1972:98). It has been re- ported as casual at Barr, Adams County, Colorado (AOU Check-list 1957:496). Snider (1970:632) reported one at Farming- ton, San Juan County, New Mexico, 8 9 May 1970. Dendroica fusca (Miiller) Blackburnian Warbler Records : Reported early from the Ogden area by Allen (1872:166, 175). Jules Drey- fous saw one at the Old Mill, near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County, 4 June 1974 (Behle and Perry 1975:36). It has been found at Fort Col- lins, Larimer County, Colorado, 13-17 October 1973 (Kingeiy 1974:86); Fort Bayard, Grant County, New Mexico (AOU Check-list 1957:497); Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, near Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, 8 October 1973 (Parker 1974:90); and in Nevada (no locality given), 19 September 1973 (Kingery 1974:86). Dendroica palmarum (Gmelin) Palm Warbler Records: Palm Warblers have been recorded at Zion National Park, Washing- ton County, 20 October 1963 (Scott 1964: 60); Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Juab County, 25 May 1968 (Scott 1968:561); Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, 19 September 1974, by Bruce Webb (Behle and Perry 1975:37). One was seen at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 27 October 1974, by Gleb Kashin (Kingery 1975:97). The AOU Check-list (1957:504) recorded it as casual at Tarrington, Goshen County, and Laramie, Albany County, Wyoming. Scott (1968:74) reported one from Lookout Mountain, Jefferson County, Colorado, 30 September 1967. One was identified near Farmington, San Juan County, New Mexico, 13 May 1972 (Mon- son 1972:794). Phillips et al. (1964:155) reported sight records from central Arizona (Walnut Grove, Yavapai County), 29 April 1956. Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus) Ovenbird Records: One was seen in South Willow Canyon, Stansbury Range, Tooele County, 14 October 1953 (Scott 1954:33), and an- other was obsei^ved near Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 20 May 1961, by Kashin (Behle and Periy 1975:37). Kingery (1971: 886) reported one at Rupert, Minidoka County, Idaho, 29 May 1971, and a bird was found breeding at Storey, Sheridan County, Wyoming, during the late spring of 1971. It also breeds at Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado (AOU Check- list 1957:506). Snider (1968:76) recorded a bird near Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, 3 October 1967. Monson (1973:805) found one at Corn Creek, Desert National Wild- life Range, Clark County, Nevada, 27 May 1973. Vireo flavifrons Vieillot Yellow-throated Vireo Records: Keith Dixon reported one 'singing steadily in cottonwoods along a 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 199 river near Logan," Cache County, 11 June 1974 (Kingery 1975:96). Two have been reported from Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, 29 August 1969 (Snider 1970:78) and 18 August 1971 (Monson 1972:103). Mowbray saw one at Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, 27 October 1974 (Kingery 1975:96). Vireo philadelphicus (Cassin) Phihidelphia Vireo Records: First reported at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, 15 September 1964 (Scott 1965:64), and again at the same locality on 22 September 1968 by Kashin (Scott 1969:87). There are two reports for Durango, La Plata County, southwestern Colorado, one on 16 September 1967 (Scott 1968:74), and the other on 10 July 1969 (Scott 1969:680). One was collected south of Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, 12 October 1963 (Phillips et al. 1964:145). Carduelis lawrencei Cassin Lawrence's Goldfinch Records: A flock of 24 was reported by Lois and Clyde Harden at Kanab, Kane County, 29 December 1966 (Lund 1967: 346). A specimen was taken at Wickenburg, northern Maricopa County, Arizona, 12 May 1953 (Phillips et al. 1964:188). John- son and Banks (1959:303) collected one in the extreme southern part of Clark County, Nevada, 4 April 1958. One was photo- graphed at Corn Creek, Desert Game Range, Clark County, Nevada, 1 October 1972, and erroneously reported as the first record for Nevada (Monson 1973:101). Carpodacus purpureus (Gmelin) Purple Finch Records: There have been several sight- ings of this species but no collection records. Behle and Peny (1975:40) re- ported the following: a few seen at Bounti- ful, Davis County, 26 November 1949, by Rex Snow; several at Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, winter 1949- 50, by Calvin Wilson; many females at Holladay, Salt Lake County, winter 1972- 73, by Steve Carr. Fifty-nine were reported at Kanab, Kane County, 20 December 1972, by Richard and Georgina Stuart, who indicated they had been there "all fall" (1973:479). Three were reported at Zion National Park, Washington County, 19 December 1972 (Foster 1973:480). Kingery (1973:645-646) indicated tliat not only were there the above mentioned sightings in southern Utah, but there had been one sighting somewhere in the northern part of the state. No details were available. Wilt (1973:484) reported nine at Pipe Springs National Monument, Mohave County, Arizona, 26 December 1972. Two were collected at the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, 24-25 October 1961 (Hay- ward et al. 1963:23). Aphelocoma ultramarina (Bonaparte) Mexican Jay Records: One was seen at the Cactus Mine, about two miles south of Frisco Peak, San Francisco Mountains, Beaver County, 17 August 1949 (Taylor 1949:3). In Arizona, Mexican Jays have been reported as far north as die Mogollon Rim in northwestern Gila County (Phillips et al. 1964:105). SUBSPECIES OF UNCERTAIN STATUS Oberholser (1974) proposed changing the names of several species and described a number of new subspecies, 12 of which have ranges extending into or through Utah. Since neither die species nor the subspecies have been critically reviewed, we have listed the subspecies with Utah affinities below. Thus, we recognize their presence in the literature but do not accept them as valid changes at the present time. Leucophoyx thula Utah Snowy Egret. ileuca Oberholser: 200 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Type specimen Bear River, Box Elder County, 6 June 1916. U.S. National Museum No. 261042. Anas platyrhyncha neoboria Oberholser: American Mallard. Chordeiles minor divisus Oberholser: Wyoming Common Nighthawk. Solivireo solitarius jacksoni Oberholser: Jackson's Solitary Vireo. Melodivireo gilvus petrorus Oberholser: Wyoming Warbling Vireo. Dendroica petechia hypochlora Oberholser: Arizona Yellow Warbler. Passer domesticus plecticus Oberholser: Pale House Sparrow. Agelaius phoeniceus stereus Oberholser: Colorado Red-winged Blackbird. Agelaius phoeniceus zastereus Oberholser: Idaho Red-winged Blackbird. Piranga ludoviciana zephyrica Oberholser: Rocky Mountain Western Tanager. Junco oreganus eumesus Oberholser: Coues' Oregon Junco. Zonotrichia leucophrys aphaea Oberholser: Idaho White-crowned Sparrow. LITERATURE CITED Able, K. W. 1974. The changing seasons. American Birds 28:22-27. Aldrich, J. W. 1968. Population character- istics and nomenclature of the Hermit Thrush. Proceedings U.S. National Museum 124:1-33. Aldrich, J. W., and H. Ffuedmann. 1943. A revision of the Ruffed Grouse. Condor 45: 85-103. Allen, J. 1972. Christmas bird count, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utiih. Ameri- can Birds 26:478. Allen, J. A. 1872a. Ornithological notes from the west. American Naturalist Part I, 6:263- 275; Part II, 6:342-351; Part III, 6:394-404. . 1872b. Notes of an ornithological recon- naissance of portions of Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Bulletin Museum Comparative Zoology 3:113-183. American Ornithologists' Union. 1931. Check- list of North American birds, 4th ed. Lan- caster, Pennsylvania. 526 pp. . 1957. Check-list of North American birds, 5th ed. Lord Baltimore Press, Balti- more, Maryland. 691 pp. . 1973. Thirty-second supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union check-list of North American birds. Auk 90:411-419. . 1976. Thirty-third supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union check-list of North American birds. Auk 93:875-879. Arvey, M. D. 1941. A new race of Bushtit from southeastern California. Condor 43:74-75. Auerbach, H. S. 1943. Father Escalante's journal with related documents and maps. Utah State Historical Quarterly 11:1-142. Austin, G. 1968. Christmas bird count. Desert Game Range, Nevada. Audubon Field Notes 22:366. . 1969. Christmas bird count. Desert Game Range, Nevada. Audubon Field Notes 23:396. Bader, W. 1947. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 1: 107-108. Bader, W. A. 1948. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 2: 109-110. Bailey, V. 1888, 1893. Field notes. U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Copy located in Brig- ham Young University Life Sciences Museum. . 1905. A correction. Condor 7:82. Baird, S. F. 1852. Birds. Appendix C. Pages 314-335 in Howard Stansbury, Exploration and survey of the valley of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, including a reconnaissance of a new route through the Rocky Mountains. Senate Special Session, March 1851. Execu- tive No. 3. Lippincott, Crambo and Co., Philadelphia. . 1854. Report on birds collected on the survey. Pages 11-16 in Report of Lieut. E. Beckwith, Third Artillery, upon exploration for a railroad route, near the 38th and 39th parallels of North Latitude by Capt. J. W. Gunnison, Corps of Topographical Engineers and near the Forty-first parallel of North Latitude by Lieut. E. G. Beckwith. Volume X. Zoological Report. No. 2. . 1858. Birds, Volume IX, Part II. Gen- eral report upon the zoology of the several railroad routes. Pages 1-1005 in Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean made under the direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853-6, according to acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854 and August 5, 1854. House of Repre- sentatives 33rd Congress, 2nd Session. Ex. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 201 Doc. No. 91. A. O. P. Nicholson, Washing- ton, D.C. . 1876. Ornithology. A list of birds. Ap- pendix K. List of birds collected by Charles S. McCarthy, t;ixidermist. Pages 375-381 in J. H. Simpson, Report of explorations across the Great Basin of the territory of Utah for a direct wagon-route from Camp Floyd to Genoa, in Carson Valley, in 1859. Engineer Department U.S. Army. Government Print- ing Office, Washington, D.C. Balph, M. H. 1976. Golden -crowned Sparrows in northern Utah. North American Bird Bander 1:67. Banks, R. C. 1964. Geographic variation in the White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leu- cophnjs. University of California Publications Zoology 70:1-123. Barnes, C. T. 1919. Roseate Spoonbill in Utah. Auk 36:565-566. . 1943. Spring migration on Farmington Bay, Utah. Auk 60:102-103. . 1946. Rare Uttih bird.s. Auk 63:258-259. Bartonek, J. C. 1966. Trumpeter Swan in Utah. Condor 68:521. Beall, D. 1974. Christmas bird count. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Ut;ih. Ameri- can Birds 28:487. Beck, D. E. 1942. Notes on the occurrence of gulls at Utah Lake. Great Basin Naturalist 3:54. Beckwith, E. G. 1854-1855. Report of ex- ploration for the Pacific Railroad, on the line of the Forty-first parallel of North Latitude. In Report of the Secretary of War communi- cating the several Pacific Railroad explora- tions. 33rd Congress, 1st Session. House of Representatives. Ex. Doc. No. 129. A. O. P. Nicholson, Washington, D.C. 136 pp. Bee, R. G., and J. Hutchings. 1942. Breeding records of Utah Birds. Great Basin Naturalist 3:61-90. Behle, W. H. 1935. A history of the bird colonies of Great Salt Lake. Condor 37:24-35. . 1936a. Status of the Cormorants of Great Salt Lake. Condor 38:76-79. . 1936b. The present status of the Great Salt Lake bird colonies. Condor 38:220-221. . 1938. Highlights of ornithological work in Utah. Condor 40:165-173. . 1940a. Extension of range of the Black- chinned Sparrow into Utah. Condor 42:224. . 1940b. Distribution and characters of the Utah Red-wing. Wilson Bulletin, 52:234- 240. . 1941a. Barn Owls nesting at Kanab, Utah. Condor 43:160. . 