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c*<h

FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF CALII'ORNIA.

Pacific Coast Avifauna

^^f.iz:

No. -2.

A LIST OF THE L\ND BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ
COUNTY, CALIFORNIA/^'^'

BY

RICHARD c. McGregor.

)lit|lTiflMtCf«l

SANT.V CI.ARA. CALI !•( )RM.\,

IMlU.I.SIIl-.I) \\\ THK Cl.Un.

M;iv 15, U)Oi.

1^" Uos'(h^/2.

. . . NOTK . . .

Pacific Coast x\vifauna No. 2 is the second of a series of
publications issued by the Cooper Ornithological Club of Califor-
nia for the accommodation of papers meriting special consideration
or whose length prohibits their appearance in the official organ.

The publications of the Cooper Ornithological Club consist of
two series- The Condor, which is the bi-monthly official organ,
and the Pacific Coast Auifauna.

Both sets of publications are sent free to honorar>- members,
and to active members in good standing.

CONTENTS .

Introduction ^ 4

Land Birds of Santa Cruz County 5-22

A LIST OF THE LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRIZ
COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

IJv Richard C. McCiRHCOR.

IXTRODrCTlOX.

SOME time ago Mr. \V. Otto Kmenson prepared for publication a
paper under the title of Some of the Birds of Santa Cruz County, Cali-
fornia, including therein observations made during his several collect-
ing trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains. These trips were in vSeptem-
ber, 1883. October and November, 1884, and May, 1S89. In the introduc-
tion he says: "I have gone over this route three different seasons, making
not longer than a three weeks outing at one trip. I found that the bird
life did not vary greatly from the canyons of the upper Los Gatos, Soquel,
Boulder and Bear Creeks to the higher ground of the sunmit which lies
2100 feet above the sea level. One great cause of abundance of bird life
in this range of country is the great variety of timber and brush which
furnishes an abundance of food for insectivorous birds as well as for those
that feed upon fruits and seeds, and which gives them at the same time
shelter during storms and in the nesting season. The timl)er is composed of
hve, black, white, and tan-bark oaks, redwood, narrow-cone pine, creek alder,
maple, sycamore, laurel, madrone and willow, with an undergrowth of what
is known as the wild coffee bush, buckeye and azalea. Chemise, sage,
manzanita. and mountain mahogany are found only around the top of
Loma Prieta. In the deep, dark canyons not so much bird hfe was found
as I expected nor as was noted in the more open and higher places. As
it was the migration season I looked for many stragglers moving southward
in September and early November. Of the 1 18 species here given, 97 were
found breeding, leaving only 21 as visitants from other localities and a
number of these no doubt would have been found nesting later on."

In 1898 Mr. Henry B. Kaeding spent a month in the Santa Cruz Moun-
tains and presented before the Cooper Ornithological Club a paper on Sonic
Summer Birds of Santa Cruz County. Concerning his list Mr. Kaeding
says: "The following notes were taken during one month's stay — from
May 1 to June i — upon the top of lien Lomond Mountain, Santa Cruz
County, at an altitude of 2300 feet, and eight miles west of Boulder Creek.
No species are recorded except such as came actually under my observa-
tion and were positively identified. While undoubtedly many species in-
habit this region besides those noted here, the following are all that can
be vouched for bv the writer. The list comj^rises sixty-six genera, em-

2 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

bracing eighty species and subspecies. No attempt has been made to re-
cord otiier than land birds."

It has been suggested that, for publication, these two lists be combined
and this is the part which I have undertaken. In most cases I have quot-
ed in full from the above lists, crediting the author in each instance with
his respective notes.

In March, 189S, Mr. T. J. Hoover and I spent two weeks just north of
Santa Cruz and in July of the same year Mr. Hoover collected near the
same locality. Notes made on these trips are here incorporated.

The original plan was to use only these manuscript notes but I think
it desirable to include such published notes as are at hand and I trust the
result is a fairly complete list of the land birds of Santa Cruz County. The
pre.-ent list is of local interest only, l)Ut it is l.oped that it may be cf as-
sistance to those engaged in faunal work and form a foundation for a
future and more complete exposition of the vSanta »^ruz avifauna.

Of the published lists, one by Skirm,' enumerating eighty-four land
and thirteen water birds and one by McGregor and Fiske,Miave been
used extensively in the present paper. Belding's Land Birds^^ has supplied
notes on numerous species of the region and a paper by J. (i. Ccoper-^ has
furnished dates of migration and of nesting.

Any notes in the text of the present paper which are credited to Mc-
Gregor and Fiske or to either of them are from their published list. While
the identifications of the species in that list are reliable, we wish to disclaim
all responsibility for the numerous typographical errors, as it was printed
without any proof reaching our hands.

Our list included notes made by me at vSanta Cruz during the summer
and fall of 1888 and the summers of 1889 and 1S91, as well as notes c( 1-
lected by Fiske during a continued residence in the county of five years.

The scientific nomenclature of the present ]raper is that rcconunended
by the American Ornithologists' Union with such additional nrmes as have
been published since the date of the last supplement to the A. O. U. check-
list. The trivial names are in most instances from the same checklist.

I am greatly indebted to Mr. Joseph Grinnell for a.'sistance on tlie sci-
entific names of this list, and to Mr. Walter K. Fisher for the following
description of the Santa Cruz region.

1 List of Birds of Santa Cruz Co., Cal. by Joseph Skirm, Ornilhologist and Oo/ogisi. IX; iS8^. pp. 149, 150.

2 Annotated I^ist of the I,and and Water Birds of Santa Cruz County. Cahiornia by R. C. McGregor and

E. H. Fiske. Originally published in the History of Santa Cruz County and reprinted in the Natural
History of Santa Cruz County Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, Cal. (Nodate, about 1892.,)

3 Land Birds of the Pacific District by I.yman Belding. Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci. II; 1830.

4 On the Migrations and Nesting Habits of West Coast Birds by J. G. Cooper, M. D. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.,

Jan. 20, 1S80, pp. 241-251.

May 19OI.] LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRIV, COTNTY. 3

FAUNAL POSITION OF SANTA CRUZ COI'NTV.

The ti^reater ])art of vSanta Cruz County lies within the Pacific Coast
Transition l<'aunal Area.' This is a humitl tlivision of the Transition zone,
as defiueil l>v Dr. C. Hart Merriani. 'I'he belt extends from the Santa
Barbara Mountains north as a narrow stri]) next to the coast to the vicin-
ity of Cape Menchcino, where it merges into the boreal Northwest Coast
District. Tiiis Humid Transition^ belt continues north into the western
parts of Oret^on and Washington between the coast mountains and the
Cascade Rau'^e. In California the Humid Transition merges into the Arid
Transition on the east and occasionally into the Upper Sonoran.

The Pacific Coast Transition Faunal An.'a is a region of heavy rain-
fall and of frequent fogs. In California the latter are especially prevalent
(luring the sunmier when there is little rain. As a result \-egetation is
luxuriant beyond any measure to be found elsewhere in California, ex-
cepting, of course, the northwest coast.

With this humidity is correlat^;d a pL^culiarly etiuable climate. Through-
out the summer the mean temperature is low for the latitude, so that boreal
.species'^ cf animals and plants are enabled to push southward in low alti-
tudes. On the other hand the season of reproduction is much prolonged
on account of this singularly uniform climate. This brings the sum total
of summer heat rather high for the region, and many Austral or Warm
Temperate types are thus enabled to flourish.''

