JUL"' 3 1S54 PASADENA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. PUBLICATION NO. I. REPORT ON THE BIRDS RECORDED DURING A VISIT TO The Islands of Santa Barbara, San Nicolas and San Clemente, IN THE SPRING OF 1897. By JOSEPH QRINNELL. Press of J. W. Hart, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. AUGUST, 1897. m. mr. PASADENA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. PUBLICATION NO. I. REPORT ON THE BIRDS RECORDED DURING A VISIT TO The Islands of Santa Barbara, San Nicolas and San Clemente, IN THE SPRING OF 1897. By JOSEPH QRINNELL. Press OK J. W. Hart, PASADENA, CALIEORNIA. AUGUST. 1897. Pasadena Academy of Sciences, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. OFFICERS: PROF. CHARLES F. HOLDER, FRANK S. DAGGETT, HON. DELOS ARNOLD, PROF. ERNEST B. HOAG, OLIVER M. GALE, EXECUTIVE Prof. Ernest B. Hoag, P'rank ; Dr. F. F. Rowland President. First Vice President. . . Second Vice President. . . . . . Secretary". . . . . Treasurer. COMMITTEE. S. Daggett, Hon. Delos Arnold, Major H. N. Rust. REGULAR MEETINGS: Assembly Hall, Throop PoRtechnic Institute, first and third Friday evenings of each month. I , PREFACE: Through the generosity of Mr. Hulett C. Merritt, and others of its nieni' bers, the Pasadena Academy of Sciences was enabled to send a scientific exploring party to the southern Santa Barbara Islands during the past spring. The party consisted of Joseph Grinnell, who had the immediate charge of the expedition, and gave especial attention to the ornitholog}’ and entomology of the islands; Horace Gaylord, who collected mammals; and Harry Gaylord and James Brittan who devoted their time to archaeology. The party left San Pedro harbor May 1 1 in a large fishing schooner, fully equipped for the work previously mapped out, visiting the islands of Santa Barbara, San Nicolas and San Clemente in turn, making as complete investigation and collecting as many speci- mens as their time would permit. It is the intention of your Executive Committee to publish, under separate cover, reports on the birds and mammals observed and secured by this party, and in accordance with this plan we append herewith the report of the ornithologist. To the Executive Committee of the Pasadena Academy of Sciences: I herewith present my report on the birds recorded during the exploration among the islands the past spring. Our party left San Pedro on May ii, and visited in turn vSanta Barbara, San Nicolas and San Clemente Islands, return- ing on June 9. The notes of an earlier trip which I made to the latter island from March 26 to April 4, are also included. Each of the party of course helped the others in their line when opportunity afforded, so that the present Bird Report is not the result exclusively of my own efforts. Mr. Horace Gaylord, in particular, obtained many valuable notes on the birds. Four hundred and fifty birds’ skins and many eggs were collected during both trips, and on these, supplemented by full field notes, is based the present report. I have considered it more convenient to treat the birds in four separate lists — of the land-birds observed on each of the the three islands, and of the water birds recorded during the entire trip. The nomenclature is that of the A. O. U. Checklist of 1895, Respectfully, Pasadena, California , August 10, 1897 . JOSEPH GRINNEEL. Land=Birds Observed on Santa Barbara Island. Santa Barbara Island is thirty-five miles from the mainland of Southern California, and twenty miles west of Santa Catalina Island. It is one and five-sevenths miles across on its greatest diameter, and the highest point, the southernmost of the two hills which occupy the center, is possibly 300 feet in altitude. There are no beaches and the sides of the island are extremly precipitous, worn in places into large caverns and natural bridges. With the exception of the two hills, the top is a smooth mesa, cut on the east side by several short ravines. This mesa supports a rather abundant growth of grass, weeds, and in the eastern part, scattering low bushes. There is considerable cactus among the ravines. On many parts of the island a kind of ice plant forms a thick carpet very disagreeable to walk through. We found no fresh water. We remained on this island from May 13 until May 18, inclusive. Our camp was made on the shelf of a rock at the landing, if it can be called such, on the east side. 1. Zenaidura macroura — Mourning Dove. In all about a dozen were noted. Although three were shot, unfortunately none were saved. Those seen, were feeding in weed patches or flying low over the mesa. 2. HalicEetus leucocephalus — Bald Eagle. Seen on two occasions flying above the island. 