1941b. A collection of birds from La Sal Mountain region of southeastern Utah. Wil- son Bulletin 53:181-184. . 1942a. Distribution and variation of the Horned Larks (Otocoris alpestris) of western North America. University of California Publications Zoology 46:205-316. . 1942b. Records of the Herring Gull, Sanderling, and Lark Bunting in Utah. Condor 44:230-231. . 1943a. Birds of Pine Valley Mountain region, southwestern Ut;ih. Bulletin of Uni- versity of Utah, 34, Biological Series 7:1-85. . 1943b. Notes on the synonymy and dis- tribution of the Horned Larks of Utah. Pro- ceeding Utah Academy Sciences, Arts, and Letters 19-20:153-156. . 1944a. Check-list of the birds of Utiih. Condor 46:67-87. . 1944b. The pelican colony at Gunnison Island, Great Salt Lake, in 1943. Condor 46: 198-200. . 1948a. Systematic comment on some geographically variable birds occurring in Utah. Condor 50:71-80. . 1948b. Birds observed in April along the Colorado River from Hite to Lee's Ferry. Auk 65:303-306. . 1949a. Second record of the Sabine Gull from Utah. Condor 51:98. . 1949b. Report on the colonial nesting birds of Great Salt Lake 1947-49. Condor 51: 268-270. . 1950a. Clines in tlie Yellow-throats of Western North America. Condor 52:193-219. . 1950b. A new race of Mountain Chicka- dee from the Utah-Idaho area. Condor 52: 273-274. . 1951. A new race of the Black-capped Chickadee from the Rocky Mountain Region. Auk 68:75-79. . 1954a. Changing status of the Starling in Utah. Condor 56:49-50. . 1954b. Second records of the Swamp Sparrow and Brown Thrasher in Utah. Con- dor 56:312-313. . 1955. The birds of the Deep Creek Mountains of central western Utah. Univer- sity of Utah Biological Series 11:1-34. . 1956. Field observations. Utah Audubon News 8:72. . 1958. The birds of the Raft River Moun- tains, northwestern Utah. University of Utah Biological Series 11:1-40. . 1960a. The birds of southeastern Utiih. University of Utah Biological Series 12:1-56. . 1960b. Problems of distribution and speciation in Utah birds. Proceedings Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 37: 13-36. 202 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 . 1966. Noteworthy records of Utah birds. Condor 68:396-397. . 1967. Migrant races of Western Wood PeweeinUtah. Auk 84:133-134. . 1968a. A new race of the Purple Martin from Utah. Condor 70:166-169. . 1968b. Records of the Snowy Owl for Utah. Wilson Bulletin 80:231-232. . 1971. Check-list of the birds of Utah. Mimeographed. 8 pp. . 1973a. Clinal variation in White-throated Swifts from Utah and the Rocky Mountain Region. Auk 90:299-306. . 1973b. Significant bird records from Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 33:243-245. . 1976a. Systematic review, intergradation, and clinal variation in CliflF Swallows. Auk 93:66-67. . 1976b. Mohave desert avifauna in the Virgin River Valley of Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Condor 78:40-48. Behle, W. H., and J. Ghiselin. 1958. Addi- tional data on the birds of the Uinta Moun- tains and Basin of northeastern Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 18:1-22. Behle, W. H., and H. Higgems. 1942. Winter records of the Slate-colored Junco and Harris Sparrow in Utah. Wilson Bulletin 54:54-55. Behle, W. H., and M. L. Perry. 1975. Utah birds: guide, check-list and occurrence charts. Utali Museum of Natural History, University of Utah, Salt Lake City. 144 pp. Behle, W. H., and A. Ross. 1945. Miscella- neous records of birds uncommon in Utah. Condor 47:168-170. Behle, W. H., and R. K. Selander. 1951a. The systematic relationships of the Fox Sparrows (Passerella iliaca) of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah, and the Great Basin. Journal Washing- ton Academy of Science 41:364-367. . 1951b. A new race of Dusky Grouse {Dendragapus obscurus) from the Great Basin. Proceedings Biological Society of Washing- ton 64:125-128. . 1952. New and additional records of Utah birds. Wilson Bulletin 64:26-32. Behle, W. H., J. B. Bushman, and C. M. Green- halgh. 1958. Birds of the Kanab area and adjacent high plateaus of southern Utah. Uni- versity of Utah Biological Series 11:1-92. Behle, W. H., J. B. Bushman, and C. M. White. 1964. Distributional data on uncommon birds in Utah and adjacent states. Wilson Bulletin 75:450-456. Benson, S. B. 1935. A biological recon- naissance of Navajo Mountain, Utah. Univer- sity of California Publications Zoology 40: 439-456. Bent, A. C. 1925. Life histories of North American Wildfowl. Bulletin U.S. National Museum 130. 316 pp. . 1926. Life histories of North American marsh birds. Bulletin U.S. National Museum 135. 490 pp. . 1932. Life histories of North American gallinaceous birds. Bulletin U.S. National Museum 162. 477 pp. . 1938. Life histories of North American birds of prey. Part 2. Bulletin U.S. National Museum 170. 482 pp. Biennial Report of the Board of Trustees of the Agricultural College of Utah for the years 1901-1902 accompanied by the report of the President and the Secretary's report of the receipts and disbursements. Star Printing Company. 71 pp. Birdseye, C. 1909. Field notes. U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Copy located in Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum. Bishop, L. B. 1938. An apparently unrecognized race of Redwing from Utah. Transactions San Diego Society of Natural History 9:1-4. Bond, G. M. 1963. Geographic variations in the thrush Hylocichla ustulata. Proceedings of the U.S. National Museum 114:373-387. Burleigh, T. D. 1960. Geographic variation in the Western Wood Pewee (Contopus sor- didulus). Proceedings of Biological Society of Washington 73:141-146. . 1972. Birds of Idaho. Gaxton Printers, Caldwell, Idaho. 467 pp. Carter, D. L. 1967a. Birds of Arches Na- tional Monument. Mimeographed. 6 pp. . 1967b. Christmas bird count. Arches National Monument, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 21:344-345. Garter, D. L., and R. H. Wauer. 1965. Black Hawk nesting in Utah. Condor 67:82-83. Gary, M. 1907. Field notes. U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Copy located in Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum. Check-List of Birds of the World. 1931-1951. Vols. 1-7. J. L. Peters. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. 345 pp., 401 pp., 311 pp., 291 pp., 306 pp., 259 pp., 318 pp. . 1960. Vol. 9. Edited by E. Mayr and J. C. Greenway, Jr. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. 506 pp. . 1962. Vol. 15. Edited by E. Mayr and J. C. Greenway, Jr. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. 315 pp. . 1964. Vol. 10. Edited by E. Mayr and R. A. Paynter, Jr. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. 502 pp. . 1967. Vol. 12. Edited by R. A. Paynter, Jr. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cam- bridge, Mass. 495 pp. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 203 . 1968. Vol. 14. Edited by R. A. Paynter, Jr. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cam- bridge, Mass. 443 pp. . 1970. Vol. 13. Edited by R. A. Paynter, Jr. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cam- bridge, Mass. 443 pp. Clayton, W. 1921. William Clayton's journal. A daily record of the journey of the original company of "Mormon" pioneers from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City. 376 pp. CoALE, H. K. 1915. The present status of the Trumpeter Swan {Olor buccinator). Auk 32: 82-90. CoNOVER, B. 1944. The races of the Solitary Sandpiper. Auk 61:537-544. CoTTAM, C. 1927. Distributional list of the birds of Utah. Unpublished thesis. Brigham Young University, Department of Zoology and Entomology. 164 pp. . 1929. A shower of grebes. Condor 31: 80-81. . 1941a. Leconte Sparrow in Utah. Con- dor 43:116-117. . 1941b. Indigo Bunting and Band-tailed Pigeon in Utah. Condor 43:122. . 1942a. Records from extreme north- eastern Nevada. Condor 44:127-128. . 1942b. New or uncommon Utah bird records. Wilson Bulletin 54:254-255. . 1945a. The Ruddy Turnstone in Utah. Condor 47:79. . 1945b. Some records of birds in Utah. Condor 47:172-173. . 1946. Late nesting of the Caspian Tern in Utah. Condor 48:94-95. CoTTAM, C, AND J. B. Low. 1948. Florida Gallinule in Utah. Auk 65:459. CoTTAM, C, AND F. M. Uhler. 1937. Birds in relation to fishes. U.S. Department of Agri- culture Bureau of Biological Survey. Wildlife Research and Management Leaflet BS-83. 16 pp. CoTTAM, C, AND C. S. WiLLIAMS. 1939. Food and habits of some birds nesting on islands in Great Salt Lake. Wilson Bulletin 51:150-155. CoTTAM, C, C. S. Williams, and C. A. Scoter. 1942. Some unusual winter visitors or late migrants to the Bear River Marshes, Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 3:51-53. CouES, E. 1874. Birds of the northwest. A handbook of the ornithology of the region drained by the Missouri River and its tribu- taries. U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories. Miscellaneous publications No. 3. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 791 pp. . 1899. Very early record of the Cliff Swallow. Auk 16:359. Court, E. J. 1908. Treganza Blue Heron. Auk 25:291-296. Cracraft, J. 1972. The relationships of the higher taxa of birds: problems in phylogenetic reasoning. Condor 74:379-392. Croft, G. Y. 1932. Cedar Waxwing {Bom- bycilla cedrorum) breeding in Utah. Auk 49: 91. Delacour, J. 1954. The waterfowl of the world. Country Life Limited, London. 284 pp. Deseret Evening News. 1869. Salt Lake City, Utah. Local and other matters. 10 November: 3. Easterla, D. a. 1966. First specimen of the Summer Tanager in Utah. Condor 68:210. Edwards, C. C. 1969. Winter behavior and population dynamics of American Eagles in western Utah. Unpublished Ph.D. disserta- tion. Brigham Young University. 142 pp. Ellis, D. H., D. G. Smith, and J. R. Murphy. 1969. Studies on raptor mortality in western Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 29:165-167. Evening Herald. 1936. Provo, Utah. Drainage of Mud Lake is protested. 15 April: 1, 8. Ferris, R. 1963. Jordan Narrows field trip, Sunday, October 13, 1963. Utah Audubon News 15:62-63. Fisher, A. K. 1893. Report on the ornithology of the Death Valley expedition of 1891, com- prising notes on the birds observed in southern California, southern Nevada and parts of Arizona and Utah. North American Fauna No. 7. Part 2. 158 pp. . 1937. Long -tailed Jaeger observed on the Bear River Marshes, Utah. Auk 54:389- 390. Follett, R. F. 1960. Christmas bird count, Hyde Park, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 14: 253. Foster, R. 1971. Christmas bird count, Zion National Park. American Birds 25:463. . 1973. Christmas bird count, Zion Na- tional Park, Utah. American Birds 27:480. Fremont, J. C. 1845. Report of the exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1842, and to Oregon and North Cali- fornia in the years 1843-44. Printed by order of the Senate of the United States. Public Documents 2nd Session, 28th Congress. Vol. 11. No. 174. Gales and Seaton, Washington, D.C. 693 pp. Friedmann, H. 1950. The birds of North and Middle America. Bulletin U.S. National Museum No. 50. Part 11. 793 pp. Frost, H. H. 1966. Dickcissel in Utah. Wilson Bulletin 78:126. Frost, H. H., and J. R. Murphy. 1965. Ob- servations on birds along the Colorado in the vicinity of Moab, Utah. Proceedings of the 204 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 42:180-185. Geoghegan, E. 1959. Jordan Narrows tieldtrip. Utah Audubon News 11:41. . 1963. Fieldtrip to Jordan Narrows. Utah Audubon News 15:40-41. Goodwin, S. H. 1904a. About the Utah gull. Condor 6:99-100. . 1904b. Pelicans nesting at Utah Lake. Condor 6:126-129. . 1905. Bohemian Waxwings in Utiih — range of Clifi' Swallows. Condor 7:52. Grantham, H. 1936. The Brown Thrasher in Utah. Condor 38:85. Grater, R. K. 1937. Check-list of birds of Grand Canyon National Park. Natural His- tory Bulletin No. 8. Grand Canyon, Natural History Association. 55 pp. . 1943. Bird notes from southwestern Utah. Condor 45:75-76. Greenhalgh, C. M. 1948. Second record of the Golden -crowned Sparrow in Utiih. Condor 50:46. Gunther, L. F., and J. B. Van Den Akker. 