In the Santa Cruz mountains all these conditions exist. The region
is characterized by a rather heavy rainfall, particularly that area known
as the Big Basin. The climate is temperate, yet frosts occur in the moun-
tain canyons as late as the last of May. But on the other hand the total
amount of summer heat is high and thus it is that many forms found in
the Sonoran valley to the east and south are likewise familiar residents of
the Santa Cruz Mountains. ^

The Humid Transition portion of the Santa Cruz Mountains merges
into the Upper Sonoran on the outlying hills and valleys to the east and
southeast. This border land is usually one of great confusion in zone
boundaries, for plants characteristic of either zone will frequently be
found growing together in perfect amity. As a rule on these outlying
ridges, the upper and hotter slopes contain a totality of forms character-
istic of the Upper vSonoran zone, while the Transition is confined to the
deep canyons. Many mountains are covered with extensive areas of
chamiso { Adcnostoma fasciculatuni) which seem often to follow certain rock
formations. 5 Thus it is we find the Upper Sonoran zone ranging up high
on these peaks, for the chamiso, which is characteristic of this zone is able
to crowd out everything but chaparral plants and shrubs, and a large
quantity of heat is let in. The region affords an excellent opportunity to

1 See I.ife Zones and Crop Zones of the United States by C. Hart Merriani. Bui. 10, I'. S. Dep't Agri. Div.

Biol. Surv. 1898, p .27.

2 This name will be used as a more convenient term for the Pacific Coast Tran.sition Faunal Area.

3 Among the birds may be noted Anoithiiia hifmalis pacifica. Cyaiiocilta sit'llt'i i cai boiiacea.

4 Such birds as Aphelocoma lalifot nica. Pipilo finciis crissalis, Carpoiiaciis pii>piirens laii/ornirus, I'heo

gilviis s7vainsoni are examijles.

5 For instance tho.se containing much lime sicm to be prclerred.

4 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

Study the effects of slope exposure, of prevalent fog currents, of soil, and of
relative dryness and humidity, for these are all to be observed within a
comparatively small area. It would be beyond the purpose of this outline
to enter into these problems.

As stated above, the Humid Transition is a region of luxuriant vege-
tation though the number of species of plants is not large. Within the
Santa Cruz Mountains there is one of the finest small bodies of redwood
{Sequoia sempervircns) now extant. This forest is in the Big Basin, a
region drained l)y numerous creeks. From this center the forest, else-
where more or less broken, extends through many can>ons and frequently
up some distance on the ridges, where sooner or later it is replaced by the
Douglas spruce {PseiidofsuQa mucronata).

The redwoods are thus typically found in the canyons. In this
dark still forest bird life is scarce. The boreal nature of the.se tracts is ex-
hibited by the presence of such plants as Achlys triphylla, Ahms oregana,
Azalea ocddciitalis, Cory/us rostrata califorin'ca, Goultheria shallon, Myrica
californica, Oxalis orcffaua. Rhododendron californicnm, Rubiis parviflorus,
Vaccinium parvifolimn, \ 'acriniiini oratnni, and WHiipplca niodesta. The
tan-bark oak {Qncrciis den.\i//ora ) is also found in this forest, but thrives
better upon the drier ridges with the Douglas spruce. Those forms char-
acteristic of the drier ridges, yet undoubtedly Transition, are the Douglas
spruce, tan-bark oak, madrone (Arhu/ns n/e/zz/es/ ), narrow-cone pine ( Piniis
atteniiata), mi{\v/.^x\\ii\i^ (Aretostap/ylfs i/iiinniii/aiia, A. andersoni ffa/ia),
mountain lilac (Ceaind/ii/s t/iyrsifiorns), mountain mahogany (Cercoiarpus
bctii/(rfo/ius), and on debatable land Oiincns wislizrni and Castanopsis c/iry-
sop/iy//a. Mention should also l)e made of the (lOwen cypress iCi/pressi/s
ooirniana) which is found on Ben L()mond and in other localities.

Among those forms characteristic of the Upper Sonoran zone may be
mentioned the buckeye (.7iscn/iis ca/ifornica), liigeon-berry or wild cf ffee
{ R/ianniiis ia/ifo))i/ca), chamiso ( Ado/ostonia fascinilaliivi), sage ( .ir/oi/isia
californica), and blue oak i Oiierciis dong/asi).

The Santa Cruz Mountain region appears to be the home of a num-
ber of characteristic birds which, however, range to the southward, and
perhaps somewhat the northward. These are Jiouo /ivcinalis pinosns,
C/ianura faselata i>iterniedia, Pants riifescens barloici. Typical Thryoniancs
bcivicki spilioHs is found here and in the valleys around, and such birds as
Cyanocitta stcUcri carbonacea, Zonotrichia leiicophrys iinttalli, Anorfhnra
hiemalis pacijica, Sitta pygmcea and Dryobates villosiis harrisi, though of
wider distribution give a distinct tone to the region.

W'ai^tfr K. Fisher.

May I9OI.] LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 5

LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY.

1. Oreortyx pictus (Z?^//^/.). Mountain Partridge.

Fiske. — Rare, occasionally seen in the Santa Cruz mountains. Must
breed, as I saw a very young bird in the market here in July, 1888. Em-
erson.— I am told that in the Ben Lomond region this species is found.
Oreortvx was not observed by Kaeding nor have I seen it in the county.
It is safe to say that if found here it will prove to be a local race, quite di.s-
tinct from either /'/r/z/.s" or p/ii mi fei-iis.

2. Lophortyx calif ornicus (.S7/ </<(')• California Partridge.

Kmerson found it common all over the range. Kaeding considers it
common and took fresh eggs May 15, but saw no young birds. Specimens
examined by him were rather light colored, but by no means intermediate.
McGregor and Fiske found quail common on the coast in suitable local-
ities. Bailey found it common at Boulder Creek in October.'

3. Columba fasciata Say. Band-tailed Pigeon.

limerson. — Found large numbers congregated in September in the
tall sycamores in Soquel canyon. I am told they go to the .source of So-
quel creek, where they make their nests on the ground in large colonies.
Kaeding. — Two or three stragglers seen and may possibly breed in the
redwoods. Flocks are reported to be abundant in fall, feeding on madrone
berries. Recorded Dy Fiske as being common in the winter and rare in
summer. Coues* quotes Cooper on this species as follows: "I have found
them breeding in the Coast Range as far south as Santa Cruz, though I
did not succeed in finding any nests. I was told that they built in com-
panies, on low bushes in unfrequented parts of the mountains, but Town-
send found their eggs on the ground near the banks of streams in Oregon,
numbers congregating together. I have myself found eggs, which I sup-
posed to be of this bird, in a similar situation."

4. Zenaidura macroura {Linn.). Mourning Dove.

Emer.son found the dove common in all openings, while Kaeding re-
cords a few breeding pairs. McGregor and Fiske found it an abundant
sunnner resident along the coast, arriving about April i. Skirm^ gives it
as first seen April 10, 1882, and April 6, 1883.

5. Gymnogyps4 californianus (Shaw). California Condor.

Fiske. — The condor was common a few years ago, when it could be
seen feeding with the Turkey Vulture. The last I saw were two in Sep-
tember, 1885. A few still breed in the wild mountains north of Santa
Cruz. Breninger records the condor as breeding in the county, having its
nest in a huge redwood tree.s Emerson, on the verbal authority of
Cooper, records them as common in 1866. Skirm. — Tolerably common. I
have seen them in a flock in company with Cathartcs aura. It journeys
along the coast. ^

1. N. A. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, page 27.

2. Birds of N. W.. p. 386; also Cooper, Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 251.

3. Belding. Ld. Bds., Pac. Dist., p. 22.

4. Richmond. Condor III . igol. p. 49.

5. Xid. II, I8g5, p. 77.

6. Belding, op. n't., p. 2.1.

6 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

6. Cathartes aura {^Linn.^. Turkey Buzzard.

Emerson.— Could be seen sailing high over the ranges every day.
Kaeding.— Common, skimming the hilltops in bunches of three cr four.
An immature, fully fledged male was shot on June i. McGregor and
Fiske. — A common resident, breeding at Santa Cruz.