8. Otocoris alpestris strigata — Streaked Horned Lark. Quite numerous over the whole mesa. Full-fledged juveniles were plentiful, and three adult females taken on the morning of May 14, each contained eggs ready to be laid, thus indi- cating that two broods are reared in a season. A nest was found on May 15; it was in a hollow under a tuft of grass on the ground and contained four small young. Twenty-six specimens of the Streaked Horned Lark were taken on this island. 6 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication 1. 4. Corvus co7'ax sinuatus — American Raven. Several pairs were seen about the island. A nest containing two nearly^fledged young was situated on a narrow ledge of rock on the face of a cliff on the north side of the island. It was perhaps 150 feet above the surf. The Ravens were evidently subsisting on the eggs and young of the sea-birds which were nesting so numerously on this island 5. Sturnella magna neglecta — Western Meadowlark. There were about twenty Meadowlarks composing a flock which frequented the southern part of the mesa. Four full-grown juveniles were secured, but the adults were not approachable. G. Carpodacus 7nexicanus frontalis — House Finch. Common on the eastern part of the island among the patches of cholla cactus, the fruit of which the linnets were eating. Juve- niles were plentiful. A nest was found on the side of a ravine, May 17; it was built between the leaves of a cactus about eighteen inches above the ground, and composed entirely of fine dry grass-blades. It contained four badly-incubated eggs, three of which measure: *.76x.56, .75X.59, .83X.59. Fourteen House Finches were taken on this island. 7. Melospiza fasciata graminea — Santa Barbara Song Sparrow. The most abundant bird of Santa Barbara Island. Numerous everywhere, especially on the bush-covered fields on the south- eastern portion of the mesa. Their song, notes and action were apparently identical with those of the mainland Song Sparrow. If any different, the song of the island bird is a little weaker and briefer. Full-grown juveniles were numerous, more so than the adults which were all apparently engaged in nest-building or raising the second brood. Mr. Horace Gaylord and myself found five sets of the eggs of this species. The nests are all of practically the same size and composition. A typical one is sup- ported by the obliquely-growing twigs of a bush; it is lined and internally composed of fine yellow grasses, in marked contrast with the larger brown grasses and weed stems of which the nest is basally built. The measurements of this nest are: Inside — diameter, 2.30; depth, 1.30. Outside — diameter, 4.00; depth, 3.30. In detail the sets are as follows: ’''All. measurements in this Report are in inches and hundredths of an inch. August, 1897. Land-Birds Observed on Santa Barbara Island. 7 No. I. May 14. Nest, 18 inches from the ground in thick sage bush; set, 5, incubation begun. Measurements of eggs: .81X.62, .82X.63, .79X.61, .82X.63, .80X.60. , No. 2. May 14. Nest, 20 inches from ground in sage bush; set, 4, fresh. Eggs measure: .79X.63, .78X.61, .79X.64, .77X.60. No. 3. May 14. Nest, 10 inches from ground in sage bush; set, 4, incubation advanced. Eggs measure: .8ox.6o, .79X.62, .80X. 61, .80X.62. No. 4. May 15. Nest, 20 inches from ground in sage bush; set, 3, incubation advanced. Eggs measure: .70X.57, .74X.61, .72X.60. No. 5. May 15. Nest, 10 inches above ground between leaves of cactus and surrounded by weed stalks; set, 3, slightly incubated. Eggs measure: .78X.59, .77X.60, .77X.62. This series in color and markings is absolutely indistinguisha- ble from a series of the eggs of M. f. heennanni taken in the vicinity of Pasadena. Thirty-one specimens of the Santa Bar- bara Song Sparrow were secured. Nineteen adults measure: length, 5.50-6.12(5.80); wing, 2.25-2.50(2.35); culmen, .40-.46 (.43.) 8. Dendroica coronata — Myrtle Warbler. I shot an adult female May 15, the only one seen. It was flying past the ravine above our camp. A migrant. 9. Dendroica maculosa — Magnolia Warbler. I shot an adult male on May 15, the only one seen. It was busily engaged in searching for insects in a clump of dead weed stalks. I think this is the first record for Southern California, if not for the State. 10. Dendroica townsendi — Townsend’s Warbler. Mr. Gaylord and myself each took an adult female of this species on May 16. They were in the weed patch in the ravine above camp. Undoubtedly migrants. 