1946. A record of the Myrtle Warbler for Box Elder County, Utiih. Condor 48:285. Haight, I. C. 1936. Diary of Isaac C. Haight, 7 June 1842" to 12 February 1862. His- torical Records Survey Project of the Work Progress Administration of St. George, Utah. Microfilm copy located in Brigham Young University Library. H.A.RDY, R. 1939. Two new bird records for Utah. Condor 41:86. . 1941a. Utah bird records. Wilson Bulletin 53:124-125. . 1941b. Records of the Nevada Nuthatch in Utah. Wilson Bulletin 53:236. Hardy, R., and H. G. Higgins. 1940. An annotated check -list of the birds of Washing- ton County, Utah. Proceedings Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 17:95-111. Hargrave, L. L. 1939. Bird bones from abandoned Indian dwellings in Arizona and Utah. Condor 41:206-210. Hayward, C. L. 1931. A preliminary list of the birds of the subalpine and alpine zones of the Uintah [.sic] Mountains. Proceedings Utah Academy of Science 8:151-152. . 1935a. Breeding status and migration of the Caspian Tern in Utah. Condor 37:140- 144. . 1935b. A study of the winter bird life in Bear Lake and Utah Lake valleys. Wilson Bulletin 47:278-284. . 1936-1968. Field notes. Located in Brigham Young University Life Sciences Mu- seum. . 1937. Some new and unusual bird rec- ords from Utah. Wilson Bulletin 49:303-305. . 1940. Notes on the distribution of night- hawks in Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 1: 93-96. . 1941. Notes on the nesting habits of some mountain-dwelling birds in Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 2:1-8. . 1943. Notes on the status of the Red Crossbill in Utah. Auk 60:276-277. . 1944. Additional records of uncommon birds in Utah. Condor 46:204-205. . 1958. Additional notes on the Purple Martin in Utah. Condor 60:406. . 1966. New and unusual bird records from Utah. Condor 68:305-306. . 1967. Birds of the upper Colorado River basin. Brigham Young University Sci- ence Bulletin, Biological Series 9:1-64. Hayward, C. L., M. L. Killpack, and G. L. Richards. 1963. Birds of the Nevada Test Site. Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series 3:1-27. Henshaw, H. W. 1874. Annotated list of birds of Utah. Annals New York Lyceum Natural History 11:1-14. — . 1875. Report upon the ornithological collections made in portions of Nevada, Utiih, California, Colonido, New Mexico, and Ari- zona, during the years 1871, 1872, 1873, and 1874. Chapter 3. Pages 131-508, 977-989 in Vol. 5 (Zoology) in Report upon geographical and geological explorations and surveys west of the one-hundredth meridian in charge of First Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, under the direction of Brig. Gen. A. A. Humphreys, Chief of Engi- neers, U.S. Arniy. Hubbard, J. P. 1969. The relationships and evolution of the Dendroica coronata complex. Auk 86:393-432. Irving, W. 1868. The adventures of Captain Bonneville, USA, in the Rocky Mountiiins and the Far West digested from his journal and illustrated from various other sources. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 524 pp. Johnson, D. E. 1935a. Some bird notes from Utah. Wilson Bulletin 47:160. . 1935b. Another Snow Bunting record for Utiih. Wilson Bulletin 47:294. Johnson, H. C. 1899a. Nesting of the Wilson's Snipe in Utah. Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club 1:26. . 1899b. A successftil diiy with the Duck Hawks. Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithologicid Club 1:45-46. . 1899c. Riivens nesting on a railroad bridge. Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club 1:71-72. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 205 . 1900. In the breeding home of Chirk's Nutcracker {Nucifraga columbianus). Condor 2:49-52. . 1902a. ThePinonJay. Condor 4:14. . 1902b. An unusual set of eggs of Clarke [sic] Nutcracker. Condor 4:87-88. . 1903. Pygmy Owl in town. Condor 5:81. Johnson, N. K. 1966. Morphological stability versus adaptive variation in the Hammond's Flycatcher. Auk 83:179-299. Johnson, N. K., and R. C. Banks. 1959. Pine Grosbeak and Lawrence Goldfinch in Nevada. Condor 61:303. . 1976. Breeding distribution of Nashville and Virginia's Warblers. Auk 93:219-230. Journal History. 1848. Microfilm copy 22 July 1847-8 October 1848. Brigham Young University Library, Provo, Utah. n.p. K.\SHiN, G. 1955. The June trip to Jordan Narrows. Utah Audubon News 7:39-40. . 1963a. Trip to Fairmont Park and lower Parley's Canyon, February 10, 1963. Utah Audubon News 15:16, 60-61. . 1963b. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake Citv, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 17:263- 264. . 1964a. Field notes. Utah Audubon News 16:3-4, 37, 50, 55. . 1964b. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 18:293. . 1966. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 20:351-352. . 1967. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 21:347. . 1968. Christinas bird count, Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 22:361. . 1970. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 24:416. . 1974. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. American Birds 28:488-489. Keith, A. R. 1968. A summary of the extra - limital records of the Varied Thrush, 1848 to 1966. Bird Banding 34:245-276. KiLLPACK, NL L. 1951. Lark Bunting in Uintah [.sic] Basin, Utah. Condor 53:99. . 1953. Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting recorded in Utah. Condor 55:152. . 1957. Christmas bird count, Roosevelt, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 10:215. . 1959. Christmas bird count, Roosevelt, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 13:238. KiLLP.\CK, M. L., AND D. N. Crittenden. 1952. Starlings as winter residents in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Condor 54:338-344. KiLLPACK, M. L., AND C. L. Hayward. 1958. New and unusual records of birds from the Uinta Basin. Great Basin Naturalist 18:23-25. KiNGERY, H. E. 1971. Great Basin-central Birds Birds Birds In- Rocky Mountain region. American Birds 25: 774-780, 882-888. . 1972. Great Basin-central Rocky Moun- tain region. American Birds 26:92-99, 634- 638, 882-887. . 1973. Great Basin-central Rocky Moun- tain region. American Birds 27:91-96, 643- 646, 799-803. . 1974. Mountain West. American 28:83-86, 668-672, 8.32-836. . 1975. Mountain West. American 29:93-98, 720-724, 885-890. . 1976. Mountain West. American 30:101-105. Knopf, F. L., and J. C. Street. 1974 secticide residues in White Pelican eggs from Utah. Wilson Bulletin 84:428-433. Knorr, O. a. 1962. Black Swift breeds in Utah. Condor 64:79. Knowlton, G. F. 1937. Utah birds in the con- trol of certain insect pests. Proceedings of Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 14:159-166. Knowlton, G. F., and F. C. Harmston. 1943. Grasshoppers and crickets eaten by Utah birds. Auk 60:589-591. Lawson, C. S., and M. V. Mowbray. 1970. Christmas bird count, Henderson, Nevada. Audubon Field Notes 24:423-424. . 1971. Christmas bird count, Henderson, Nevada. American Birds 25:469. . 1972. Christmas bird count, Henderson, Nevada. American Birds 26:486-487. Lewis, H. F. 1929. The natural history of the Double-crested Cormorant {Plialacrocorax aurittis auritus [Lesson]). Ru-Mi-Lou, O'Hara, Canada. 94 pp. Lies, M. F., and W. H. Behle. 1966. Status of the White Pelican in the United States and Canada through 1964. Condor 68:279-292. Lockerbie, C. W. 1939. Starlings arrive in Utah. Condor 41:170. . 1947. Utah Region. Notes 1:14-17, 161-162. . 1948. Utah Region. Notes 2:20-22. . 1951. Report on October fieldtrip to Lower City Creek Canyon. Utiih Audubon News 3:53-54. . 1952. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 6:159-160. . 1953. Field notes. Utah Audubon News 5:79. . 1956. Christmas bird count. Salt Lake City, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 10:208- 209. Lockerbie, C. W., and W. H. Behle. 1952. Audubon Field Audubon Field 206 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Field notes. Utiih Audubon News 4:17, 52- 53. Long, W. S. 1936. Golden -crowned Sparrow in Zion National Park. Condor 38:89-90. . 1940. Lesser Loon and Wood Ibis in Utah. Condor 42:122. . 1943. Scott Oriole and Harris Sparrow in central Utah. Condor 45:39. LoRiNG, J. A. 1893. Field notes. U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Copy located in Brig- ham Young University Life Sciences Museum. Low, J. B., AND D. M. Gaufin. 1946. An un- usual flight of Sharp -tailed Grouse. Condor 48:180. Low, J. B., and M. Nelson. 1945. Recent records of breeding waterfowl in Utah and southern Idaho. Condor 47:131-132. Lund, B. 1967. Christmas bird count, Kanab, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 21:346. . 1968a. Christmas bird count, Kanab, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 22:360. . 1968b. Christmas bird count, Zion National Park, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 22:361. . 1970. Christmas bird count, St. George, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 24:415-416. Marshall, J. T., and W. H. Behle. 1942. The Song Sparrows of the Virgin River Valley, Utah. Condor 44:122-124. Marshall, W. H. 1937a. A Blue Goose record from Utah. Condor 39:128. . 1937b. A Herring Gull record for Utah. Condor 39:258. Mayr, E., and L. L. Short. 1970. Species taxa of North American birds. Publication of the Nuttall Ornithological Club No. 9. 322 pp. Merriam, C. H. 1873. Report on the mammals and birds of the expedition. Part 3. Pages 670-715 in F. V. Hayden, Sixth annual report of the United States Geological Survey of the territories embracing portions of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utiih; being a report of progress of the expeditions for the year 1872. Washington, D.C. Merrill, J. C. 1888. Notes on die birds of Fort Klamath, Oregon. Auk 5:251-262. Miller, A. H. 1930. Two new races of the Loggerhead Shrike from western North America. Condor 32:155-156. . 1934. Field experiences with mountain- dwelling birds of southern Utah. Wilson Bulletin 46:156-168. . 1941. A review of centers of differentia- tion for birds in the western Great Basin region. Condor 43:257-267. Miller, A. H., and T. T. McCabe. 1935. Ra- cial differentiation in Fasserella (Melospiza) Uncolnii. Condor 37:144-160. Mitchell, R. M. 1975. The current status of the Double-crested Cormorant in Utah: a plea for protection. American Birds 29:927- 930. MoNSON, G. 1963. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 17:423-425. . 1964. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 18:61-64. . 1972. Southwest region. American Birds 26:100-104, 638-642, 791-794, 887-890. . 1973. Southwest region. American Birds 27:96-102, 803-806. MowHRAY, V. 1973. Christmas bird count. Desert Game Range, Nevada. American Birds 27:487. — . 1974. Christmas bird count. Desert Game Range, Nevada. American Birds 28: 495-496. Murie, S. 1963. Birding in Parowan, Utah. Utah Audubon News 15:45-46. . 1966. Birding in Parowan, Utah. Utah Audubon News 18:6-9. Murphy, J. R., F. J. Camenzind, D. G. Smith, AND J. B. Weston. 1969. Nesting ecology of raptorial birds in central Utah. Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series 10:1-36. MusHBACK, G. E. 1932. The new home of our waterfowl. Utah Juniper 3:7-9, 39-40. Nelson, E. W. 1875. Notes on birds observed in portions of Utah, Nevada, and California. Proceedings Boston Society of Natural His- tory 17:338-365. Gates, E. W. 1902. Catalogue of the collection of bird's eggs in the British Museum (Natural History) 2:338. Oberholser, H. C. 1899. The Flammulated Screech Owls, Megascops flammeolus (Kaup) and Megascops flammeolus idahoensis Merriam. Ornis 10(l):23-38. . 1911. A revision of the forms of the Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosas [Linnaeus]). Proceedings U.S. National Museum 40:595-622. . 1918a. New light on the status of Empidonax traillii (Audubon). Ohio Journal of Science 18:85-98. . 1918b. Notes on the subspecies of Numenius americanus Beckstein. Auk 35: 188-195. . 1921. A revision of the races of Dendroica auduhoni. Ohio Journal of Science 21:240-248. . 1932. Descriptions of new birds from Oregon, chiefly from the Warner Valley region. Scientific Publications Cleveland Museum Natural History 4:1-12. . 1948. Descriptions of new races of ly; BIRDS OF UTAH 207 Geothlypis trichas (Linnaeus). Privately printed, Cleveland, Ohio. 4 pp. . 