7. Elanus leucurus ( Vleill.). White-tailed Kite.

Emerson noted one along the shore between Soquel and Santa Cruz.
Fiske considers it rare at Santa Cruz, where he knows of but one set of
eggs being taken.

8. Circus hudsonius ^Liun.) Marsh Hawk.

Emerson. — Common along open fields and along the bay shores be-
tween Soquel and Santa Cruz. Two were seen in gray plumage. Mc-
Gregor and Fiske. — We have taken the Marsh Hawk near Santa Cruz.

9. Accipiter velox ( IVi/s.). Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Emerson. — Found all through the oak range. A silent forager on
small. birds at allftimes, sailing between the trees like an evil spirit. In
vSeptember, 1885. Fiske took a specimen which he referred to this species.

10. Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). Cooper Hawk.

Kaeding saw an adult female on May 10 and Emerson records a single
bird.

11. Buteo borealis calurus ( Ca.s.v.j. Western Redtail.

McGregor and Fiske found it to be a common resident near vSanta
Cruz, while Emerson found it common all through the country. Kaeding
gives it as breeding but not common.

12. Buteo lineatus elegans (Cd'.hx). Red-bellied Hawk.
Emerson gives it as having been found breeding by Ingersoll.

13. Buteo swainsoni i9i7??rt/). Swain.son Hawk.
McGregor and Fiske. — Occasionally seen at Santa Cruz.

14. Aquila chrysaetos {Linn.). Golden Eagle.

Skirm^ records the eagle as a "quite common resident" and Fiske has
taken its eggs. Emerson.— At the summit of one range looking down the
slope, a tall redwood stood out ak ne, .some 20d feet high. The wind-
broken top was the eyrie of this "king t,f the air," who could be seen float-
ing in circles far down the canyon. Kaeding.— A pr.ir of eagles und( ubt-
edly breeding among lofty clifis, were said to have b.en r.siJent there for
over ten years.

15. Haliaeetus leucocephalus (/.?"«;/.). Bald Eagle.
Fiske saw two in March, 1885.

16. Falco mexicanus Schlcg. Prairie Falcon.

Recorded by Fiske as breeding each year on a cliff eight miles north
of town.

Belding, op. cit., p.

May I9OI.] LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 7

17. Falco peregrinus anatum {Bonap.). Duck Hawk.

Emerson. — A rare falcon. One was seen alonj^ the high ranges of
Lonia Pricta.
iS. Falco columbarius Li)ni. Pigeon Hawk.

limerson.— Cooper, in his notes, mentions seeing this species.

19. Falco sparverius Linn. Sparrow Hawk.

Kmerson. — Noted quite commonh^ all through the mountains. Kaed-
iiig. — Common, breeding in the white-oak groves.

20. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (6"w(?7.). American Osprey.
Emerson. — Noticed on one occasion below Santa Cruz beach. Skirm.^

— A pair have nested here several summers.

21. Strix pratincola (i^f;/^'/'.;. American Barn Owl.

Fiske^ found fresh eggs in a hole on the face of a cliff July 5, 1884.
McGregor and Fiske. — The Barn Owl is abundant around Santa Cruz. It
nests in hollow trees, old houses and barns, and holes in cliffs. A second
set will be deposited if the first is taken. Emerson. — Heard all through
the forests at night. Kaeding. — Fairly conmion. breeding.

22. Asio wilsonianus {Less.). Long-eared Owl.

E^merson. — One was flushed out of an old gray S(|uirrel's nest in a
black oak. Kaeding. — Fairly connuon, breeding.

23. Asio accipitrinus (Z'^///.). Short-eared Owl.

I shot one in March, rSgS, from a flock of four or five in a field near
Hall's Beach.

24. Nyctala acadica (Gmel.). Saw-whet Owl.

Emerson. — Cooper tells me that he took this species at Santa Cruz
some years ago.

25. Megascops asio bendirei (/i';r7^'^/'.). California Screech Owl.

This and the following owls breed at Santa Cruz or very near there.
Emerson. — Common all through the forests. Kaeding. — Fairly common,
breeding.

26. Bubo virginianus pacificus Cassin. Pacific Horned Owl.

Emcrsrn. — Could be heard at early dusk saluting one another as they
c.ime cut of t'leir hidinj places, Too-hoo, too-hoo sounding loud and solemn
am n i^ tlie t;ill redwoods. Kaeding. — A very common breeder. Every
ni.;ht their calls cculd be heard and often at twilight as many as five or
six individuals congregated in a grove to swell the concert. Pending fur-
ther investigation and the collection of more material, I feel safe in saying
that the coast region, from Sonoma county south to San Benito County, is
inhabited by forms intermediate between sahirahis and pacificus. The
birds from Sonoma county show a decided leaning toward the dark race,
with slight increase in size, while these from the southern limit lean
toward the other extreme. I hope to have at my disposal before long ma-
terial enough to map definitely the distribution of these races in Califor-
nia. McGregor and P'iske. — Common resident in the redwoods where it
breeds.

i1 BelUing, op. cil., p. 40. '.

2. Young Oologist. Ill, 1885. p. 30.

8 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

27. Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea (i5(7;/t?/>.). Burrowing Owl.
McGregor and Fiske. — Fresh eggs can be found at Santa Cruz about

April 15. It usually nests in deserted squirrel holes, about four feet deep.
Kaeding. — Fairly common, breeding.

28. Glaucidium gnoma californicum (Sc/.). California Pygmy Owl.

Two heavily incubated eggs and the female parent were taken by
George H. Ready on June 8, 1876. The eggs were in a deserted wood-
pecker's hole in a dead poplar two miles from Santa Cruz on the San Lor-
enzo River.' Fiske shot a female at Soquel, September i, 1882.2 In May,
1881. Skirm found a nest with three eggs. 3

29. Geococcyx calif ornianus (Less.). Roadrunner.

Emerson. — Observed only once along an old unused mountain road.
Kaeding. — Two seen May 5. McGregor and Fiske. — Rare at Santa Cruz,
where we observed them in July and September.

30. Ceryle alcyon {Linn.). Belted Kingfisher.

Emerson. — I found this fisherman along the streams at all times.
Kaeding. — Common along every stream. McGregor and Fiske. — Found
breeding along streams in the mountains and taken at tide-water on the
San Lorenzo.

31. Dryobates villosus harrisi (.-:/// rt'.j. Harris Woodpecker.

Emerson. — A male, the only one seen, was shot. Kaeding. — Not
common. Eggs taken May 28 were about one-third incubated. McGreg-
or.— I took one at Santa Cruz August 17, 1891.

32. Dryobates pubescens gairdneri (.-Ind.). Gairdner Woodpecker.
Collected at Santa Cruz by Fiske and McGregor. Emerson. — Found

commonly all through the forests. Kaeding. — Conunon and undoubtedly
breeding.

33. Dryobates nuttalli ((7«w/^). Nuttall Woodpecker.

Emerson. — Seen more particularly among the oak timber. Kaeding.
— Conmion and undoubtedly breeding.

34. Sphyrapicus varius ruber (Gmel.).^ Red-breasted Sapsucker.
Emer.son. — This species seemed to be more comuon about the old ap-
ple orchards, where three or four were sure to be seen among the trees.

35. Sphyrapicus thyroideus {Cass.). Williamscn Sapsucker.

This species and .S". rnber have been taken near Santa Cruz by Vrco-
man and are considered by him to be migrants.

36. Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi Ridgw. Californian Woodpecker.
Emerson. — Was only seen in the openings among the dead trees. At

one place where I camped at the summit of the mountains for ten days,
was a slight hollow where there was a small stream. There were here
several tall, burnt trees on which a pair of these woodpeckers had their
store-house for acorns. Every morning a regular tag game came off be-

1. Cooper, Bull. Nutt. Oniith. Club, IV, 1879, p. 86.

2. Nat. Hist. S. C. Co., p. 56.
j. Belding, op. cit., p. 55.

^. Grinnell, Condor, III, 1901, p. 12.