11. Dendroica Occident alis — Hermit Warbler. Mr Gaylord took an adult female of this bird on May 14, and we caught glimpses of three more during that day. They were all in the ravine before mentioned. Migrants. 8 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication 1. 12. Sylvania pusilla pileolata — -Pileolated Warbler. May 14, 15 and 16, several of these warblers were seen each day in the weeds in the ravine above camp. Five specimens were taken, two males and three females. As in the case of the other warblers, these birds were undoubtedly late migrants. 13. Salpinctes obsoletus — Rock Wren. Tolerably common around the rocky margins of the island. Nearly fledged juveniles were taken Maj^ 14. Seven Rock Wrens were obtained on this island. 14. Turdus ustulatus — Russet-backed Thrush. Three seen and one specimen, an adult female, taken on May 16. They were on the east side of the island near camp. Probably migrants. Land=Birds Observed on San Nicolas Island* San Nicolas is the most remote of the Santa Barbara group, be- ing over sixty miles from the nearest point of the mainland. Santa Barbara Island is nearest it, being twenty-eight miles distant. San Nicolas Island is seven miles long and three miles wide. The central portion consists of a broad plateau or mesa about 800 feet above sea level. This mesa drops abruptly on all sides, leaving a broad interval between its base and the beach. The west end of the island is scarcely more than a huge sand dune, with no vegetation whatever. The summit mesa is sparingly covered with grass, which supports a herd of sheep. Around the lower part of the island is an occasional small thorny bush, with scattering clumps of cactus and a few other plants. There are a few alkaline springs in the largest of the ravines which Cut down from the mesa above. This is the most barren island of the group and consequently possesses the least animal life. Our visit ex^ tended from May 19 until May 26. We camped at the east end, near the old ranch house, where there was a cistern of rain water. 1. Zenaidufa macrotii^a — Mourning Dove. About a dozen doves were noted on this island; the}' were mostly on the east end. A single specimen, an adult female was secured. It is very much darker than any specimen 1 have seen from the mainland. 2. Haliceetus leucocephalus — -Bald Eagle. ‘ Seen on several occasions along the southeast side of the island. 8. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis — American Osprey, Tolerably common. 4. Aeronautes melanoleucus — White-throated Swift. On May 25, I saw a single bird of this species flying in circles along the beach at the east end. It was shot, but fell into the surf and was lost. lO Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication I. 5. Contopus richardsonii — Western Wood Pewee. I took an adult female on May 20, and an adult male on May 23. The former was shot from its perch on a fence wire, from which it was making" frequent sallies after flies. The latter spec- imen was flying along the beach in front of camp early in the morning and lit on a ledge of rock. Both were undoubtedly migrants. (>. Otocoris alpestris strigata — Streaked Horned Lark. The most abundant bird of San Nicolas Island; numerous every- where, but especially on the grassy mesa at the summit of the island. At the time of our visit the nesting season seemed to have just begun. On May 24, however, a brood of juveniles were noted, but these were the only ones seen. Mr. Gaylord found a nest on May 26. It was on the ground in a depression and consisted of an unusually generous lining of dry grass-blades and stems. The set of three eggs were considerably incubated. They are indistinguishable from eggs of the Mexican Horned Lark, and measure, .86X.65, .79X.63, .86X.63. Another set of three eggs was found by a member of our party, but an revisit- ing the vicinity it could not be located Forty-six skins of the Horned Lark were taken from this island. One of the speci- mens is remarkably deformed. The upper mandible is normal, but the lower manible is three-fourths of an inch long, and curved like the bill of a California Thrasher. It would be puz- zling to decide how the bird could manage to pick up anything. 7. Corvus corax sinuatus — American Raven. Common. One specimen taken. 8. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis — House Finch. Only about twenty were seen during our stay on the island, so this bird is by no means common. Fully-fledged juveniles were noted, and a nest found May 25. It was in a hole in the sand- stone bluff above the beach but could not be reached. The female was seen to leave it on several occasions. Four speci- mens of the House Finch were taken. 