1974. The bird life of Texas. E. B. Kincaid, Jr., ed., with paintings by L. A. Fuertes, University of Texas Press, Austin and London. Vol. Ll-530; 2:531-1069. Osgood, W. 1908. Field notes. U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Copy located in Brigham Young University Life Sciences Museum. Palmer, R. S., ed. 1962. Handbook of North American birds. Yale University Press, New Haven and London. 567 pp. P.'\RKER, T. 1974. Southwest region. American Birds 28:87-90. Parker, W. H., and H. C. Johnson. 1899. Checklist of Utah bird eggs. Privately pub- lished. 2 pp. Parkes, K. C. 1955. Systematic notes on North American birds. The herons and ibises (Ciconiifomies). 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Geographic variation and the species problem in the shore-bird genus Liwnodramus. University of California Publi- cations Zoology 50:1-108. Platt, J. B. 1976. Sharp-shinned Hawk nesting and nest selection in Utah. Condor 178:102- 103. Popov, B. H. 1949. The introduced fishes, game birds, and game and fur-bearing mam- mals of Utah. Unpublished M.S. thesis, Utah State Agricultiual College. Department of Zoology. 197 pp. Porter, R. D. 1954. Additional and new bird records for Utiih. Condor 56:362-364. . 1955. The Hungarian Partridge in Utiih. Journal of Wildlife Management 19:93-109. Porter, R. D., and J. B. Bushman. 1956. Bird records for Utah. Wilson Bulletin 68:152-153. . 1957. Characteristics and status of the Solitary Sandpiper in Utah. Condor 59:203- 206. Porter, R. D., and H. J. Egoscue. 1954. The Lark Bunting in Uttih. Wilson Bulletin 66: 219-221. Porter, R. D., and H. Knight. 1952. Records of the Black Pigeon Hawk, Falco columbarius suckleyi, in Utiih. Auk 69:84-85. Porter, R. D., and L. C. Pritchett. 1975. Black-throated Blue Warbler in Utah. West- ern Birds 6:31. Porter, R. D., and C. M. White in collaboration with R. J. Erwin. 1973. The Peregrine Falcon in Utah, emphasizing ecology and competition with Prairie Falcon. Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series 18:1-74. Pratt, O. 1926. Extracts from tlie private journal of Orson Pratt. Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine (July) 209-214. Presnell, C. C. 1935a. Four new records from Zion National Park, Utiih. Condor 37:82. . 1935b. The birds of Zion National Park. Proceedings Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 12:197-210. — '■ . 1937. Three new records from Bryce Canyon, Utah. Condor 39:259. Remsen, v., and D. a. Gaines. 1974. Mid- Pacific coast region. American Birds 28:98- 106. Remy, J. 1860. Voyage an pays des Monnons. E. Dentu, Paris. Vol. 1:154; 2:222; 449-450. Remy, J. , and J. Brenchley. 1861. A journey to Great Salt Lake City with a sketch of the history, religion, and customs of the Monnons, and an introduction on the religious move- ment in the United States. W. Jeffs, London. Vol. 1,501 pp.; Vol. 2,605 pp. Rich, W. J. T. 1967. The woodpeckers of Utah. Unpublished XLS. diesis. University of Utali. 130 pp. Richards, G. L. 1971. The common crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos, in the Great Basin. Condor 73:116-118. Richards, G. L., and C. M. White. 1963. Com- mon crow nesting in Utah. Condor 65:530- 531. Richmond, C. W. 1902. Parus inornatus griseus renamed. Proceeding Biological Society of Washington 15:155. Ridgway, R. 1873a. Notes on the bird-fauna of the Salt Lake Valley and the adjacent por- tions of the Wahsatch [sic] Mountains. Bulletin of the Essex Institute 5:168-173. 208 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 . 1873b. The birds of Colorado. Bulletin of Essex Institute 5:174-195. . 1875. List of birds observed at various localities contiguous to the Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento City, California, to Salt Lake Valley, Utah. Bulletin of the Essex Institute 7:10-24, 30-40. . 1877. Ornidiology. Pages 303-643, 652- 669 in Vol. 4, Part 3, in Report of the geo- logical exploration of the fortieth parallel made by order of the Secretary of War ac- cording to acts of Congress of March 2, 1867 and March 3, 1869, under the direction of Brig, and Bvt. Major General A. A. Hum- phreys, Chief of Engineers by Clarence King. Professional papers of the Engineer Depart- ment, U.S. Army No. 18. . 1901. The birds of North and Middle America. Bulletin U.S. National Museum No. 50. Parti. 715pp. Rogers, T. H. 1974. Northern Rocky Moun- tains-Intermountain Region. American Birds 28:78-83. Ryder, R. A. 1957. Christmas bird count Logan, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 11:215. ScHROEDER, A. H. 1955. Archeology of Zion Park. University of Utah Anthropological Papers No. 22:1-212. SciPLE, G. W. 1953. Red Phalarope in Utah. Wilson Bulletin 65:205. Scott, O. K. 1954. Great Basin, central Rocky Mountain region. Audubon Field Notes 8: 32-33, 322-323, 354-355. . 1957. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 11:283- 285, 367-368. . 1958. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 12:47-49. . 1959. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 13:51-53, 311-312,390-391. . 1960. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 14:58-60, 328-329, 409-410. . 1961. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 15:346- 348. Basin, central Rocky Audubon Field Notes 16: -. 1962. Great Mountain region. 435-436. -. 1963. Great Mountain region. Basin, central Rocky Audubon Field Notes 17: 53-54, 345-347, 422-423. -. 1964. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 18:60-61, 374-376. -. 1965. Great Basin, Central Rocky Mountain Region. Audubon Field Notes 19; 63-64, 404-406, 500-501, 567-568. . 1966. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 20:76-77, 535-537, 588-589. . 1967. Great Basin, central Rocky Mountain region. Audubon Field Notes 21: 62-64, 443-444, 527-528, 590-592. . 1968. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 22:73-74, 560-562, 632-634. . 1969. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 23:86-87, 503-504, 611-612, 679-680. . 1970. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 24:74-75, 628-630. . 1971. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. American Birds 25:84-86, 606- 608. Scott, P. 1974. Christmas bird count, Zion National Park, Utah. American Birds 28: 489. Selander, R. K. 1953. Notes on the Red Crossbills of the Uinta and Wasatch Moun- tains. Condor 55:158-160. . 1954. A systematic review of the boom- ing nighthawks of western North America. Condor 56:57-82. Sharrock, F. W. 1966. An archeological survey of Ganyonlands National Park. Pages 49-84 in Miscellaneous Collected Papers 11-14, University of Utah Anthropological Papers No. 83. Sharrock, F. W., and E. G. Keane. 1962. Carnegie Museum collection from southeast Utah. University of Utah Anthropological Papers No. 57. 71 pp. Sherwood, G. A. 1960. The Whisding Swan in the west with particular reference to Great Salt Lake Valley, Utah. Condor 62:370-377. Simpson, J. H. 1876. Report of explorations across the Great Basin of the territory of Utah for a direct wagon-route from Camp Floyd to Genoa, in Carson Valley, in 1859. Engineer Department, U.S. Army. Government Print- ing OflFice, Washington, D.C. 518 pp. Smith, D. G., C. R. Wilson, and H. H. Frost. 1970. Fall nesting Barn Owls in Utah. Condor 72:492. . 1972a. The biology of the American Kestrel in central Utiih. Southwestern Naturalist 17:73-83. . 1972b. Seasonal food habits of Barn Owls in Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 32:229- 234. . 1974. History and ecology of a colony of Barn Owls in Utah. Condor 76: 131 -136. 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 209 Snider, P. R. 1964. Southwest region. Audu- bon Field Notes 18:376-378, 526-528. . 1965. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 19:64-66, 501-503. . 1966. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 20:78-80, 446-448, 537-539, 589-591. . 1968. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 22:75-77. . 1969. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 24:612-615. . 1970. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 24:75-79, 526-528, 630-633. . 1971. Southwest region. American Birds 25:780-784. Snow, E. R. 1846-1849. Eliza R. Snow's jour- nal. Microfilm of original located in Brigham Young University Library, Provo, Utah. Snyder, L. L. 1953. On eastern empidonaces with particular references to variation in E. traillii. Contributions Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology and Palaeontology No. 35:1-26. Springer, C. E. 1931. Wood Ibis in Utah. Bird Lore 33:120. Stallcup, R., and R. Greenberg. 1974. Mid- Pacific coast region. American Birds 28: 943-947. Stanford, J. S. 1931. Records of birds in cen- tral and southeastern Utah. Bulletin Univer- sity of Utah 21, Biological Series 1:1-10. . 1937. Cormorant and heron colonies in Cache Valley, Utiih. Proceedings Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 14: 195. . 1938. An annotated list of the birds in the US AC Zoological Museum. Proceedings of Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 15:135-146. . 1944. New records of birds collected for the US AC Zoological Museum. Proceedings Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 19-20:151. . 1969. An annotated check list of birds of Cache Valley, Utah -Idaho. Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 46:134-141. Stansbury, H. 1852. Explorations and survey of the valley of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, including a reconnoissance [sic] of a new route through the Rocky Mountains. Senate Special Session, March 1851. Executive No. 3. 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American Birds 27: 479. SuGDEN, J. W. 1925. Purple Gallinule in Utiih. Condor 27:210. . 1938. The status of die Sandhill Crane in Utah and southern Idaho. Condor 40: 18-22. Talley, G. M. 1957. Common Crackle in Utah. Condor 59:400. Tanner, V. M. 1927. Notes on birds collected in the Virgin River Valley of Utah. Condor 29:198-202. . 1936. The Western Mocking Bird [sic] in Utah. Proceedings Utah Academy of Sci- ences, Arts, and Letters 13:185-187. . 1941. Lesser Yellow Legs [sic] new record for Washington County, Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 2:86. Tanner, V. M., and C. L. Hayward. 1934. A biological study of the La Sal Mountains, Utah Report No. 1 (Ecology). Proceedings Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters 11:209-235. Taylor, H. G. 1949. Bird observations July 25 to August 25. Utah Audubon News 1:2-3. Todd, W. E. C. 1963. Birds of the Labrador Peninsula and adjacent areas. University of Toronto Press, Toronto. 819 pp. Treganza, a., E. Treganza, and A. O. Treganza. 1914. A forty -five-year history of the Snowy Heron in Utah. Condor 16:245-250. Twomey, a. C. 1942. The birds of the Uinta Basin, Utah. Annals of the Carnegie Museum 28:341-490. . 1944a. Notes on some birds taken in Utah. Condor 46:89. . 1944b. A correction of identification of sandpipers. Condor 46:90. Utah Audubon News. 1949. Starling found nesting in Utah. 1:1. . 1952. Field notes. 4:52-53. . 1955. Field notes. 7:30. 210 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 . 1962. The rare and unusual observa- tions. 14:32. . 1963. Famiington Bay. 15:38. . 1964. The 1963 Christmas census. 16: 2-3, 42. Van Den Akker, J. B. 1946. A Mountain Plover from Utah. Condor 48:246. . 1949. Great Basin, central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 3:23-26, 178-180. Van Rossem, A. J. 1945. The Golden-crowned Kinglet of Southern California. Condor 47: 77-78. Verbeek, N. a. M. 1966. Wanderings of die Ancient Murrelet: some additional com- ments. Condor 68:510-511. Warner, T. J. 1975. The significance of the Dominguez-Velez de Escalante Expedition. Charles Redd Monographs in Western His- tory 5:63-80. Wauer, R. H. 1963. Christmas bird count, St. George, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 17:263. . 1964. Christmas bird count, St. George, Utiih. Audubon Field Notes 18:292-293. . 1965a. Christmas bird count, Zion National Park. Audubon Field Notes 19:311. . 1965b. Wintering Rufous -crowned Spar- rows found in Utah. Condor 67:447. . 1966a. Flammulated Owl records fol- lowing May storms in Zion Canyon, Utah. Condor 68:211. . 