May I9OI.] I.AXD BIROS OI-* saxta cru/, corx'i'Y. g

tvveen the woodpeckers and a pair or two of California and Blue-fronted
Jays. The woodpeckers would go away for acorns; then in would slip a
bluejay to steal an acorn, one being left on guard. The guard would
screech when he saw the woodpecker coming and oflT the jays would fly
until another chance came for them to slip in. vSometimes a jay was
caught in the act and in the fight which followed it would lose a great
many feathers. Kaeding found it common and undoubtedly breeding.
V'lske records taking A/e/a?/erpcs caro//?ii(s at i^antii Cruz, but I consider
the record very doubtful.

37. Colaptes auratus (A/ ;/;/.). h'licker.
One taken in April, 1885, by Fiske.

38. Colaptes cafer collaris ( [7;'.). Red-shafted Flicker.

lunerson. — Common all over the ranges. vSeveral of the yellow form
were seen. Kaeding. — Very abundant. Fresh eggs were taken June i.
Skirni. — Common; after breeding it fre(iuents orchards and feeds on fruit.
A clutch of eggs is five or six, rarely seven. ^

3 ;. Phalaenoptilus nuttalli californicus /\fdou\ Dusky Poor-will.

limerson. — The lonely note of this sprite was heard in the openings
in the spring months. Kaeding. — Not common, onh^ one noted. Skirm. —
\"ery rare in this vicinity. I have seen but five individuals since I came
here. IngersoU found the eggs in 1883; they were on the bare ground;
color, pure white. ^

40. Chordeiles 5/? Xighthawk.

Kaeding. — Xighthawks were seen often but none secured. I am not
prepared to name the form upon authentic grounds; very probably it will
prove to be C. a. fexciisis.

41. Chaetura vauxi ( 7c>z<;'«.y.). Vaux vSwift.

August 30, 1891, I saw a number of swifts flying over the river near
town, which I suppo.sed to be of this variety. 3 Emerson. — Was noticed
in large numbers in September and October, always at dusk, through the
Soquel canyon. I believe they breed there. Kaeding. — For the first two
weeks in May hardly a day passed without one or two flocks of these
swifts being seen. On May 14, for about three hours, the air was full of
feeding swifts, passing due north. Ovaries and testes were undeveloped
as late as May 18. Cooper. — Arrives May 4; leaves October 5.^

42. Aeronautes melanoleucus (Baird). White-throated Swift.
Fmcrson saw this swift with C. vanxi, but in less numbers, and Kaed-
ing noted a breeding colony.

43. Calypte anna (Less.). Anna Hummer.

This species is abundant about the town of Santa Cru/.. V,ui\\ limer-
son and Kaeding record it as common.

1. Belditig, of>. rit., p. 74.

2. /bid, p. 75.

3. Nat. Hi.st. Santa Cruz Co., p. 57.

4. Proc. Nat. Mils.. isSo. i>. 2,0.

lO PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

44. Selasphorus rufus {Gmel.). Rufous Hummer.

Emerson. — Seen here and there, more particularly in the openings,
where flowers were plentiful. Upon Loma Prieta among the sage and
mountain lilac, they were common, Kaeding. — A few were taken June i.

45. Selasphorus alleni Hensli. Allen Hummer.

Emerson. — Found along the river and creek banks. As the males
shot by, they seemed to l?ave a flame of fire from their bright, jewelled
throats. Kaeding.— A few taken June i.

46. Tyrannus verticalis Say. Arkansas Kingbird.

Emerson considers this species not common and Kaeding found it not
uncommon and breeding. Fiske gives it as not common, arriving about
April T.

47. Tyrannus vociferans Swains. Cassin Kingbird.

Fiske gives this bird as rare. Cooper says that they winter in small
flocks at Santa Cruz.^

48. Myiarchus cinerascens {Laivr.). Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Emerson found them around old woodpecker holes. Kaeding found

them to be one of the commonest breeding birds, inhabiting open glades
of oak timber and nesting as usual in the hollows of trees. PMske gives its
date of arrival at Santa Cruz as May i.

49. Sayornis saya {Bonap.). Say Phoebe.

Emerson and Kaeding give this species as occasionally seen, but not
common. Skirm gives it as quite common in fall and winter.^

50. Sayornis nigricans semiatra ( Vigors).^ Black Phoebe.
Emerson.— Seen at every bridge. Kaeding.— Fairly common, breeds.

McGregor and Fiske. — We found this an abundant resident.

51. Nuttallornis4 borealis {Swains.). Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Emer.-on. — I have a set of eggs in my collection taken by Ready on

the San Lorenzo River, b.^tween Felton and Santa Cruz. Kaeding.—
Common; breeds in tall firs and redwoods along the ridges. McGregor
and Fiske.— We found this large pjwe. a rat .cr r .r j sum 11 r r.. id.-nt.

52. Horizopus richardsoni {Swains. ).5 Western Wood Pewee.
Emerson. — Seen all through the mountains. Kaeding. — Sci.rce;

breeding late in May.

53. Empidonax difficilis Baird. Western Flycatcher.

Emerson. — Not common at any place through the mountains. Kaed-
ing.— Scarce; breeding late in May. Skirm. — Breeds at Santa Cruz.

54. Otocoris alpestris chrysolaema ( Wagl.). Mexican Horned Lark.

This lark nests in the vicinity of Santa Cruz. In fall old and young
collect in immense flocks, from which I have killed thirty at one shot.
Emerson. — Seen on several occasions in open fields or flats along the river.

1. Belding, o^. fz/., p. 92.

2. Belding, op. cit., p. 95.

j. Nelson, Auk, XVII; 1900, p. 125.

4. Oberholser, Auk, XVI; 1899, p. 331.

5. Oberholser. Auk, XVI. 1899, p. 333-

Ma}^ 1 90 1.] LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. II

55. Pica nuttalli And. Yellow-billed Magpie.

Regarding this species, Dr. C. L. Anderson of Santa Cruz writes me:
"Has not been seen in this county, as far as I know, for twenty-five years.
I saw a few myself the first year of my residence here about 1870. I can-
not say it resides here now." The magpie probably occurs within the
county on the San Benito River, below Sargents.

56. Cyanocitta stelleri carbonacea 6^;'zV/«<?//.' Coast Jay.

This form has been recorded usually as/ro/iia/is, though Kaeding was
inclined to refer it to stelleri and Fisher gives it as stelleri from Mon-
terey.^ I have long considered it distinct, but had no good examples of
stelleri for comparison. Fortunately Grinnell has been able to point out
the differences and name the race. Fiske.— The Coast Jay is a resident of
the redwoods. A nest with three eggs found May 21, 1890. was very
large, built in the fork of a tan-bark oak, fifteen feet from the ground.
The exterior of the nest was of twigs and small roots, intermixed with
mud; the lining was of root fibres. Kaeding. — Common; breeds. A com-
parison between the jays of the Coast Range and of the Sierra Nevada
show the birds of the coast to be decidedly referable to the form stelleri,
and not frontalis as is commonly supposed. While far from typical of C.
stelleri, the prevailing characters are of that race and are more pronounced
in birds from Marin county than in those from Monterey county. Emer-
son.— Common all through the forest ranges. Very shy; has a habit of
alighting on the lower limbs of the trees, then gradually going to the top
from one limb to another.

57. Aphelocoma californica ( Vig.). California Jay.

Emerson.— Not as common in the forest as the preceding, but like
them great robbers of woodpeckers' store of acorns. Kaeding. — Very
common; young out of the nest May 10.

58. Corvus corax sinuatus ( Wagl.). Raven.

Emerson gives the raven as rarely seen and Skirm gives it as rare. 3

59. Corvus americanus Ajid. Crow.

Recorded from the southeastern part of the county by Fiske. Kaed-
ing saw but one. It was seen but once by Emerson, who says, on the
autlicrity of Cooper, that it w£S quite common at Santa Cruz in 1S66 in
the willows along the river bottoms.