9. Salpinctes obsoletus — Rock Wren. Very common over the whole island, but especially along the banks of the dry water courses. Juveniles, from stubby-tailed fellows just out of the nest, to full-grown ones were more num- erous than the adults. The latter were very shy and hard to August, 1897. Land-Birds Observed on San Nicolas Island. li approach. Mr. Gaylord found a nest on May 22. It was in a crack in the clayey bank of a gully, two feet from the top and three feet above the bed. The nest was several inches back in the cavity, and the earth had to be broken away to reach it. It is composed of grass stems, lined softly with fine rootlets and a few feathers. The set consists of six considerably incubated eggs. They are creamy white with scattering spots aud dots of vinaceous-rufus about the larger ends. Their measurements are, .76X.63, .79X.64, . Sox. 64, .81X.64, .Sox. 64, .Sox.65. The female was seen to leave the nest only after two persons had stepped across the ditch directly above her. She did not again appear although we waited many minutes for her. Twenty* eight specimens of the Rock Wren were obtained from this island. The Rock Wren of the islands is very distinct from that of the mainland, and certainl}^ deserves to be separated as a new species. This will probably be done b}' some one in the near future. Land=Birds Observed on San Clemente Island. San Clemente Island lies about fifty miles from the nearest main- land and twenty-five miles from Catalina Island. It is seventeen miles long and four wide. Its trend is from northwest to southeast, that is, parallel with the mainland coast. The northeastern side of the island is steep, rising abruptly to the summit ridge which is about 1 500 feet in altitude. From this ridge the land slopes gradually through a series of parallel benches or mesas to the southwest coast which in many places has a broad beach. Cutting their way westward transversely through these mesas from the summit ridge, are numerous ravines and canons. Some of the latter are very deep and narrow, resembling miniature Canons of the Colorado. The only water on the island in summer, except at the wind mill, is to be found in holes and recesses in the beds of the deepest gorges. The sheep and goats have worn paths down to the most accessible of these ’‘tanks” as they are called by the herders. Vegetation on this island is not super-abundant. It is mainly composed of cactus of several species and a low thorny bush on the mesas and hillsides; while the canons and ravines generally contain thickets of wild cherry bushes, which in a few places reach a height of fifteen feet or more, and might be called trees. Our stay on this island extended from May 28 until June 7, inclusive. The notes of an earlier visit by myself, from March 28 until April 3, are also in- cluded. During both visits camp was made at the windmill at Smug- gler’s Cove, near the southeast end of the island, and most of the notes pertain to the region immediately surrounding the Cove. 1. Callipepla californica vallicola — Valley Partridge. I found a small number of these birds in a broad canon which reaches the coast a half-mile southeast of China Point. The canon bed was lined with an unusually heavy growth of wild cherry bushes which afforded the only good cover on that part of the island. On May 31 I saw two broods of young scarcely a week old. In all, only about twent}^ adults were noted. I was told by one of the sheep-herders that twelve dozen “quail” had August, 1897. Land-Birds Observed on San Clemente Island. 13 been introduced on the island about ten years ago by an old resident named Gallager; but on account of the poor cover, and the abundance of foxes which killed the sitting birds in the spring, they had scarcely been able to hold their own. The six specimens taken agree in being slightly lighter than vallicola from Pasadena. The colony may have been obtained from the mainland further south, possibly San Diego, or this slight bleaching may be due to the effects of new food and environ- ments. If the latter is the explanation, it will be interesting to watch developments, in case the change is rapid enough to be perceptible. 