1966b. Christmas bird count, St. George, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 20:351-352. . 1966c. Eastern Phoebe in Utah. Condor 68:519. . 1968. Northern range extension of Wied's Crested Flycatcher. Condor 70:88. . 1969. Recent bird records from the Virgin River Valley of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Condor 7 1 : 33 1 -335. Wauer, R. H., and D. L. Carter. 1965. Birds of Zion National Park and vicinity. Zion Natural History Association. Springdale, Utah. 92 pp. Wauer, R. H., and R. C. Russell. 1967. New and additional records of birds in the Virgin River Valley. Condor 69:420-423. Webster, J. D. 1947. Notes on the birds of Utah. Condor 49:40-41. Wells, P. 1958. Indigo Buntings in Lazuli Bunting habitat in southwestern Utah. Auk 75:223-224. Weston, J. B., and D. H. Ellis. 1968. Ground nesting of the Ferruginous Hawk in west- central Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 28:111. Wetmore, a. 1914-1916. Field notes. U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Wash- ington, D.C. . 1960. A classification for the birds of the world. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collection 139:1-37. White, C. M. 1968. Biosystematics of North American Peregrine Falcons. Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation. University of Utah. 195 pp. White, C. M., G. D. Lloyd, and G. L. Richards. 1965. Goshawk nesting in the upper Sonoran in Colorado and Utah. Condor 67:269. Whitmore, R. C. 1975. Indigo Buntings in Utah with special reference to interspecific relations with Lazuli Buntings. Condor 77: 509-510. Williams, C. S. 1942. Two new bird records for Utah. Auk 59:578. Williams, C. S., G. H. Jensen, and C. Cottam. 1943. Some birds not commonly observed in Utah. Condor 45:159-160. Wilson, V. T. 1952. Christmas bird count. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 6:159. . 1965. Christmas bird count. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 19:309. Wilson, V. T., and R. H. Norr. 1949. Great Basin-central Rocky Mountain region. Audu- bon Field Notes 3:246-247. . 1950. Great Basin-central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 4:26-28. . 1951. Great Basin-central Rocky Moun- tain region. Audubon Field Notes 5:30-32. Wilson, V. T., and W. A. Reid. 1958. First occurrence of Little Blue Heron in Utah. Auk 75:214. Wilson, V. T., and L. T. Young. 1956. Euro- pean Widgeon and Glaucous Gull in Utah. Condor 58:390. Wilt, R. 1973. Christmas bird count. Pipe Spring National Monument, Arizona. Ameri- can Birds 27:483-484. Wolfe, L. R. 1928. The breeding accipitres of Utah. Oologists' Record 8:90-102. . 1946. Pigeon Hawk breeding in Ut;ih. Condor 48:97. Woodbury, A. M. 1937. A Brown Pelican record from Utah. Condor 29:225. . 1939. Bird records from Utah and Ari- zona. Condor 41:157-163. Woodbury, A. M., and H. N. Russell, Jr. 1945. Birds of the Navajo country. Bulletin Uni- versity of Utah 35, Biological Series 9:1-160. Woodbury, A. M., C. Cottam, and J. W. Sugden. 1949. Annotated check-list of the birds of Utah. Bulletin University of Utah 39, Bio- logical Series 11:1-40. Worthen, G. L. 1968. The taxonomy and dis tribution of the birds of the southeastern 1976' BIRDS OF UTAH 211 Great Basin, Utah. Unpublished M.S. thesis, University of Utah. 588 pp. . 1972a. First-recorded specimens of the White-winged Crossbill from Utah. Wilson Bulletin 85:243-244. . 1972b. A record of an Indigo Bunting and a wintering Say's Phoebe for northern Utah. Great Basin Naturalist 32:220. . 1973a. Harlan's Hawk from Utah: first record for the Great Basin. Wilson Bulletin 85:79. . 1973b. First Utah record of the Balti- more Oriole. Auk 90:677-678. Wyman, G. H. 1889. Quail in Dixie. Forest and Stream 33:123. Yarrow, H. C. 1877. The Black Duck in the Rocky Mountains. Forest and Stream 8:4. Yarrow, H. C., and H. W. Henshaw. 1874. Report upon and list of birds collected by the expedition for explorations west of the one-hundredth meridian in 1872. Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, in charge. Pages 5-33 in Report upon ornithological specimens collected in the years 1871, 1872, and 1873. Engineer Department, U.S. Army. Geographical and geological explorations and surveys, west of the one-hundredth meridian. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Young, L. T. 1951. Christmas bird count. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah. Audubon Field Notes 5:169. Zimmerman, D. A. 1962. Southwest region. Audubon Field Notes 16:496-498. 212 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 INDEX aberti, Pipilo, 168 Pipilo aberti, 168 acaciaruni, Auriparus flaviceps, 153 acadicus, Aegolius, 112 Aegolius acadicus, 112 Accipiter cooperii, 62 gentilis, 61 atricapillus, 60, 61 striatulus, 61 striatus velox, 61 Accipitridae, 60 Actitis, 81 Actitis macularia, 84 acuta, Anas, 51 acutipennis, Chordeiles, 114 adastus, Empidormx traillii, 126 Aechmophorus occidentalis, 33 aedon, Troglodytes, 139 Aegithalidae, 155 Aegolius acadicus acadicus, 112 Aeronautes saxatalis, 115 saxatalis, 116 sclateri, 116 aestaurinus, Cistothorus palustris, 138 aestiva, Dendroica petechia, 173 affinis, Aythya, 56 Fulix, 56 Pooecetes gramineus, 165 Agelaius phoeniceus, 182 fortis, 182 nevadensis, 182 sonoriensis, 182 stereus, 200 utahensis, 182 zastereus, 200 agilis, Geothlypis, 177 Aimophila, 165 belli nevadensis, 166 bilineata deserticola, 165 cassinii, 196 ruficeps scottii, 166 Aix sponsa, 53 Ajaia ajaja, 46 ajaja, Ajaia, 46 alascanus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 65 alascensis, Calcarius lapponicus, 157 Alaudidae, 129 alba, Calidris, 95 Herodias, 44 Tyto, 108 albeola, Bucephala, 57 albicaudatus, Buteo, 192 albicollis, Zonotrichia, 161 albifrons, Anser, 48 albociliatus, Phalacrocorax auritus, 40 albus, Casinerodius, 43 Alcedinidae, 118 Alcidae, 104 alcyon, Megaceryle, 118 Alectoris chukar, 73 alexandri, Archilochus, 116 alexandrinus, Charadrius, 78 almae, Catharus ustulatus, 145 alnorum, Empidonax, 126 alpestris, Eremophila, 129 alpina, Calidris, 93 alticola, Anthus spinoletta, 134 Zonotrichia lincolnii, 160 altipetens, Lagopus leucurus, 193 aniericana. Anas, 53 Aythya, 54 Bucephala clangula, 56 Fulica, 77 americana, 77 Mycteria, 45 Parula, 197 Recurvirostra, 96 Spiza, 168 americanus, Coccyzus, 107 Mergus merganser, 59 Numenius, 81 americanus, 81 Ammodramus bairdii, 196 leconteii, 163 sandwichensis, 162 anthinus. 163 nevadensis, 163 savannarum perpallidus, 163 amnicola, Dendroica petechia, 173 amoena, Passerina, 10, 169 amoenissima, Polioptila caerulea, 148 amoenus, Regulus satrapa, 152 gamphispiza, 165 amplus, Contopus sordidulus, 128 Anabrus simplex, 101 Anas acuta, 51 americana, 53 clypeata, 53 crecca carolinensis, 51 cyanoptera septentrionalium, 52 discors discors, 52 fulvigula, 191 penelope, 53 platyrhyncha neoboria, 200 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 213 platyrhynchos platyrhynchos, 50 rubripes, 50 strepera, 51 Anatidae, 46 anatuin, F'alco peregrinus, 67 amnicola, Dendroica petechia, 173 annectens, Cyanocitta stelleri, 188 Anser albifrons, 48 frontalis, 48 gambelli, 48 anthinus, Ammodramus sandwichensis, 163 anthonyi, Butorides virescens, 41 anthraciniis, Buteogalliis, 63 Buteogallus anthraciniis, 63 Anthus spinoletta, 133 alticola, 134 geophilus, 134 pacificus, 134 rubescens, 134 spraguei, 195 antiquus, SynthHboramphus, 104 aphaea, Zonotrichia leucophrys, 200 Aphelocoma coerulescens, 189 nevadae, 189 woodhouseii, 189 ultramarina, 199 Apodidae, 114 Aquila chrysaetos, 65 arboricola, Progne subis, 132 arborea, Spizella, 164 Archilochus alexandri, 116 arctica, Gavia, 31 arcticola, Eremophila alpestris, 131 arcticus, Pipilo erythrophthahnus, 168 arctoa, Leucosticte, 185 Ardea cinerea, 41 herodias, 41 herodias treganzai, 40 Ardeidae, 40 Arenaria interpres morinella, 80 argentatus, Larus, 100 arileuca, Leucophoyx thida, 199 arizonae, Spizella passerina, 164 Vireo bellii, 178 artemisiae, Molothrus ater, 184 asiatica, Zenaida, 105 Asio flammeus flammeus, 112 otustuftsi. 111 asio, Otus, 108 ater, Molothrus, 183 Athene cunicularia hypugaea, 1 10 atrata, Leucosticte arctoa, 185 atricapilla, Zonotrichia, 162 atricapillus, Accipiter gentilis, 60 Panis, 152 atrogularis, Spizella, 164 auduboni, Catharus guttatus, 145 Dendroica coronata, 175 Anklet, Parakeet, 194 aura, Cathartes, 60 auratus, Colaptes, 119 Colaptes auratus, 119 auricollis, Icteria virens, 178 Auriparus flaviceps acaciarum, 153 auritus, Phalacrocorax, 39 Phalacrocorax auritus, 40 Podiceps, 31 aurocapillus, Seiurus, 198 austinsmithi, Geothlypis tolmiei, 177 Avocet, American, 23, 26, 79, 96, 98 Aythya afFinis, 56 americana, 54 collaris, 54 marila nearctica, 54 valisineria, 54 bachmani, Haematopus, 193 bairdi, Sialia mexicana, 143 bairdii, Ammodramus, 196 Calidris, 92 Bartramia longicauda, 193 belli, Aimophila, 166 bellii, Vireo, 178 bendirei, Falco columbarius, 68 Loxia curvirostra, 187 Toxostoma, 141 bendirei, 141 benti, Loxia curvirostra, 187 bernicla, Branta, 48 bewickii, Thryomanes, 138 bi color, Dendrocygna, 50 Tachycineta, 131 bihneata, Aimophila, 165 Bittern, American, 45 Least, 45 Blackbird, Brewer's, 155, 183 Colorado Red -winged, 200 Idiiho Red-winged, 200 Red -winged, 22, 26, 182 Rusty, 183 Yellow-headed, 22, 26, 181 Bluebird, Mountain, 28, 115, 143 Western, 28, 143 Bobolink, 26, 184 Bobwhite, 8, 71 Bombycilla cedrorum, 135 garrulus pallidiceps, 135 Bombycillidae, 135 Bonasa umbellus incana, 69 214 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 borealis, Contopus, 129 Cypseloides niger, 114 Botaunis lentiginosus, 45 brachyrhynchos, Corvus, 190 Corvus brachyrhynchos, 190 Brant, Black, 48 Branta canadensis, 47 Branta canadensis hutchinsii, 47 leucopareia, 47 minima, 47 moffitti, 47 parvipes, 47 taverneri, 47 Branta bernichi nigricans, 48 breweri, Spizella, 164 SpizeHa breweri, 164 brewsteri, Dendroica petechia, 173 Egretta thula, 44 Empidonax traillii, 126 brooksi, Coccothraustus vespertinus, 187 browni, Cyanocitta stelleri, 188 brunneicapillus, Campylorhyncus, 137 brunnescens, Lophortyx caHfornicus, 72 Bubo virginianus, 109 lagophonus, 110 occidentahs, 110 pallescens, 1 10 Bubulcus ibis ibis, 42 buccinator, Olor, 47 Bucephala albeola, 57 clangula americana, 56 islandica, 56 Bufflehead, 26, 57 bullockii, Icterus galbula, 181 Bullock's Oriole, 181 Bunting, Indigo, 170 Lark, 158 Lazuli, 10, 169, 170 Snow, 158 Bushtit, 153 Buteo albicaudatus, 192 jamaicensis, 62 calurus, 62 fuertesi, 62 harlani, 62 kriderii, 62 lineatus lineatus, 62 lagopus sanctijohannis, 63 platyptenis, 191 regalis, 63 swainsoni, 63 Buteogallus anthracinus anthracinus, 63 Butorides striatus, 41 virescens, 41 anthonyi, 41 virescens, 41 cachinnans, Gallinula chloropus, 77 cactophilus, Picoides scalaris, 122 caendea, Florida, 41 Florida caerulea, 41 Passerina, 169 Polioptila, 148 caenilescens, Chen, 48 Chen caerulsecens, 48, 50 Dendroica, 173 caerulescens, 173 cafer, Colaptes, 119 Colaptes auratus, 119 Calamospiza melanocorys, 158 Calcarius lapponicus, 157 alascensis, 157 lapponicus, 157 mccownii, 195 ornatus, 157 calendula, Regulus, 152 Calidris alba, 95 alpina pacifica, 93 bairdii, 92 canutus rufa, 91 fusciollis, 193 mauri, 95 melanotus, 92 minutilla, 93 pusilla, 93, 95 californianus, Geococcyx, 107 Vultur, 60 californicum, Glaucidium gnoma, 1 10 californicus, Larus, 101 Lophortyx, 71 californicus, 72 Podiceps nigricollis, 33 calliope, Stellula, 117 calurus, Buteo jamaicensis, 62 Calypte costae, 116 campicola, Geothlyjois trichas, 177 Camp Robber, 189 Campylorhyncus bnuineicapillus couesi, 137 canadensis, Branta, 47 Grus, 74, 75 canadensis, 75 Perisoreus, 189 Sitta, 156 Wilsonia, 178 canescens, Sitta pusilla, 156 caniceps, Jimco hyemaiis, 162 canutus, Calidris, 91 Canvasback, 21, 54 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 215 Capella gallinago delicata, 80 capitalis, Perisoreus canadensis, 189 Caprimulgidae, 113 Caprimulgus vociferus, 194 Carduelis flammea flammea, 185 lavvrencei, 199 pinus pinus, 184 psaltria hesperophila, 184 tristis pallida, 184 Carolina, Porzana, 75 carolinensis, Anas crecca, 51 Dumetella, 139 Pandion haliaetus, 66 Sitta, 156 carolinus, Euphagus, 183 Euphagus carolinus, 183 Carpodacus cassinii, 185 mexicanus frontalis, 186 grinnelli, 186 solitudinus, 186 sordidus, 186 purpureas, 199 Casmerodius