60. Agelaius gubernator californicus Nelson. Bicolored Blackbird.
Kaeding found the red-wing not common but breeding. Skir n gives

it as a common resident. Cooper says: "According to my observations this
species inhabits chiefly the interior of the State, Santa Cruz being the only
point on the coast where I have seen them."'*

61. Agelaius tricolor (.7/^ a'.). Tricolored Blackbird.

Emerson. — This and the preceding are common about swamp holes

I. Condor, II; 1900, p. 127.

-•. A'. A. Fauna. No. 7, p. 68.

5. Belding, op. cit.. p. 112.

4. Belding. op. cit.. p. 121.

12 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

and the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Skirni. — Common summer
resident. "^

62. Sturnella magna neglecta (And.). Western Meadowlark.
Emerson. — Common about the clearings and meadows. Kaeding. —

Common in grain fields; breeds.

63. Icterus bullocki (Szaams.). Bullock Oriole.

Seen about the ranches and clearings, where there were scattered live
oaks. Kaeding. — Breeds commonl^^ Fiske. — Abundant summer resident
arriving about April i. Skirm gives the following dates of first arrivals:
April 3, 1881; April 17, 1882; April 16, 18S3.2

64. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus ( Waj^/.). Brewer Blackbird.
Emerson. — Seen only about gardens and ranches. Kaeding. — Breeds

commonly. vSkirm. — Very common. ^

65. Coccothraustes vespertinus montanus ( /\/(/o-h'.). \W^stern Ivvcning
Grosbeak.

Recorded b}' McGregor and Fiske as a rare winter visitant, very ir-
regular in appearance. Ingersoll. — November 5, 18S5, eight f)r ten seen,
and Ready tells me he saw a large flock on San Lorenzo River, Xov. [.■*

66. Carpodacus purpureus californicus /?.?/;y/. California Purple iMnch.
Emerson. — Is found only along the river banks. Its f>u(i whistling

note easily distinguishes it from the house finch. Kaeding. — The purple
finch is by far the more abundant of the two Carpodaci, breeding common-
ly, and being very much in evidence with its loud, sweet song. Skirm — Tol-
erably common summer resident.5 Wm. A. Cooper^ found this finch breeding
in the wooded river bottoms and hills back of the town. Two sets, of four
and five eggs respectively, found May 30, 1875, were incubated a few
days. May 3, 1876, a nest with four fresh eggs was found.

67. Carpodacus mexicanus obscurus {McCall).^ House Finch.

In March Hoover and I found this bird in great flocks near Santa
Cruz. Emerson. — This is a common, cheery fellow heard everywhere.
Kaeding. — Very common; breeding.

68. Loxia curvirostra stricklandi Ridgiv. Mexican Cro.ssbill.

Emerson. — This bird is rarely seen and then but three or four to-
gether. In skins taken by Mr. Geo. Ready T saw .so difference from those
taken in the high Sierra.

69. Astragalinus tristis salicamans (Grinnell). Willow Goldfinch.
Emerson. — Not common at any time. Seen in scattered flocks about

the clearings with the following. Kaeding. — Not common.

70. Astragalinus psaltria (Say). Arkansas Goldfinch.

Emerson. — Noted more about the gardens than other places. Kaed-
ing.— Not common. Skirm.-v-Common summer resident.^

1. Belding o/. r//. p. 122.

2. Ibid, p. 126.

3. Ibid p. 129

4. Ibid, p. 130.

5. Ibid, p. 131,

6. Bull. Nutt. OrniUi. Club, III; 1878, pp. 8-Ki.

7. Oberholser, ^;<X:., XVI; 1899, p. 186.

8. fielding, op. cit., p. 137.

May T9OI.] LAND BIRDS Ol- SANTA CRUZ COl'XTY. 13

71. Astragalinus lawrencei (C«^^.)- Lawrence (ioldtliKli.

Emerson. — Noticed one near the Big Tree Grove at Felton. Nesting
in live oaks May i8, 1889. McGregor and Fiske. — Abundant summer res-
ident about vSanta Cruz.

72. Spinus pinus ( Wils.). Pine Siskin.

A pair of siskins was taken in March by Hoover and I. Kaeding. —
Throughout all of May siskins were abundant in small Hocks. The ovaries
were developed. Emerson. — On reaching the large pine grove at the top
of the ridge up from the river bottom of the San Lorenzo near Felton, my
companion and I noticed a siskin near the roadside gathering bits of dead,
dry grass. Soon it flew, with its mate following, to the end of a long pine
limb where there was a nest some forty feet up and ten feet or more from
the body of the tree.

73. Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus iBo)iap.). Western Savanna
Sparrow.

.Kaeding. — A few seen June i.

74. Ammodramus sandwichensis bryanti Ridgw. Bryant Marsh Sparrow.
In March Hoover and I found this bird in flocks with the Western

vSavanna Sparrow and I have taken numerous specimens in late summer,
from the marshes along the San Lorenzo River where it undoubtedly
breeds as both young and worn adults were secured. limerson. — Not un-
common al)out the hclds south of Santa Cruz.

75. Chondestes grammacus strigatus {Swains.). Western Lark Sparrow.
Found breeding near vSanta Cruz by McGregor and Fiske. Emer-
son.— Noticed near F>lton, around habitations. Kaeding — Not common;
breeds.

76. Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli Rido7c.^ Nuttall Sparrow.

This and the golden-crown we found abundant in March. The
species breeds about Santa Cruz. Emerson — Noticed sparingly all
through the mountains, but it was more plentiful near the coast about
thick bushes. Skirm — Common; stays the whole year in the low brush
along the beach; begins to breed about April 25; eggs from three to four;
raises two, possibly three broods in a season. «

77. Zonotrichia coronata {Pall.). Golden-crowned Sparrow.

F;merson observed this species once in November, 1884, at Wright
Station.

78. Zonotrichia albicollis {C.viel.). White-throated Sjjarrow.
Breninger records taking a male peabody at Santa Cruz on January

r, 1894, and seeing another later.3

79. Spizella socialis arizonae 6'<w<;'.v. Western Chijjping Sparrow.
Emerson. — Observed only about the gardens and small orchards near

the mountain residences. Kaeding, — Fairly common; breeds. Skirm. —
Tolerably common summer resident.*

1. Ridgway, Auk Xl'I; 1899, p. 36.

2. Belding, o/> f;V., ^. 151.

3. Bull. Cooper Ornith. Club, I; 1899, P- 93-

4. Beldiug, op. cit., p. 155.

14 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [Xo. 2.

80. Junco hyemalis pinosus (^Loomis). Point Pinos Junco.

I believe the authority for this race should stand in parentheses as
above and a line he added to the reference in the check-list:
Junco hyemalis pinosus A. O. U. Co.^ni. 6th Sup.

Fiske took a nest containing four fresh eggs on Ma}- 17, 1891, which
was placed on the ground under a vine. The nest was of dry grass, lined
with hair and a few feathers. Hoover and I saw several juncos late in
March above the Big Creek power house and about the dam. Hoover
took the species at Santa Cruz in July. Emerson. — I take this to be the
breeding Junco of this range of mountains. I see no difference between
these birds and those from the type localit\'. It is not a common bird at
any place in the mountains. Downy and fully feathered young were
seen on May 13, i88g, and a nest of three w'ell incubated eggs taken was
placed on the ground in a slight hollow at the foot of a bunch of grass.
The nesting site was on a steep hillside above an old logging road. The
nest was composed of redwood and other leaves, lined with fine dead
grass and a few cow hairs and compactly built. Both birds came close
about me, the female being very much concerned about her treasures, and
coming within two feet of my hand. The eggs are similar to others of
this genus in color, being greenish-white, marked all over with reddish-
brown, much like eggs of the Field Sparrow. I have shot at Hay wards in
early July young in nesting plumage, but know of no place nearer than
twenty-five miles w^here they are likely to be found l)reeding. Kaeding.
— Very common. Young birds were flying by May 25 and fresh eggs
were found on June i. All my specimens and some taken by Slevin be-
low Monterey are undoubtedly referable to pinosus. Cooper. — Resident
in mountains. Nests at foot of Santa Cruz Mountains, May i; at 3000
feet altitude nested May 30, 1864.^

81. Amphispiza belli (^Cass.). Bell Sparrow.

Emerson. — Seen once around the summit of Loma Prieta in the thick
chemise. No doubt it nests there.