2. Zenaidura macroura — Mourning Dove. Mourning Doves were observed in equal numbers during both visits, so they are undoubtedly residents. The familiar notes were heard more often morning and evening, at which time the watering places in the canons and the trough at the windmill were sure to be attended by a pair or more of these graceful birds. A clump of scraggy cherry trees in the ravine a few rods north of the windmill seemed to be a regular roosting place. Just at dusk, every evening, the doves would arrive in pairs and settle in the trees until there were probably twenty or thirty. But they would leave in the morning by daylight, so that we succeeded in obtaining but a few. On June 3, I flushed a dove from its nest, eight feet above the bed of a ravine, on the hori- zontal branch of a cherry tree. The nest was as usual a flimsy platform of twigs and grass-stems, and contained a single fresh egg. On June 6, I took a set of two fresh eggs from a nest four feet above the ground on a horizontal branch of a cherry bush. The neat was rather bulky for a dove’s nest, having been built up among some transverse twigs. The eggs of this set measure: 1.10X.84, 1.14X.86. Three specimens of the Mourning Dove were preserved. 3. Haliceetus leucocephalus — Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle was seen rather commonly along the shores of the island, but as usual, quite shy. When an eagle appeared, the Ospreys were generally the first to see it and give the alarm with their mournful whistling cries. However, according to my ob- servations, the Ospreys are not robbed of their fish so persis- tently as generally believed, the food of the eagle being mainly the dead fish thrown up on the beach. I found a nest of the 14 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication I. Bald Eagle on April i . It was situated on a shelf of the rock which projected from the top of one of the huge caverns on the steep hillside west of Smuggler’s Cove. The nest proper was a saucer-shaped depression in the sand on top of the ledge. But it was lined with downy feathers, and encircled by a considera- ble mass of large sticks and fagots. The nest contained a sin- gle egg, nearly hatched, which is soiled chalky white, and meas- ures, 2.76x2.23. On our second visit several immature or ju- venile eagles were noted, that is, birds in the dark plumage. 4. Pandion haliaetus cafolinensis — American Osprey. The Ospre^^s were quite abundant about the south end of the island, and there was hardl}' a rocky promontory or pinnacle which was not used as a nesting site. The nests were all either on pillars of rock standing directly in the surf, or on over-hang- ing ledges close above the water. As usual they were bulk}" affairs of course sticks, lined with sea- weed and grasses. One nest I climbed to appeared at first sight to contain nothing, but on picking over a hummock of grass in the center, I discovered the set of eggs. The grass formed a felted mat or lid which was attached to the nest on one side, and when closed over the nest, perfectly concealed the eggs and protected them from cold. When lifted, the lid laid up on the side of the nest, leaving the eggs exposed. This is of course quite unusual; all the other nests examined were without any such adjunct. Five sets of fresh eggs were taken from March 29 to April 3. Eleven eggs average 2.48x1.86. Three eggs constituted a full set. On June 7, nests contained young from a few days old to nearly full- fledged. Four specimens of the American Osprey were taken — two adult males and two young. 5. Ceryle alcyon — Belted Kingfisher. Several seen during my first visit from March 28 to April 3. An adult female was taken March 30. They were always seen along the rockiest part of the shore, where they fished mostl}" in the tide pools. 6. - P halcsnoptilus nuttallii calif or nicus — Dusky Poor-will. Heard each evening from March 30 to April 2; a female was shot March 31. They were on the hillsides back of the Cove. None were seen or heard during the second visit, so this bird was probably onl}" a migrant. August^ 1897. Land-Binh Observed on Sati Clemente Island. 15 7. Aeronautes jnelanoleucus — White— throated Swift. During the first visit, White-throated Swifts were seen frequently flying along the hillsides. I saw them entering crevices in the roof of one of the caverns west of the Cove, on April 2. They were probably nesting. Two were shot on April 2, but fell in cholla cactus thickets and were not secured. 8. Calypte costce — Costa’s Hummingbird. I saw a single adult male poising among some flowers on March 30. It was undoubtedly a migrant. 