albus egretta, 43 caspia. Sterna, 104 cassinii, Aimophila, 196 Carpodacus, 185 Vireo solitarius, 179 castanea, Dendroica, 175 Catbird, Gray, 27, 139 Cathartes aura teter, 60 Cathartidae, 60 Catharus fuscescens salicicola, 144 guttatus, 145 auduboni, 145 polionotus, 145 minimus, 195 ustulatus, 145 almae, 145 swainsoni, 145 Catoptrophorus semipalmatiis inornatus, 90 caurina, Megaceryle alcyon, 118 caurinus, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 119 cedrorum, Bombycilla, 135 celata, Vermivora, 171 Vermivora celata, 171,172 Centrocercus urophasianus urophasianus, 71 Certhia familiaris, 157 leucosticta, 1 57 montana, 157 Certhiidae, 157 Chaetura, pelagica, 114 vauxi vauxi, 114 Charadriidae, 78 Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, 78 montanus, 79 semipalmatus, 78 vociferus vociferus, 79 Chat, Yellow-breasted, 27, 178 Chen caerulescens, 48 Chen caerulescens caerulescens, 48 rossii, 50 Chickadee, Black-capped, 28, 124, 152 Mountain, 10, 153 Chicken, Prairie, 70 chihi, Plegadis, 45 Chlidonias niger surinamensis, 104 chloropus, Gallinula, 77 chlonirus, Pipilo, 167 Chondestes grammacus strigatus, 165 Chordeiles acutipennis texensis, 114 minor, 113 divisus, 200 henryi, 113 hesperis, 1 13 howelli, 113 minor, 113 sennetti, 113 chrysaetos, Aquila, 65 chrysoides, Colaptes auratus, 1 19 Chukar, 73 chukar, Alectoris, 73 Ciconiidae, 45 Cinclidae, 136 Cinclus mexicanus imicolor, 136 cineraceus, Otus asio, 108 Regulus calendula, 152 cinerascens, Myiarchus, 124 Myiarchus cinerascens, 124 cinerea, Ardea, 41 cinnamomea, Tringa solitaria, 85, 87 Circus cyaneus hudsonius, 65, 66 cismontanus, Junco hyemalis, 162 Cistothorus palustris, 138 aestuarinus, 138 plesius, 138 Clangula hyemalis, 57 clangula, Bucephala, 56 clemenciae, Lampornis, 194 clypeata. Anas, 53 Coccothraustes vespertinus brooksi, 187 Coccyzus americanus occidentalis, 107 erythropthalmus, 107 coerulescens, Aphelocoma, 189 216 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Colaptes auratus, 119 auratus, 119 cafer, 119 chrysoides, 119 cafer, 119 colchicus, Phasianus, 72 Colinus virginianus, 71 collaris, Aythya, 54 coloradense, Toxostoma dorsale, 142 Columba fasciata fasciata, 104 liva, 105 columbarius, Falco, 68 Falco columbarius, 68 Columbiana, Nucifraga, 190 Columbidae, 104 Columbina passerina, 194 columbianus, Olor, 46 Tympanuchus phasianellus, 69 Condor, California, 60 confinis, Pooecetes gramineus, 165 conspersus, Salpinctes mexicanus, 137 Contopus borealis, 129 sordidulus, 128 amplus, 128 saturatus, 128 siccicola, 128 veliei, 128 cooperi, Accipiter, 62 Piranga rubra, 170 Coot, American, 21, 22, 23, 26, 77 corax, Corvus, 190 Cormorant, Double-crested, 11, 21, 22, 25, 39 coronata, Dendroica, 175 Dendroica coronata, 175 Corvidae, 188 Corvus brachyrhynchos, 190 brachyrhynchos, 190 hesperis, 190 corax sinuatus, 190 costae, Calypte, 1 16 cottami, Cyanocitta stelleri, 188 Coturnicops noveboracensis, 193 couesi, Campylorhyncus bnmneicapilius, 137 Cowbird, Brown-headed, 183 Crane, Little Brown, 75 Sandhill, 74 crecca. Anas, 51 Creeper, Brown, 157 cristata, Cyanocitta, 188 Crossbill, Red, 186 White-winged, 187 Crow, Common, 190 Cuckoo, Black -billed, 107 Yellow -billed, 107 Cuculidae, 107 cucullatus. Icterus, 180 Mergus, 59 cunicularia, Athene, 110 Cudew, Long-billed, 26, 61, 81 currucoides, Sialia, 143 curvirostra, Loxia, 186 cyanea, Passerina, 170 cyaneus. Circus, 65 cyanocephala, Gymnorhinus, 188 cyanocephalus, Euphagus, 183 Cyanocitta cristata cyanotephra, 188 stelleri, 188 annectens, 188 browni, 188 cottami, 188 macrolopha, 188 percontatrix, 188 cyanoptera. Anas, 52 cyanotephra, Cyanocitta cristata, 188 Cyanura stelleri var. macrolophus, 188 Cyclorrhynchus psittacula, 194 Cypseloides niger borealis, 1 14 deglandi, Melanitta, 57 Melanitta deglandi, 57 delawarensis, Larus, 101 delicata, Capella gallinago, 80 Dendragapus obscurus, 69 obscurus, 69 oreinus, 69 Dendrocygna bicolor helva, 50 Dendroica caenilescens, 173 caerulescens, 173 castanea, 175 coronata, 175 auduboni, 175 coronata, 175 175 173 memorabilis, dominica, 198 fiisca, 198 graciae graciae, magnolia, 174 nigrescens nigrescens, occidentalis, 174 palmarum, 198 petechia, 173 aestiva, 173 amnicola, 173 brewsteri, 173 hypochlora, 200 morcomi, 173 nibiginosa, 173 striata, 175 townsendi, 174 virens, 198 174 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 217 deserticola, Aimophila bilineata, 165 Dichromanassa rvifescens, 191 Dickcissel, 168 difficilis, Empidonax, 128 Empidonax diflficilis, 128 Dipper, 26, 136 discors. Anas, 52 Anas discors, 52 divisus, Chordeiles minor, 200 Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 184 domesticus, Passer, 187, 200 Passer domesticus, 187 dominica, Dendroica, 198 Pluvialis, 80 dominica, 80 dorsale, Toxostonia, 142 Toxostoma dorsale, 142 dorsalis, Picoides tridactylus, 122 Dove, Ground, 194 Inca, 107 Mourning, 20, 27, 82, 105, 106 Rock, 105 White-winged, 105 Dowitcher, Long-billed, 95, 96 Short -billed, 96 Dryocopus pileatus picinus, 1 19 Duck, Black, 50, 51 Harlequin, 57 Mottled, 191 Ring-necked, 54 Ruddy, 59 Wood, 53 Dumetella carolinensis, 139 Dunlin, 93 Eagle, Bald, 65 Golden, 49, 65 Egret, Catde, 42 Great, 43, 44 Reddish, 191 Snowy, 26, 31, 44 Utah Snowy, 199 Egretta thula brewsteri, 44 egretta, Casmerodius albus, 43 Herodias alba, 44 Emberizidae, 157 Empidonax alnorum, 126 difficilis difficilis, 128 hellmayri, 128 griseus, 127 hammondii, 126 oberholseri, 126 obscurus, 126 obsecra, 126 traillii, 125 adastus, 126 brewsteri, 126 extimus, 126 wrightii, 126, 127 enthymia, Eremophila alpestris, 131 enucleator, Pinicola, 186 Eremophila alpestris, 129 arcticola, 131 enthymia, 131 hoyti, 131 leucolaema, 130 merrilli, 131 occidentalis, 130 utahensis, 129 eremophilus, Thryomanes bewickii, 138 ericrypta, Zonotrichia georgiana, 160 erythrocephalus, Melanerpes, 119 erythrogaster, Hirundo rustica, 132 erythrophthalmus, Pipilo, 10, 167 erythropthalmus, Coccyzus, 107 erythrorhynchos, Pelecanus, 34 Eugenes fulgens, 118 eumesus, Junco oreganus, 200 Euphagus carolinus carolinus, 183 cyanocephalus, 183 evura, Spizella atrogularis, 164 excubitor, Lanius, 135 exilis, Ixobrychus, 44 extimus, Empidonax traillii, 126 Falco columbarius, 68 bendirei, 68 columbarius, 68 richardsonii, 68 suckleyi, 68 mexicanus, 66 peregrinus, 67 anatum, 67 tundrius, 67 rusticolus, 192 sparverius sparverius, 68 Falcon, Peregrine, 42, 67 Prairie, 20, 66, 67 Falconidae, 66 fallax, Zonotrichia melodia, 159 familiarus, Certhia, 157 fasciata, Golumba, 104 Columba fasciata, 104 fedoa, Limosa, 96 Finch, Cassin's, 28, 185, 186 House, 27, 167, 186 Purple, 199 Rosy, 28, 185 fisherella, Zonotrichia melodia, 159 Flamingo, American, 46 flammea, Carduelis, 185 Carduelis, flammea, 185 218 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 flamineolus, Otus, 109 Otus flammeolus, 109 flammeus, Asio, 112 Asio flammeus, 112 Pyrocephalus rubinus, 129 flava, Piranga, 196 flaviceps, Auriparus, 153 flavifrons, Vireo, 198 flavipes, Tringa, 89 Flicker, Common, 28, 109, 119 Gilded, 119 Red -shafted, 119 Yellow-shafted, 119 Florida caerulea caerulea, 41 Flycatcher, Ash -throated, 27, 124 Dusky, 126 Gray, 27, 127 Hammond's, 28, 126 Olive -sided, 28, 129 Scissor-tailed, 123 Vermillion, 129 Western, 128 Wied's Crested, 123 Willow, 92, 125 forficata, Muscivora, 123 formicivorus, Melanerpes, 195 forsteri. Sterna, 102 fortis, Agelaius phoeniceus, 182 franklini, 13 Fringillidae, 184 frontalis, Anser albifrons, 48 Carpodacus mexicanus, 186 fuertesi, Buteo jamaicensis, 62 fulgens, Eugenes, 118 Fulica americana americana, 77 fulicarius, Phalaropus, 98 Fulix affinis, 56 fulvigula, Anas, 191 fusca, Dendroica, 198 fuscescens, Catharus, 144 fusciollus, Calidris, 193 Gadwall, 51 galbula. Icterus, 180 Icterus galbula, 181 gallinago, Capella, 80 Gallinula chloropus cachinnans, 77 Gallinule, Common, 77 Purple, 77 gallopavo, Meleagris, 74 gambeli, Lanius ludovicianus, 134, 135 Parus, 10, 153 gambeli, 153 gambelii, Lophortyx, 72 Lophortyx gambelii, 72 Zonotrichia leucophrys, 161 gambelii, Anser albifrons, 48 garrinus, Parus atricapillus, 153 garnilus, Bombycilla, 135 Gavia arctica pacifica, 31 immer, 30 stellata, 31 Gaviidae, 30 gentilis, Accipiter, 60 Geococcyx californianus, 107 geophilus, Anthus spinoletta, 134 georgiana, Zonotrichia, 160 Geothlypis agilis, 177 tolmiei, 177 austinsmithi, 177 monticola, 177 tolmiei, 177 trichas, 176 campicola, 177 occidentalis, 177 scirpicola, 177 utahicola, 177 gilvus, Melodivireo, 200 Vireo, 180 Glaucidium gnoma californicum, 1 10 Gnatcatcher Black-tailed, 195 Blue -gray, 27, 118, 121, 148 gnoma, Glaucidium, 110 Godwit, Bar-tailed, 194 Hudsonian, 194 Marbled, 96 Goldeneye, Barrow's, 56 Common, 26, 56 Goldfinch, American, 184 Lesser, 184 Lawrence's, 199 Goose, Blue, 50 Canada, 26, 47 Ross', 50 Snow, 48, 50 Tule, 48 White-fronted, 48 Goshawk, 20, 32, 60 graciae, Dendroica, 173 Dendroica graciae, 173 Crackle, Common, 183 gramineus, Pooecetes, 165 grammacus, Chondestes, 165 Grebe, Eared, 23, 33 Horned, 31 Pied-billed, 33 Red-necked, 191 Western, 22, 23, 25, 33 grinnelli, Carpodacus mexicani Loxia curvirostra, 186 grisegena, Podiceps, 191 186 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 219 griseus, Empidonax, 127 Limnodromus, 96 Vireo, 178 Grosbeak, Black -headed, 27, 28, 169 Blue, 169 Evening, 27, 187 Pine, 186 Rose -breasted, 168 Grouse, Blue, 20, 69, 70 Pinnated, 20 Ruffed, 20, 69 Sage, 27,70,71 Sharp -tailed, 20, 69, 70 Willow, 20, 69 Gniidae, 74 Grus canadensis, 74 canadensis, 75 tabida, 75 Gull, Bonaparte's, 102 California, 13, 17, 25, 101, 104 Franklin's, 12, 101, 102 Glaucous, 99 Herring, 100, 101 Ring-billed, 101 Sabine's, 102 guttata, Zonotrichia melodia, 159 guttatus, Catharus, 145 Gymnorhinus cyanocephala, 188 Gyrfalcon, 192 haemastica, Limosa, 194 Haematopus bachmani, 193 Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 65 alascanus, 65 leucocephalus, 65 haliaetus, Pandion, 66 haminondii, Empidonax, 126 harlani, Buteo jamaicensis, 62 Hawk, Black, 63 Broadwinged, 191 Cooper's, 20, 27, 62 Duck, 17, 67 Ferruginous, 39, 63 Harris, 192 Marsh, 26, 52, 65, 66 Pigeon, 68 Red-shouldered, 62 Red-tailed, 37, 38, 62 Rough -legged, 63 Sharp-shinned, 20, 27, 34, 35, 61, 62 Sparrow, 68 Swainson's, 36, 63 White-tailed, 192 hellmayri, Empidonax difficilis, 128 helva, Dendrocygna bicolor, 50 hendersoni, Limnodromus griseus, 96 henryi, Chordeiles minor, 113 Herodias alba egretta, 44 herodias, Ardea, 40, 41 Heron, Black-crowned Night, 20, 21, 23, 26, 44 Great Blue, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 40, 44 Little Blue, 41 Louisiana, 191 Northern Green, 41 hesperis, Chordeiles minor, 113 Corvus brachyrhynchos, 190 Ixobrychus exilis, 44 hesperophila, Carduelis psaltria, 184 Heteroscelus incanum, 193 Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus, 98 himantopus, Micropalama, 95 Hirundinidae, 131 Hirundo rustica erythrogaster, 132 hinmdo. Sterna, 103 Histrionicus histrionicus, 57 histrionicus, Histrionicus, 57 hoactli, Nycticorax nycticorax, 44 howelli, Chordeiles minor, 113 hoyti, Eremophila alpestris, 131 hudsonia. Pica pica, 189 hudsonicus, Numenius phaeopus, 81 hudsonius. Circus cyaneus, 65 Hummingbird, Black-chinned, 116 Blue-throated, 194 Broad-tailed, 27, 117 Calliope, 117 . Costa's, 116 Rivoli's, 118 Rufous, 117 hutchinsii, Branta canadensis, 47 Hydranassa tricolor, 191 hyemalis, Clangula, 57 Junco, 162 hyemalis, 162 Hylocichla mustelina, 145 hyperboreus, Larus, 99 Larus hyperboreus, 99 hypochlora, Dendroica petechia, 200 hypopolia, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, 133 hypugaea, Athene cunicularia, 110 ibis, Bubulcus ibis, 42 Ibis, White-faced, 26, 45, 46 Icteria virens auricollis, 178 Icteridae, 180 Icterus cucullatus nelsoni, 180 sennetti, 180 galbula, 180 bullockii, 181 galbula, 181 parisorum, 181 iliaca, Zonotrichia, 158 immer, Gavia, 30 220 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 inca, Scardiifella, 107 incana, Bonasa unbellus, 69 incanum, Heteroscelus, 193 inornatus, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, 90 Parus, 10, 153 interfusa, Passerina caerulea, 169 interpres, Arenaria, 80 invictus, Lanius excubitor, 135 inyoensis, Otus asio, 108 Panis gambeli, 153 islandica, Bucephala, 56 Ixobrychus exilis hesperis, 44 Jacksnipe, 81 