82. Melospiza melodia samuelis {Baird). Samuels Song Sparrow.
Rather abundant near the coast in the marshy localities where it is

resident, I think. Secured by myself and Mr. Hoover. Emerson. — Met
with near the coast. The species of this genus will ahvays be difficult to
separate, for no defined line can be laid down on account of the peculiar
formation of the coast country. ^yi^\Q2X samuelis is found only on the salt
marshes, while inland and higher up it approaches heermanni.^

83. Melospiza melodia rufina {Bonap.). Sooty Song Sparrow.

"Mr. Bailey took a specimen of this subspecies at Boulder Creek, Cal-
ifornia, on October 13, 1891, and stated that it was common there. "3

I. Proc. Nat. Mus , 1880, p. 246.

2 Some of the wintei song sparrows found in the Santa Cruz Mountains may best be referred to heer-
nianni. My series from the coast, however, show no approach to that race. In reply to my request that he
again examine his birds, Emerson says: "I find that the Santa Cruz bird is var. ,va?H;/<'//i, and believe all
from that county may be considered the same until more material is in hand."

3. N. A. Fauna, No. 7. p. 100.

May I9OI.] I. AND BIRDS OF SANTA CRVA COTXTY. 15

84. Melospiza melodia morplina Obcrh} Rusty vSong vSparrow.
Emerson — I saw one in October, T8S4 at the summit of the mountains

above IvOS Gatos creek.

85. Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis (Ginel.). (imelin Sparrow.
Emerson. — I met several of these silent sparrows scratching in the

dead leaves among the thick brush. They were very tame, coming
around where we ate our meals.

86. Pipilo maculatus falcifer McGregor.'^

Emerson records Oregon its as not often seen aiuong the timber, but as
common on the edge of brambles. Fiske and I record viegalonyx as an
abundant resident. Skirm. — Clutch usually four eggs; common; tlieir
first clutch is laid in the latter part of April on the ground; their second
clutch invariably in bushes from six inches to three feet from the ground. 3
Cooper — Nested in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3000 feet altitude on May
28, 1S64.4

A series of seventy-five spotted Pipilos from nearly the whole length
of California shows great variation. Many examples with very short tail
spots are taken around San Francisco Bay and are usually referred to 07-
egomis. I am inclined to think that a more careful examination will show
this identification to ])e erroneous. The tail s])(;ts of four Oregon male
birds average .77 of an inch. This is a little less than the average of Cal-
ifornia coast birds, seven of which from Palo Alto average .85 of an inch.
The chestnut in Oregon birds is darker than in our birds and this is es-
pecially noticeable on the under tail coverts. The most striking and con-
stant diflFerence, however, is in the claws, those of oregotius being short
and weak, the chord of hind claw measuring but about .40 of an inch. In
Palo Alto birds the same measurement reaches .50 or .55 of an inch, one
extreme example being .62. Neither can San Francisco Bay birds be cor-
related with viegalonyx, as the white tail blotch of the latter measures
about 1. 14 inches. Consideration of these facts led me to give the San
Francisco Bay form a new name, which will include in all probability the
Santa Cruz birds.

87. Pipilo fuscus crissalis ( F/;^.). California Towhee.

From examination of fall brown towhees recently collected at Palo
Alto it appears that my Battle Creek birds were in the fresh fall plumage,
then unknown to me. Therefore the name carolcc^ should be relegated
to synonymy. Emerson. — Like the former variety it keeps more to the
brush and clearings about habitations; always noticed in pairs. Kaeding.
— The two towhees are common and both breed. Fresh eggs were taken
up to May 22. Cooper. — Xests from March 17 to May S.^

88. Zamelodia melanocephala capitalis {^Ridgic.)^ Black-headed Grosbeak.
Emerson. — Connnon about all the streams. Seems to prefer the wil-

Oberholser, Auk, XVI,- 1899, p. 183.

Condor, II; 1900, p. 43.

Ornith. and Ool., IX; 1884, p. 149.

Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 248.

Pipilo /"hscus caroUr McGregor. Bull. Cooper Ornith. Club, I;

Proc. Nat. Mus.. 18S0: p. 249.

McGregor, Condor. Ill; igoi, p. 41. Grinnell, fbid. p. 44.

l6 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [NO. 2.

lows. Eggs were taken May ii, 1889. In October, 1889, one came to
drink at a brooklet at the summit before sun-up. No doubt it was migrat-
ing, as during that month many other summer resident birds were noted
only in the higher ranges, such as swallows, flycatchers, warblers, vireos,
hummingbirds, sparrows, kinglets and Russet-backed Thrush. Kaeding. —
Not common; breeds. Cooper. — Arrives April 12.^

89. Guiraca caerulea lazula (Lesson). Western Blue Grosbeak.
Emerson. — One was noted along the San Lorenzo river, where I am

told it nests. Cooper. — Arrives April 12.2

90. Cyanospiza amoena (Say). Lazuli Bunting.

Emerson. — Seen all along the clearings on the edge of the brush and
brambles — its favorite nesting site. Kaeding. — Not common; breeds. Mc-
Gregor and Fiske. — Abundant summer resident near Santa Cruz, nesting
from June to the middle of August. Cooper. — Arrives April 12; nests
May 2; leaves in October.3

91. Piranga ludoviciana ( Wils.). Western Tanager.

Emerson. — One was seen on September 12, 1884, ^ niale. at the sum-
mit of the range; two more on May 11, 1S89, male and female, same local-
ity. Kaeding. — Seen ofl^ and on during May; not conmion but prc)l)aV)ly
breeds. McGregor and Fiske. — An irregular summer resident.

92. Progne subis hesperia Brewst. Western Martin.

Kaeding. — Common, breeding in dead oaks. Fiske. — A common sum-
mer visitor near vSanta Cruz.

93. Petrochelidon lunifrons {Say). Cliff Swallow.

Fiske and I collected numerous specimens from a colony which plas-
tered their nests on the sea cliff near the light-hou.se. Kaeding found
thera breeding very abundantly and Emerson says they were common
about all barn-yards. Skirm. — Common summer resident. First seen
March 28, 1881; March 17, 1882; April r, 1883.4 Cooper.— Arrives April
10; nests April 20 to July 5.5

94. Hirundo erythrogaster Bodd. Barn Svvallow.

Both Emerson and Kaeding found this species common and breeding.
Skirm gives it as a common summer resident. First arrivals: March 26,
1881; March 14, 1882; March 20, 1883.^ Cooper. — Arrives March 21; leaves
September 15.7

95. Tachycineta bicolor ( Vieill.). Tree Swallow.

Emerson. — Nesting, as well as the violet-green, among the black oaks
on May 11, 1889. Skirm. — Common summer resident.^

96. Tachycineta thalassina {Sivains.). Violet-green Swallow.

Cooper saw a large flock at Santa Cruz October 5.9 Emerson. — Not
so common as the former. Kaeding. — Common, moving north in small

I. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880; p. 248.

2 & 3. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 248.

4. Belding, op. cit., p. 185.

6. Ibid, p. 187.

5 & 7. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880; p. 246.