9. Selasphorus alleni — Allen’s Hummingbird. Quite numerous along the ravines, where the metallic rattle of its wings gave notice of its presence long before it could be dis- tinguished among the bright-colored flowers. I found a nest on March 28, which contained two incubated eggs. It was built at the forks of a cherry twig, five feet above the ground, in a canon. The nest is composed mostly of sheep’s wool, with spiders’ web and a few downy feathers. On the outside, it is covered with green lichens, and bits of plant fibers. The inside measurements are: diameter, .90; depth, .75. Outside: diame- ter, 1.90; depth, 1.50. The eggs measure: .54X.35, .55X.36. On May 31 and June 3, I saw fully-fledged juveniles. They had a shrill squeak, which they uttered frequently, especially when the parent bird was approaching to feed them. Four specimens of the Allen’s Hummer were secured. 10. Contopus richardsonii — Western Wood Pewee. I saw a single individual of this species in a canon on June 3. I I am sure it was a migrant, though late. 11. Empidonax insulicola — ^Island Flycatcher. On June 5, I secured a pair of these birds. They were in a deep, dark gorge, flitting about the face of a mossy wall where there was probably a nest, though I failed to find it. Along the pre- cipitous north side of the island in the vicinity of Mosquito Harbor, several were noted on June 7. As far as I could judge, the notes and mien of the Island Flycatcher were in no way dif- ferent from those of the mainland bird. As I did not observe any of these birds on my first visit, it may be presumed that they are only summer visitants, as is E. difficilis on the main- land. ’•'New species, described in Auk, July, 1897, by Harry C. Oberholser. i6 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. PahUcation I. 12. Otocoris alpestris stri^ata — Streaked Horned Lark. A common bird on the barren mesas. There were a few about Smuggler’s Cove, but it was most numerous on the broad, ele- vated prairie in the interior of the island. I found a nest on June 3; it was on the ground in a depression under the broad, obliquely-inclined leaf of a cactus. It was thus well-pro- tected, as no fox could reach the contents without encountering the stiff spines. The nest consisted of a scanty lining of dr}' grasses, and contained three slightly-incubated eggs. These do not differ from eggs of O. a. chrysolaema. Their measurements are, . Sox. 60, .81X.62, .82X.62. No juveniles were noted even during the last visit, so that the breeding season is apparentl}' later than on the other islands. The notes and actions of this bird were identical with those of the mainland form. Eleven specimens of the Streaked Horned Lark were obtained on this island. 13. Corvus corax sinuatus— Raven. Ravens were quite numerous and were nesting commonly on the cliffs and ledges on the canon sides. The nests were always placed in cavities or crevices in the face of the rock, and were composed of course sticks, lined with wool. As the occupied nests were inaccessible, no eggs were secured. Two skins of the Raven were taken on this island. 14. Sturnella magna neglecta — Western Meadowlark. During my first visit there were several pairs of Meadowlarks in the vicinity of Smuggler’s Cove. A male and two females were taken. The condition of the skin on the breasts of the latter showed them to be sitting. No larks were observed on the last visit; they had probably raised broods of young and re- paired to better feeding grounds on the higher mesas. On com- parison with specimens from Pasadena, in corresponding plum- age, I find the male bird from the island, as might be expected, to be very much darker, with much larger feet. 15. Carpodacus 7nexicanus fro7italis — House Finch. The most abundant bird of San Clemente Island. Common everywhere, but most numerous in the deep gorges, whose walls are broken by dark caverns and festooned with cactus. In such places, especially in the vicinity of the water “tanks”, the lin- nets fairly swarmed, and their full rollicking songs reverbrated 1897. Land-Birds Observed on Clemente Island. t? incessantly. Their food appeared to be mainly composed of the fleshy cactus fruits, of which there was certainly an abundant supply. The nests are built either in cactus, or in niches in the roofs and Walls of the caverns. In the latter places the nests vary much in bulk, being fitted to the cavities in which they are built. A large cavity is nearly filled with a mass of fine grasses, weed stems and wool, with only a narrow aperture left at the top. Nests in cactus are built in the center of a clump of spiny stems, from one to three feet above the ground. These can sel- dom be reached except by breaking down the cactus. They are more compact than those in the rocks, but made of the same materials. Two to five eggs form a full set. They are similar to those of the mainland bird except in size, being decidedl}’ larger. A fresh set