jacksoni, Solivireo solitarius, 200 Jaeger, Long -tailed, 99 Parasitic, 99 jamaicensis Buteo, 62 Oxyura, 59 Jay, Blue, 188 Gray, 182, 189 Mexican, 199 Pinon, 17, 27, 188 Scrub, 28, 189, 197 Steller's, 28, 188 juddi, Zonotrichia melodia, 159 Junco, Coues' Oregon, 200 Dark-eyed, 146, 162 Junco hyemalis, 162 caniceps, 162 cismontanus, 162 hyemalis, 162 mearnsi, 162 montanus, 162 shufeldti, 162 oreganus eumesus, 200 Kestrel, American, 28, 43, 55, 68, 78 Killdeer, 26, 78, 79, 91 Kingbird, Cassin's, 123 Eastern, 122, 123 Western, 123 Kingfisher, Belted, 26,118 Kinglet, Golden -crowned, 28, 150 Ruby -crowned, 28, 150, 152 Kittiwake, Black-legged, 102 Knot, Red, 91 kriderii, Buteo jamaicensis, 62 lagophonus. Bubo virginianus, lagopus, Buteo, 63 Lagopus leucurus, 192 altipetens, 193 Lampornis clemenciae, 194 110 Laniidae, 134 Lanius excubitor, 134 invictus, 135 ludovicianus, 134, 135 gambeli, 134, 135 nevadensis, 134 sonoriensis, 135 lapponica, Limosa, 194 lapponicus, Calcarius, 157 Calcarius lapponicus, 157 Lark, Horned, 27, 91, 129, 157 Laridae, 99 Larus argentatus smithsonianus, 100 californicus, 101 delawarensis, 101 hyperboreus hyperboreus, 99 Philadelphia, 102 pipixcan, 101 lawrencei, Carduelis, 199 lecontei, Ammodramus, 163 Toxostoma, 141 lecontei, 141 lentiginosus, Botaurus, 45 lepida, Phainopepla nitens, 136 Tachycineta thalassina, 131 leucocephalus, Haliaeetus, 65 Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 65 leucolaema, Eremophila alpestris, 130 leucopareia, Branta canadensis, 47 Leucophoyx thula arileuca, 199 leucophiys, Zonotrichia, 161, 200 Zonotrichia leucophrys, 161 leucopolius, Vireo gilvus, 180 leucoptera, Loxia, 187 Loxia leucoptera, 187 leucopterus, Mimus polyglottos, 140 leucosticta, Certhia familiaris, 157 Leucosticte arctoa, 185 atrata, 185 littoralis, 185 tephrocotis, 185 leucothorectus, Picoides villosus, 121 leucurus, Picoides pubescens, 121 Lagopus, 192 lewis, Melanerpes, 120 limicola, Rallus, 75 Rallus limicola, 75 limnaeus, Seiurus noveboracensis, 176 Limnodromus griseus hendersoni, 96 scolopaceus, 96 Limosa fedoa, 96 haemastica, 194 lapponica, 194 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 221 lincolnii, Zonotrichia, 160 Zonotrichia lincolnii, 160 lineatus, Biiteo, 62 Buteo lineatus, 62 littoralis, Leucosticte arctoa, 185 liva, Coluniba, 105 lobatus, Phalaropus, 99 longieauda, Bartramia, 193 Toxostoma rufum, 140 longicaudus, Stercorarius, 99 Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 157 Lapland, 157 McCowan's, 195 Loon, Arctic, 31 Common, 30 Red-throated, 31 Lophortyx californicus, 71 californicus, 72 brunnescens, 72 gambelii, 72 gambelii, 72 sanus, 72 Loxia curvirostra, 186 bendirei, 187 benti, 187 grinnelli, 187 stricklandi, 187 leucoptera leucoptera, 187 luciae, Vermivora, 172 lucida, Strix occidentalis, 111 ludoviciana, Piranga, 170, 200 ludovicianus, Lanius, 134 Pheucticus, 168 lutescens, Vermivora celata, 171, 172 macrolopha, Cyanocitta stelleri, 188 macrolophus, Cyanocitta stelleri, 188 macroura, Zenaida, 105 macularia, Actitus, 84 Tringa, 81 magister, Myiarchus tyrannulus, 123 magnolia, Dendroica, 174 Magpie, Black -billed, 20,111,189 Mallard, 26, 50, 51 Mallard, American, 200 marila, Aythya, 54 marginella, Zenaida macroura, 105 Martin, Purple, 28, 131 martinica, Porphyrula, 77 mauri, Calidris, 95 maxwelliae, Otus asio, 108, 109 mccownii, Calcarius, 195 Meadowlark, Western, 26, 182 mearnsi, Junco hyemalis, 162 Zenaida asiatica, 105 Megaceryle alcyon caurina, 118 Melanerpes erythrocephalus caurinus, 119 formicivorus, 195 lewis, 120 Melanitta deglandi deglandi, 57 nigra, 191 perspicillata, 58 melanocephalus, Pheucticus, 169 Pheucticus melanocephalus, 169 melanocorys, Calamospiza, 158 melanoleuca, Tringa, 87 melanotis, Sitta pusilla, 156 melanotos, Calidris, 92 melanura, Polioptila, 195 Meleagrididae, 74 Meleagris gallopavo merriami, 74 melodia, Melospiza, 159 Zonotrichia, 159 Melodivireo gilvis petrorus, 200 Melospiza melodia virginis, 159 memorabilis, Dendroica coronata, 175 Merganser, Common, 26, 59 Hooded, 59 Red-breasted, 26, 60 merganser, Mergus, 59 Mergus cucullatus, 59 merganser americanus, 59 serrator serrator, 60 Merlin, 68 merriami, Meleagris gallopavo, 74 merrilli, Eremophila alpestris, 131 Zonotrichia melodia, 159 meruloides, Zoothera naevia, 144 mexicana, Sialia, 143 mexicanus, Carpodacus, 186 Cinclus, 136 Falco, 66 Himantopus mexicanus, 98 Salpinctes, 137 Micropalama himantopus, 95 migratorius, Turdus, 146 Mimidae, 139 Mimus polyglottos leucopterus, 140 minima, Branta canadensis, 47 minimus, Catharus, 195 Psaltriparus, 153 minor, Chordeiles, 113 Chordeiles minor, 113 minutilla, Calidris, 93 Mniotilta varia, 171 Mockingbird, 27, 109, 140 moffitti, Branta canadensis, 47 Molothrus ater, 183 artemisiae, 184 obscurus, 184 222 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 montana, Certhia familiaris, 157 Zonotrichia melodia, 159 montanus, Charadrius, 79 Junco hyemalis, 162 Oreoscoptes, 140 Pinicola enucleator, 186 Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 168 monticola, Geothlypis tolmei, 177 Picoides villosus, 121 morcomi, Dendroica petechia, 173 morinella, Arenaria interpres, 80 Motacillidae, 133 Murrelet, Ancient, 104 Muscicapidae, 143 Muscivora forficata, 123 mustelina, Hylocichla, 145 Myadestes townsendii townsendii, 144 mychophilus, Otus asio, 108 Mycteria americana, 45 Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens, 124 tyrannulus magister, 123 Myioborus pictus pictus, 178 naevia, Zoothera, 144 Zoothera naevia, 144 nataliae, Sphyrapicus thyroideus, 120 nearctica, Aythya marila, 54 nebulosa, Strix, 111 Strix nebulosa. 111 neglecta, Sturnella, 182 nelsoni, Icterus cucullatus, 180 Sitta carolinensis, 157 neoboria, Anas platyrhyncha, 200 nevadae, Aphelocoma coerulescens, 189 nevadensis, Agelaius phoeniceus, 182 Aimophila belli, 166 Ammodramus sandwichensis, 163 Lanus ludovicianus, 134 Parus atricapillus, 153 niger, Chlidonias, 104 Cypseloides, 114 Nighthawk, Common, 113 Lesser, 114 Wyoming Common, 200 nigra, Melanitta, 191 nigrescens, Dendroica, 174 Dendroica nigrescens, 174 nigricans, Branta bernicla, 48 Sayornis, 125 nigricollis, Podiceps, 33 nitens, Phainopepla, 136 nivalis, Plectrophenax, 158 Plectrophenax nivalis, 158 nivosus, Charadrius alexandrinus, 78 notabilis, Seiurus noveboracensis, 176 noveboracensis, Coturnicops, 193 Seiurus, 176 Vireo griseus, 178 nuchalis, Sphyrapicus varius, 120 Nucifraga columbiana, 190 Numenius americanus, 81 americanus, 81 occidentalis, 81 parvus, 81 phaeopus hudsonicus, 81 Nutcracker, Clark's, 17, 28, 190 Nuthatch, Pygmy, 28, 156 Red-breasted, 28, 156 White-breasted, 28, 156 nuttallii, Phalaenoptilus, 113 Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, 113 Nuttalornis, 129 Nyctea scandiaca, 1 10 Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli, 44 nycticorax, Nycticorax, 44 oberholseri, Empidonax, 126 obscurus, Dendragapus, 69 Dendragapus obscurus, 69 Empidonax, 126 Molothrus ater, 184 obsecra, Empidonax, 126 obsoletus, Salpinctes, 137 Salpinctes obsoletus, 137 occidentalis, Aechmophorus, 33 Bubo virginianus, 110 Coccyzus americanus, 107 Dendroica, 174 Eremophila alpestris, 130 Geothlypis trichas, 177 Numenius americanus, 81 Pelecanus, 37 Sialia mexicana, 143 Strix, 111 ochracea, Spizella arborea, 164 goldsquaw, 57 olivacea, Piranga, 196 olivaceus, Regulus satrapa, 152 Vireo, 179 olivaceus, 179 Olor buccinator, 47 columbianus, 46 onocrotalus, Pelecanus, 6 oreganus, Junco, 200 oreinus, Dendragapus obscurus, 69 Oreoscoptes montanus, 140 orestera, Vermivora celata, 171, 172 oriantha, Zonotrichia leucophrys, 161 Oriole, Bullock's, 181 Hooded, 180 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 223 121 184 Northern, 154, 180 Scott's, 181 orius, Picoides villosus, ornatus, Calcarius, 157 oryzivorus, Dolichonyx, Osprey, 66 Otus asio, 108 ceneraceus, 108 inyoensis, 108 maxwelliae, 108, 109 mychophilus, 108 flameolus flameolus, 109 otus, Asio, 111 Ovenbird, 198 Owl, Barn, 83, 84, 108 Burrowing, 87,110,111 Flammulated, 109 Great Gray, HI Great Horned, 109 Long-eared, 85,86,111 Pygmy, 17, 110 Saw-whet, 89,90,112 Screech, 27, 108 Short-eared, 88, 112 Snowy, 110 Spotted, 111 Oxyura jamaicensis rubida. Oyster-catcher, Black, 193 59 pacifica, Calidris alpina, 93 Gavia arctica, 31 pacificus, Anthus spinoletta, 134 Troglodytes troglodytes, 139 pallescens. Bubo virginianus, 110 pallida, Carduelis tristis, 184 Spizella, 164 pallidiceps, Bombycilla garrulus, 135 palmarum, Dendroica, 198 palustris, Cistothorus, 138 Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, Pandionidae, 66 Parabuteo unicinctus, 192 parasiticus, Stercorarius, 99 parisorum. Icterus, 181 parkmanii. Troglodytes aedon, Partridge, California, 71 Chukar, 73 Eastern, 71 Gray, 73 Hungarian, 20, 73 Paridae, 152, 153 Parula americana, 197 Pamlidae, 171 Parus atricapillus, 152 garrinus, 153 66 139 nevadensis, 153 septentrionalis, 153 gambeli, 10, 153 gambeli, 153 inyoensis, 153 wasatchensis, 153 inornatus, 10, 153 ridgwayi, 153 parvipes, Branta canadensis, 47 parvus, Numenius americanus, 81 Passer domesticus domesticus, 187 plecticus, 200 Passerina amoena, 10, 169 caendea interfusa, 169 cyanea, 170 passerina, Columbina, 194 Spizella, 164 pelagica, Chaetura, 114 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 34 occidentalis, 37 onocrotalus, 6 Pelecanidae, 34 Pelican, Brown, 37, 39 White, 6, 17, 20, 21, 25, 30, 34, 36, 37, 39 penelope. Anas, 53 percontatrix, Cyanocitta stelleri, 188 Perdix perdix perdix, 73 perdix, Perdix, 73 Perdix perdix, 73 peregrina, Vermivora, 197 peregrinus, Falco, 67 Perisoreus canadensis capitalis, 189 perpallidus, Ammodramus savannarum, 163 perspicillata, Melanitta, 58 petechia, Dendroica, 173, 200 Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, 133 hypopolia, 133 pyrrhonota, 133 tachina, 133 petrorus, Melodivireo gilvus, 200 Pewee, Western Wood, 27, 28, 128 phaeopus, Numenius, 81 Phainopepla, 136 Phainopepla nitens lepida, 136 Phalacrocoracidae, 39 Phalacrocorax auritus, 39 albociliatus, 40 auritus, 40 Phalaenoptilus nuttallii nuttall Phalarope, Northern, 26, 99 Red, 98 Wilson's, 26, 73, 98 Phalaropodidae, 98 113 224 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Phalaropus fiilicarius, 98 lobatus, 99 tricolor, 98 phasianellus, Tympanuchus, 69 Phasianidae, 71 Phasianus colchicus, 72 Pheasant, Ring-necked, 20, 72 Pheucticiis ludovicianus, 168 melanocephalus melanocephalus, 169 Philadelphia, Larus, 102 philadelphicus, Vireo, 199 Phoebe, Black, 27, 125 Eastern, 125 Say's, 125 phoebe, Sayornis, 125 phoeniceus, Agelaius, 182, 200 Phoenicopteridae, 46 Phoenicopterus ruber, 46 Pica pica hudsonia, 189 pica. Pica, 189 Picidae, 119 picinus, Dryocopus pileatus, 119 Picoides pubescens leucurus, 121 scalaris cactophilus, 122 tridactylus dorsalis, 122 villosus, 121 leucothorectus, 121 monticola, 121 orius, 121 pictus, Myioborus, 178 Myioborus pictus, 178 Pigeon, Band -tailed, 104, 105 Common, 105 pileatus, Diyocopus, 119 piliolata, Wilsonia pusilla, 178 Pinicola enucleator montanus, 186 Pintail, 26, 51 pinus, Carduelis, 184 Carduelis pinus, 184 Pipilo aberti aberti, 168 chlorurus, 167 erythrophthalmus, 10, 167 arcticus, 168 montanus, 168 Pipit, Water, 28, 133 Sprague's, 195 pipixcan, Larus, 101 Piranga flava, 196 ludoviciana, 170 zephyrica, 200 olivacea, 196 rubra cooperi, 170 platycercus, Selasphorus, 117 Selasphonis platycercus, 117 platypterus, Buteo, 191 platyrhyncha. Anas, 200 platyrhynchos. Anas, 50 Anas platyrhynchos, 50 plecticus. Passer domesticus, 200 Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis, 158 Plegadis chihi, 45 plesius, Cistothorus palustris, 138 Ploceidae, 187 Plover, American Golden, 80 Black -bellied. 