8. Belding, op. cit., p. 189.

9. Ibid, p. I92.

May 1901.] r.AND riros of santa cruz county. 17

flocks. vSkirm. — Common .summer resident, arriving March 28, 1881, and
March 21, 1882.^ Cooper. — Arrives March 19; leaves October 5.^

97. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (.///</.). Rough-winged Swallow.
McGregor and Fiske. — Recorded by us as a rare summer resident

found in company with the Bank Swallow. IngersoU. — Eggs taken at
vSanta Cruz. 3

98. Clivicola riparia (/,/««.). Bank Swallow.

In 1891 Fiske and I took eggs of this swallow near vSeabright. Eggs
have also been collected by Ingersoll.4 Emerson noticed it along the high
banks of Soquel Creek.

99. Ampelis cedrorum ( VicilL). Cedar Waxwing.

Emerson. — Has been seen around Santa Cruz. I believe that it may
breed in the mountains, as young have been taken in .Sonoma county. It
is common about Haywards every spring, feeding on the pepper berries
and in time there is no question but that it will nest near habitation as the
covmtry becomes more settled. McGregor and Fiske. — The waxwing is
an irregular fall and winter visitant about Santa Cruz. Skirm. — Large
flocks sometimes come here, but staj^ only a short time. 5

100. Lanius ludovicianus gambeli ^/V/i,'?.'. California Shrike.
Emerson. — Noticed only about farm places. Kaeding. — Fairly com-
mon, breeding. Skirm. — Conmion.^

loi. Vireo gilvus ( F/W7/.). Warbling Vireo.

Emerson. — One was seen September 12, 1884, at the summit of the
mountains. Common along the Soquel and San Lorenzo streams. Kaed-
ing.— Quite common, breeding. Skirm. — Common summer resident. 7

102. Vireo solitarius cassini (yXanUis). Cassin \'ireo.

Emerson. — One was seen September 12, 1884, at the summit of the
mountains along the willows in the early morning. McGregor and Fiske.
— Not uncommon in summer.

103. Vireo huttoni Cass. Hutton Vireo.

Hoover collected specimens of these three vireos in earl}' summer.
IngersoU tells me he took eggs of this species near Santa Cruz. Emerson.
— I found this species quite common wherever there was oak timber.
Kaeding. — Quite common, breeding. W. A. Cooper records a nest found
April 7, 1874, placed ten feet from the ground containing three eggs incu-
bated about five days. March 30, 1875, he took another nest eight feet
from the ground containing four eggs. Two more nests were respectively
twenty-five and thirty feet from the ground.^

I.

Belding, op. cit., p. 191.

2.

Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 246.

3-

Belding, op. cit., p. 193.

4-

Ibid, p. 194.

5-

Ibid, p. 196.

6.

Ibid, p. K>S.

7-

Ibid, p. 200.

S.

Bull. Niitt. Ornith, Club. Ill

1S7S, p.

1 8 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [No. 2.

104. Helminthophila celata lutescens (Ridgzv.). Lutescent Warbler.
Kaeding. — Fairly common, breeding in cavities of banks or in ferns

along small streams. Fresh eggs were taken May 6 and June i. Emer-
son.— Noticed all through the mountains and canyons. vSkirm. — A com-
mon sunmier resident on the San Lorenzo River, where they nest in wild
blackberry bushes.^

105. Dendroica aestiva Morcomi Coale. Yellow Warbler.

Taken at Santa Cruz by Hoover. Kaeding. — Very common, breed-
ing. Emerson. — One was seen in a migration wave September 12, 1884,
with the three species next following. Cooper. — First seen April 12, 1865.*

106. Dendroica auduboni (7(7zwz.s.). Audubon Warbler.

Emerson. — Common in the fall and spring migrations. Kaeding. — A
few were seen throughout the month, undoubtedly late migrants. Inger-
soU records a flock .seen October i, 1885.3 Cooper. — Arrives September
25; leaves April \^A

107. Dendroica nigrescens (77>.-t •;/.>.). Black-throated (iray Warbler.

108. Dendroica townsendi ( 7<?a^;z.y.). Townsend Warbler.

In a letter to Coues, Wm. A. Cooper writing from Santa Cruz, says of
this species: "My first specimen, taken November 3, 1878, was feeding in
company with Parns r^iifescens, Virco huttoni, Psalti ipaius minimus, and
Regulus, in willows, alders, and sycamores on the bank of a river. No\'em-
ber 14 I shot eight specimens, and could readily have obtained thrice the
number, as I saw fully a hundred feeding in a similar location. * * *
January i, 1879, I shot my last specimen, not having been out since. "s

109. Dendroica occidentalis (7<?a';/.y.). Hermit Warbler.

Fiske records taking the eggs of this warbler from a nest in black-
berry vines on May 20, 1890. I consider this a mistake in identification.
Emerson. — This and the two next preceding species were seen in the oaks
feeding as they moved along.

IXC. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis Ridgw. Grinnell Water-Thrush.

Ingersoll. September 25, 1885, I took a female at Santa Cruz and I

have another female that was taken by Mr. J. R. Chalker who was with
me hunting a few days before I shot mine.^

111. Geothlypis tolmiei (7<;zt7/jf.). Tolmie Warbler.

Emerson noted this form once at the summit on May 11, 1889.

112. Geothlypis trichas arizela Ober/i.^

Emerson. — Seen at Santa Cruz among the rushes along the river in
May, i88g. McGregor and Fiske. — Rare summer resident.

113. Icteria virens longicauda {Lazvr.). Long-tailed Chat.

McGregor and Fiske. — Common summer resident near Santa Cruz.

• I. Belding, op. cit., p. 207.

2. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 245.

3. Belding o^. c//. p. 212.

4. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 245.

5. Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, IV, 1879, P- i""-

6. Belding, op. cit., p. 216.

7. Oberholser, Auk., XVI; 1899, P- 256.

May T9OI.] LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRU/. COUXTV. I9

Fiske took three incubated eggs July 9, 1891. Ingersoll reports it as a
summer resident.' Kaeding considers it rare. Kmerson. — Seen only once,
May 12, 1SS9, near Boulder along the creek.

114. Wilsonia pusilla pileolata (/'fl//.). Pileolated Warbler.

Emerson noted this form in the migration wave of September 12, 1884,
and Hoover took it in July. The Pileolated VVarbler is recorded by vSkirm
as a (juite common summer resident.^

115. Anthus pensilvanicus (Z,a//;.). American Pipit.

This s|)ecies is connnon about Santa Cruz in fall and spring. limer-
son. --Common on the summit flats May 16, 1889.

116. Cinclus mexicanus ^e^a/y/.f. American Dipper.

Emerson. — Common all down the Soquel canyon and on Boulder and
Bear creeks. This bird is an interesting study. While under water its
body looks as if covered with silver drops, like dew on a fuzzy mullein
leaf. The bird seems to be able to cling to the rocks and to feed while
under water and I noticed that they use their wings in moving beneath
the water, as well as their feet. Their song notes are rather low, silvery
and clear and very plaintive. Kaeding. — Common along streams. May
28, on a stream a mile and a quarter long, I found two nests just com-
pleted, one nest with eggs half incubated, one nest of very small young
and one nest of young ready to fly. McGregor and Fiske. — The dip])er is
a common resident along the streams near Santa Cruz.

117. Harporhynchus redivivus ((7<:?w/?.). California Thrasher.
Emerson. — Common all through the higher ranges, more about Lonia

Prieta summit. Half fledged young were seen May 13, 1889. Kaeding. —
The most abundant (sic) bird of the region; evidently breeds late in April,
as all nests examined contained young. McGregor and Fiske. — The
thrasher is a common resident about Santa Cruz.

118. Salpinctes obsoletus (5aj/). Rock Wr^n.

Emerson. — Seen only on a bare, rocky ridge-side above Bear Creek
grade. Kaeding. — Two noted May 7.

119. Catherpes mexicanus punctulatus AVV/4'^a'. Dotted Canyon Wren.
Kaeding obser\ed a few pairs breeding.

120. Thryomanes bewicki spilurus iVig.). Vigor Wren.

Emerson. — Seen on several occasions among the thick brush and
bramble heaps. Recorded as common by Skirm.3

121. Troglodytes aedon parkmani (^//fl'.). Parknian Wixii.

FCmenson. — Connnon among the oaks in May through the mountains
and canyons.

122. Anorthura hiemalis pacifica {Baird). Western Winter Wren.
Emerson. — Rarely seen, then only in the deep, wet canyon and creek

banks. A constant resident. Eggs have been taken by G. A. Ready of
Santa Cruz. Its song is similar to that of the Water Ouzel in beauty.

1. Belding, op. ci/., p. 219.

2. //>t(i p. 221.

3. /did. p. 231.

20 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [NO. 2.

McGregor and Fiske. — The winter wren is a resident about Santa Cruz
where we took an example.

123. Cistothorus palustris paludicola /?«/;-«'. Tule Wren.

A rare summer resident. Fiske collected five well incubated eggs on
July 8, 1 89 1. No false nests were observed.

124. Certhia familiaris occidentalis Ridgw. California Creeper.
Hoover took a specimen near Santa Cruz in June and I shot at a

creeper on Big Creek late in March. Kaeding records the creeper as not
common. Emerson. — Rarely seen at any time throughout the range. Two
specimens were taken Sept. 12, 1884, and others seen at the summit. An
old nest was found behind a .slit of bark of a redwood tree, some five feet
from the ground, near the summit between Soquel and Wright's. The
nest was composed of shredded redwood' bark, soft and silky, lined with
birds' feathers. Ready has taken their eggs near Santa Cruz.

125. Sitta carolinensis aculeata (G?.y.s-.). Slender billed Nuthatch.
Emenson. — Not common at any time. Noticed more in the oaks than

in other trees.

126. Sitta pygmaea Vig. Pygmy Nuthatch.

Emerson. — This species is not as common throughout the Iccality vis-
ited as in the Monterey range, where it can be seen as.sociating with the
warblers, titmice, and chickadees. Ingersoll. — I saw about a dozen here-
It is quite rare.^

127. Parus inornatus Gamb. Plain Titmouse.

W. A. Cooper found a set of four eggs, incubated about five days, in a
hollow oak limb, five feet from the ground. This set was taken near Wat-
sonville April 4, 1877.* Emerson. — Seen in the vicinity of oaks, rain or
shine.

128. Parus rufescens barlowi <S>z>z;/^//.3 Barlow Chickadee.

The chickadee is an abundant resident near Santa Cruz where Fiske
took fresh eggs April 12. Kaeding found it abundant about Ben Lomond
where eggs collected May 6 were two-thirds incubated.

129. Chamaea fasciata intermedia GrhmellA Intermediate Wren-Tit.
Hoover found the wren-tit fairly common at Santa Cruz in July, and

Kaeding reports it as breeding abundantly on Ben Lomond in May. Em-
erson saw it but rarely and then only in the thick bramble and bush.

130. Psaltriparus minimus californicus Ridgw. California Bush-Tit.
Fiske and I found the bush-tit to be an abundant summer resident

about Santa Cruz where I have taken it in March, 1898. Kaeding found
it very common on Ben Lomond. Emerson speaks of the species as com-
mon among the willow and wild lilac bushes, going in large flocks in the
fall.

1. Belding, op. cit., p. 239.

2. Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, III; 1S7S. p. 6y.

3. Condor, II; 1900, p. 227.

4. Ibid, p. 85.

May I9OI.] LANDBIRDS OF SANTA CRTZ COUNTY. 2 1

131. Regulus satrapa olivaceus Baird. Western Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Knierson. — One was seen on Sept. 14, 1884, at the summit above the

Soquel can\-on among some willows.

132. Regulus calendula (/./■««.}. Ruby crowned Kinglet.

Emerson. — Common at the summit after a hard frost in October, 1884.
Kaeding.— Quite a number seen all through May: reproductive organs of
those examined were large.

133. Hylocichla ustulata oedica Oboh.

Fiske says this bird comes to Santa Cruz about April 20 and com-
mences to nest about May 25. The young in first plumage was described
by Oberholser from a specimen (No. 153944 !-'• S. Nat. Mus.) taken by me
at Santa Cruz, July 27, 1891.^ Kaeding found it common everywhere and
eggs which he took on June i were three-fourths incubated. Emerson. —
Seen several times at the summit between Sept. 12 and 20, 1884. On May
18, 1889, while going up to Bear Creek from Boulder a thrush was heard,
in notes entirely diiferent from iishdatus, and I have yet to hear anything
like its song from any thrush in California. Just at dusk on the still even-
ing air came a deep, whistling note. This may have been the Dwarf Her-
mit Thrush that W. A. Cooper has mentioned as breeding in the redwoods
of Santa Cruz county .^ Skirm. — Commenced nesting about May 15, 1884;
three or four eggs, the latter the most I have found in any one of about
one hundred and fifty nests.3 Ray.— June 11, 1895, five fresh eggs. Nest
made almost entirely of redwood bark and placed among the out-growth
of a redwood stump. Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz Co., Cal.*

134. Hylocichla aonalaschkae (G^;«<?/.). Dwarf Hermit Thrush.
Emerson. — One was seen on October 28, 1884. Kaeding.— A few seen

during the first week of May.

135. Merula migratoria propinqua 7'?/V/i,'7i'. Western Robin.

The robin is a rare winter visitant at Santa Cruz. Kaeding saw a few
early in May. Of this bird Emerson says: "vSeen in the pines at the sum-
mit fourteen miles from Santa Cruz May 18. 1889. when it was heard in
full song. I believe that it will be found nesting in these mountains."

136. Hesperocichla naevia ( 6^w<V. j. Varied Thrush.

The Oregon Robin is found at Santa Cruz some winters, there being
no regularity in its appearance. Emerson .saw one in the redwoods at the
summit on October 28, 1884. IngersoU reports it as first seen October 30,
1885.5 Cooper.— Arrives in October, leaves April i.^ Bailey found it
common at Boulder Creek in October.^

137. Sialia mexicana occidentalis (77774 7/.J.J Western Bluebird.
Emerson.— Not common on the mountains in the fall, but in May,

1889, it was seen about the oak trees, busy building and hunting for nest-

1. Auk. XVI; 1899, p. 24.

2. Belding. Prcxr. Cal. Acad. Sci. 2d. Ser., II. p. 65.

3. Belding. Ld. Bds. Pac. Dist., p. 252.

4. Condor. II; 1900, p. 126.

5. Belding, op cit. , p. ^6o.

6. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 245.

7. A'. A. Fauna. No. 7, p. 147.

22 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA [NO. 2.

ing sites. Kaeding. — Very common; fresh eggs taken every week in May.
Cooper. — Nested in Santa Cruz Mountains, at 3000 feet, April 20, 1874.1

138. Sialia arctica Swahts. Mountain Bluebird.

Emerson. — Rarely seen. Observed once on the bare ridge-side at the
summit of Bear Creek canyon grade.

139. Passer domesticus {Linn.). House Sparrow.
Common resident in all towns

I. Proc. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 245.

COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF CALIFORNIA.

Pacific Coast Avifauna

No, 2.

A LIST OF THE LAND BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ
COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

— BY —

RICHARD c. McGregor.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA.

Published by the Club,

May 15, 1901.

PUBWCATIONS OF THE

COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF CAlylFORNIA.

The Condor; Official Organ of the Club

VOL. I (1899) ^ 2-°°

VOL. II (1900) i-oo

Current volume i -oo

Special Papers.

Pacific Coast Avifauna No. I

Birds of the Kotzebue Sound

Region, Alaska, hj Joseph Grimiell, $ .75

Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 2

Land Birds of Santa Cruz

Count3^ by Walter K. Fisher, $ .25