80 Mountain, 79 Semipalmated, 78 Snowy, 26, 78 Upland, 193 plumbeus, Psaltriparus minimus, 155 Vireo solitarius, 179 Pluvialis dominica dominica, 80 squatarola, 80 Podiceps auritus, 31 grisegena, 191 nigricollis californicus, 33 podiceps, Podilymbus, 33 Podilymbus podiceps, 33 Podicipedidae, 31 Podilymbus podiceps podiceps, 33 polionotus, Catharus guttatus, 145 Polioptila caeridea amoenissima, 148 melanura, 195 polyglottos, Mimus, 140 Pooecetes gramineus, 165 affinis, 165 confinis, 165 Poor-will, 113 Porphyrula martinica, 77 Porzana Carolina, 75 Progne subis, 131 arboricola, 132 propinquus, Turdus migratorius, 146 providentalis, Psaltriparus minimus, 155 psaltria, Carduelis, 184 Psaltriparus minimus, 153 plumbeus, 155 providentalis, 155 psanimochroa, Stelgidopteryx ruticollis, 132 psittacula, Cyclorrhynchus, 194 Ptarmigan, White-tailed, 192 pubescens, Picoides, 121 purpureus, Carpodacus, 199 I 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 225 pusilla, Calidris, 93 Sitta, 156 Spizella, 196 Wilsonia, 177 pusilla, 178 pusillus, Vireo bellii, 178 pygmaea, Sitta, 156 Pyrocephalus rubinus tlanimeiis, 129 pyrrhonota, Petrochelidon, 133 Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, 133 Quail, California, 8, 27, 71 Gambel's, 72 Valley, 71 querula, Zonotrichia, 160 Quiscalus quiscula, 183 quiscula, Quiscalus, 183 Rail, Sora, 75 Virginia, 75 Yellow, 193 Rallidae, 75 Rallus limicola limicola, 75 Raven, 17, 190 Recurvirostra americana, 96 Recurvirostridae, 96 Redhead, 54 Redpoll, Common, 185 Redstart, American, 22, 175, 176 Painted, 178 regalis, Buteo, 63 Regulus calendula cineraceus, 152 satrap a, 150 amoenus, 152 olivaceous, 152 Remizidae, 153 richardsonii, Falco columbarius, 68 ridgwayi, Parus inornatus, 153 Verniivora ruficapilla, 172 Riparia riparia riparia, 132 riparia, Riparia, 132 Riparia riparia, 132 Rissa tridactyla tridactyla, 102 Roadmnner, 107, 108 Robin, American, 27, 146 rossii, Chen, 50 ruber, Phoenicopterus, 46 mbescens, Anthus spinoletta, 134 nibida, Oxyura jamaicensis, 59 rubiginosa, Dendroica petechia, 173 rubinus, Pyrocephalus, 129 nibra, Piranga, 170 rubripes. Anas, 50 rufa, Calidris canutus, 91 rufescens, Dichromanassa, 191 ruficapilla, Vermivora, 172 nificeps, Aimophila, 166 ruficollis, Stelgidopteryx, 132 rufum, Toxostoma, 140 rufus, Selasphorus, 117 rustica, Hirundo, 132 rusticolus, Falco, 192 ruticilla, Setophaga, 175 sabini, Xema, 102 Xema sabini, 102 Sage Hen, 6, 20 salicicola, Catharus fuscescens, 144 Salpinctes mexicanus conspersus, 137 obsoletus obsoletus, 137 sanctijohannis, Buteo lagopus, 63 Sanderling, 26, 95 Sandpiper, Baird's, 92 Least, 26, 91, 93 Pectoral, 92 Semipalmated, 93 Solitary, 64, 82 Spotted, 26,81,82 Stilt, 95 Upland, 193 Western, 26, 91, 95 White-rumped, 193 sandwichensis, Ammodramus, 162 sanus, Lophortyx gambelii, 72 Sapsucker, Williamson's, 120 Yellow-bellied, 28, 120 satrapa, Regulus, 150 saturatus, Contopus sordidulus, 128 savannarum, Ammodramus, 163 saxatalis, Aeronautes, 115 Aeronautes saxatalis, 116 saya, Sayornis, 125 Sayornis saya, 125 Sayornis nigricans semiatra, 125 phoebe, 125 saya, 125 saya, 125 yukonensis, 125 scalaris, Picoides, 122 scandiaca, Nyctea, 110 Scardafella inca, 107 Scaup, Greater, 54, 56 Lesser, 55, 56 schistacea, Zonotrichia iliaca, 159 scirpicola, Geothlypis trichas, 177 sclateri, Aeronautes saxatalis, 116 scolopaceus, Limnodromus, 96 Scolopacidae, 80 Scoter, Black, 191 Surf, 58, 59 White-winged, 57 scottii, Aimophila ruficeps, 166 226 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Seiurus aurocapillus, 198 noveboracensis, 176 limnaeus, 176 notabilis, 176 Selasphonis platycerus platycerus, 117 rufus, 117 semiatra, Sayornis nigricans, 125 semipalmatus, Catoptrophorus, 90 Charadrius, 78 sennetti, Chordeiles minor, 113 Icterus cucullatus, 180 septentrionalis, Parus atricapillus, 153 septentrionalium. Anas cyanoptera, 52 serrator, Mergus, 60 Mergus serrator, 60 serripennis, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, 132 Setophaga ruticilla tricolora, 175 Shoveler, Northern, 53 Shrike, Loggerhead, 100, 134 Northern, 135 shufeldti, Junco hyemahs, 162 Sialia curnicoides, 143 mexicana, 143 bairdi, 143 occidentaHs, 143 siccicola, Contopus sordidulus, 128 simplex, Anabrus, 101 sinuatus, Corvus corax, 190 Siskin, Pine, 184 Sitta canadensis, 156 caroHnensis, 156 nelsoni, 157 tenuissima, 157 uintaensis, 157 pusilla, 156 canescens, 156 mehinotis, 156 pygmaea, 156 Sittidae, 156 smithsonianus, Larus argentatus, 100 Snipe, Common, 26, 58, 80, 81 Wilson's, 17 Solitaire, Townsend's, 27, 144 solitaria, Tringa, 82 Tringa solitaria, 84, 85, 87 solitarius, Solivireo, 200 Vireo, 179 solitudinus, Carpodacus mexicanus, 186 Solivireo solitarius jacksoni, 200 sonoriensis, Agelaius phoeniceus, 182 Lanius ludovicianus, 135 Sora, 75 Sora Rail, 75 sordidulus, Contopus, 128 sordidus, Carpodacus mexicanus, 186 Sparrow, Baird's, 196 Black -chinned, 164 Black-throated, 27, 133, 136, 165 Brewer's, 27, 130, 164, 165 Cassin's, 196 Chipping, 28, 147, 164 Clay-colored, 164, 165 English, 8, 20, 187 Field, 196 Fox, 22, 158 Golden-crowned, 162 Grasshopper, 163 Harris, 160 House, 187 Idaho White -crowned, 200 Lark, 165 Le Conte's, 163 Lincoln's, 160 Pale House, 200 Rufous -crowned, 166 Sage, 27, 139, 141, 166 Savannah, 162, 165 Song, 159, 164 Swamp, 160 Tree, 164 Vesper, 27, 165 White-crowned, 127, 160, 161, 162, 164 White-throated, 161 sparverius, Falco, 68 Falco sparverius, 68 Sphyrapicus thyroideus nataliae, 120 varius nuchalis, 120 spinoletta, Anthus, 133 Spiza americana, 1G8 Spizella arborea ochracea, 164 atrogularis evura, 164 breweri breweri, 164 pallida, 164 passerina arizonae, 164 pusilla, 196 sponsa, Aix, 53 Spoonbill, Roseate, 46 spragueii, Anthus, 195 squatarola, Pluvialis, 80 Starling, 27, 187, 188 Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, 132 psammochroa, 132 serripennis, 132 stellata, Gavia, 31 stelleri, Cyanocitta, 188 Cyanura, 188 Stellula calliope, 117 Stercorariidae, 99 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 227 Stercorarius longicaudus, 99 parasiticus, 99 stereus, Agalaius phoeniceus, 200 Sterna caspia, 104 forsteri, 102 hinindo, 103 Stilt, Black -necked, 23, 26, 67, 70, 98 Stork, Wood, 45 strepera. Anas, 51 striata, Dendroica, 175 striatulus, Accipiter gentilis, 61 striatus, Accipiter, 61 Butorides, 41 stricklandi, Loxia curvirostra, 187 strigatus, Chondestes grammacus, 165 Strigidae, 108 Strix nebulosa nebulosa, 111 occidentalis lucida. 111 Sturnella neglecta, 182 Sturnidae, 187 Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris, 187 subis, Progne, 131 suckleyi, Falco columbarius, 68 surinamensis, Chlidonias niger, 104 swainsoni, Buteo, 63 Catharus ustulatus, 145 swainsonii, Vireo gilvus, 180 Swallows, Bank, 132 Barn, 132 Cliff, 6, 97, 133 Rough -winged, 132 Tree, 28, 94, 131 Violet-green, 28, 131 Swan, Trumpeter, 47 Whistling, 46, 47 swarthi, Zonotrichia iliaca, 159 Swift, Black, 114 Chimney, 114 Vaux's, 114 White -throated, 115 Sylviidae, 150 Synthliboramphus antiquus, 104 tabida, Grus canadensis, 75 tachina, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, 133 Tachycineta bicolor, 131 thalassina lepida, 131 Tanager, Hepatic, 196 Rocky Mountain Western, 200 Scarlet, 196 Summer, 170 Western, 28, 170 Tatder, Wandering, 193 taverneri, Branta canadensis, 47 Teal, American Green-winged, 51, 52 Blue-winged, 52 Cinnamon, 26, 52 tenuissima, Sitta carolinensis, 157 tephrocotis, Leucosticte arctoa, 185 Tern, Black, 23, 26, 76, 104 Caspian, 104 Common, 103 Forster's, 23, 26, 102, 103 teter, Cathartes aura, 60 Tetraonidae, 69 texensis, Chordeiles acutipennis, 114 thalassina, Tachycineta, 131 Thrasher Bendire's, 141 Brown, 140 Crissal, 27, 142, 143 Le Conte's, 27, 141 Sage, 27, 140 Threskiornithidae, 45 Thrush, Grey-cheeked, 195 Hermit, 28, 112, 145 Swainson's, 145 Varied, 144 Willow, 144 Wood, 145 Thryomanes bewickii eremophilus, 138 thula, Egretta, 44 Leucophoyx, 199 thyroideus, Sphyrapicus, 120 Titmouse, Plain, 9, 10, 27, 153 tolmiei, Geothlypis, 177 Geothlypis tolmiei, 177 Totanus, 81 Towhee, Abert's, 27, 168 Green -tailed, 28, 167 Rufous-sided, 10, 28, 167 townsendi, Dendroica, 174 Myadestes, 144 Myadestes townsendi, 144 Toxostoma bendirei, 141 bendirei, 141 dorsale coloradense, 142 lecontei, 141 lecontei, 141 rufum longicauda, 140 traillii, Empidonax, 125 treganzai, Ardea herodias, 40, 41 trichas, Geothlypis, 176 tricolor, Hydranassa, 191 Phalaropus, 78 Setophaga ruticilla, 175 tridactyla, Rissa, 102 Rissa tridactyla, 102 tridactylus, Picoides, 122 Tringa, 81 228 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST MEMOIRS No. 1 Tringa flavipes, 89 macularia, 81 melanoleuca, 87 solitaria, 82 cinnamomea, 85, 87 solitaria, 84, 85, 87 tristis, Carduelis, 184 Trochilidae, 116 Troglodytes aedon parkmanii, 139 troglodytes, 10, 138 pacificus, 139 troglodytes, Troglodytes, 10, 138 Troglodytidae, 137 tuftsi, Asio otus. 111 tundrius, Falco peregrinus, 67 Turdus migratorius propinquus, 146 Turkey, 74 Turnstone, Ruddy, 80 Tyrannidae, 122 Tyrannus tyrannus, 122 verticalis, 123 vociferans, 123 tyrannus, Tyrannus, 122 tyrannulus, Myiarchus, 123 Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus, 69 Tyto alba, 108 Tytonidae, 108 uintaensis, Sitta carolinensis, 157 ultramarina, Aphelocoma, 199 umbellus, Bonasa, 69 unicinctus, Parabuteo, 192 unicolor, Cinclus mexicanus, 136 urophasianus, Centrocercus, 71 urophasianus, Centrocercus urophasianus, 71 ustulatus, Catharus, 145 utahensis, Agelaius phoeniceus, 182 Eremophila alpestris, 129 utahicola, Geothlypis trichas, 177 valisineria, Aythya, 54 varia, Mniotilta, 171 varius, Sphyrapicus, 120 vauxi, Chaetura, 114 Chaetura vauxi, 114 Veery, 22, 144 veliei, Contopus sordidulus, 128 velox, Accipiter striatus, 61 Verdin, 153 Vermivora celata, 171 celata, 171, 172 lutescens, 171, 172 orestera, 171, 172 luciae, 172 peregrina, 197 nificapilla ridgwayi, 172 virginiae, 172 verticalis, Tyrannus, 123 vespertinus, Coccothraustes, 187 vicinior, Vireo, 179 villosus, Picoides, 121 virens, Dendroica, 198 Icteria, 178 Vireo, Bell's, 178 Gray, 179 Jackson's Solitary, 200 Philadelphia, 199 Red-eyed, 179 Solitary, 28, 150, 179 Warbling, 151, 180 White-eyed, 178 Wyoming Warbling, 200 Yellow -throated, 198 Vireo bellii arizonae, 178 pusillus, 178 flavifrons, 198 gilvus, 180 leucopolius, 180 swainsonii, 180 griseus noveboracensis, 178 olivaceus olivaceus, 179 philadelphicus, 199 solitarius, 179 cassinii, 179 plumbeus, 179 vicinior, 179 Vireonidae, 178 virescens, Butorides, 41 Butorides virescens, 41 virginiae, Vermivora, 172 virginianus. Bubo, 109 Colinus, 71 virginis, Melospiza melodia, 159 vociferans, Tyrannus, 123 vociferus, Caprimulgus, 194 Charadrius, 79 vociferus, 79 vulgaris, Sturnis, 187 Sturnis vulgaris, 187 Vultur californianus, 60 Vulture, Red-headed, 60 Turkey, 60 Warbler, Arizona Yellow, 200 Audubon's, 175 Bay -breasted, 175 Black-and-white, 171 Blackburnian, 198 Blackpoll, 175 Black -throated blue, 173 1976 BIRDS OF UTAH 229 Black-throated gray, 27, 174 Black -throated green, 198 Canada, 178 Connecticut, 177 Grace's, 173, 174 Hermit, 174 Lucy's, 172 MacGillivray's, 177 Magnolia, 174 Nashville, 172 Northern Parula, 197 Orange-crowned, 28, 171 Palm, 198 Tennessee, 197 Townsend's, 174 Virginia's, 28, 172 Wilson's, 177 Yellow, 27, 148, 173 Yellow -rumped, 28, 149, 175 Yellow-throated, 198 wasatchensis, Parus gambeli, 153 Waterthrush, Northern, 176 Waxwing, Bohemian, 17, 27, 135 Cedar, 27, 135 Whimbrel, 81 Whip-poor-will, 194 Whistling-Duck, Fulvous, 50 Wigeon, American, 53 European, 53 Willet, 26, 90 Wilsonia canadensis, 178 pusilla, 177 pileolata, 178 pusilla, 178 woodhouseii, Aphelocoma coerulescens, Woodpecker, Acorn, 195 Downy, 28, 121 Hairy, 28, 121 Ladder-backed, 122 Lewis', 120 Northern Three-toed, 28, 122 Pileated, 119 Red-headed, 119 Wren, Bewick's, 138 Cactus, 137 Canyon, 137 House, 28, 106, 109, 139 189 Long-billed Marsh, 22, 26, 138, 142 Rocic, 28, 103, 137 Winter, 10, 138 wrightii, Empidonax, 126, 127 Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 181 xanthocephalus, Xanthocephalus, 181 Xema sabini sabini, 102 Yellowlegs, Greater, 87, 90 Lesser, 89 Yellowthroat, Common, 26, 176 yukonensis, Sayornis saya, 125 zastereus, Agelaius phoeniceus, 200 Zenaida asiatica mearnsi, 105 macroura marginella, 105 zephyrica, Piranga ludoviciana, 200 Zonotrichia albicollis, 161 atricapilla, 162 georgiana ericrypta, 160 iliaca, 158 schistacea, 159 swarthi, 159 leucophrys, 161 aphaea, 200 gambelii, 161 leucophrys, 161 oriantha, 161 lincolnii, 160 alticola, 160 lincolnii, 160 melodia, 159 fallax, 159 fisherella, 159 guttata, 159 juddi, 159 merrilli, 159 montana, 159 querula, 160 Zoothera naevia, 144 meruloides, 144 naevia, 144 cJfcme Bookbinding Co., Inc. 100 Cambridge St. Charlestown. MA 02129 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniii 3 2044 072 231 384 Date Due 1