taken March 30, measure, .84X.60, .80X.63, .82X.62, .80X.63. A partially incubated set of five, taken March 31, measure, .80X.56, .80X.59, .82X.57, .85X.56, .86X.58. The nesting season begins early, as nearly-fledged young were noted on March 28. On June 5, incubated eggs were taken. The House Finches on San Clemente Island average larger and brighter colored than those of the mainland. This case well illustrates the tendency of the insuler birds to acquire larger pro- portions of the bill or feet. In this genus, the extremes are reached further south in ( 7 . mcgregori and C. ampins. The fol- lowing are the average measurements of the bills of a series each of the San Clemente and mainland House Finches: GONYS. CULMEN. depth of BIEE AT BASE. WIDTH OF UPPER mandibee. San Clemente Is.... •32 .43 •35 i .30 Pasadena .............. .29 .40 .33 1 .28 Forty-seven specimens of the House Finch were obtained on this island. 16. Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus~V^ Sa- vanna Sparrow. One specimen was secured and several others seen along the grassy margins of a slough at the mouth of a canon, on March 30. Evidently only a winter visitant. 17. Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia— ln\.e.YV!\c,di\ 2 Xe Sparrow. At the time of my first visit, these sparrows were very common among the weeds and cherry brush in the ravines. One speci- men taken. i8 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication I. 18. Zonotrichia coronata — Golden-crowned Sparrow. A specimen was taken March 31. and several others seen in a bushy ravine. This bird and the last were undoubtedly winter visitants. 19. Spizella socialis arizoncE — Western Chipping Sparrow. Probably a resident bird as it was noted on both visits. The only specimen secured was an adult male on March 30. Another^ probably a female, was seen at the same time, and from their actions I thought that there was a nest in the vicinity; it must have been in cactus as there was no other vegetation at hand. On June 3, a pair was noted, and on June 5, another. In all these cases the Chipping Sparrows were high on the steep canon sides toward the interior of the island, and were very shy. 20. Amphispiza belli — Bell’s Sparrow. Quite common on the hillsides and lower mesas where there is a low thorny bush growing in clumps and patches interspersed with cactus. At the time of my first visit, the males were in full song, and dissection of females showed that eggs in most instances had already been laid. During the second visit, full- grown juveniles were plentiful. The notes and habits of this bird were substantially the same as of those about Pasadena. Twenty-six specimens were secured. 21. Melospiza fasciata clementce — San Clemente Song Spar- row. Common along the ravines and lower mesas near the coast, as well as scatteringly along the canons higher up. Its favorite haunts appeared to be the weed patches and low brush on the sides of the shallow ravines which cut the first mesa above the beach. Here their songs and call-notes, which were seemingly identical with those of the adjacent mainland race, M. f heer- ma 7 i 7 u\ were continually heard. At the time of my first visit, nidification was in progress, and during the second visit many full-fledged juveniles were taken. Unfortunately no nests were discovered. Seventeen adult specimens of M. f. cleTnenice meas- ure as follows: length, 6.00-6.50 (6.26); wing, 2.37-2.68 (2.56), culmen, .42-. 46 (.44.) Thirty-five specimens of the San Cle- mente Song Sparrow were secured. August, 1897, Land-Birds Observed on Clemente Island. 19 22. Melospi^a lincolnii — -Lincoln’s Sparrow. A single specimen was taken March 30 and another seen. The}' were in the rank weeds growing about the watering-trough at the windmill. A winter visitant. 23. Pipilo clementce — -*San Clemente Towhee. Not uncommon along the larger ravines and canons, wherever there is a thick growth of wild cherry bushes; but on account of their silence and secretive habits they were not easy to locate. A Towhee might be heard scratching among the dead leaves in a thicket, but he would not be easy to drive out, and even if he did finally vacate, it would only be to dive into the next bush on the opposite side of the would-be collector. However, when the males sang, or rather repeated their “(tow)hee”, they gen- erally mounted to the highest twig of a bush, and were there quite conspicuous. They usually appeared thus in the early morning and evening. The “catbird^’ call, which is so charac- teristic of P. m. megalonyx, seems to be unknown to this bird. Six specimens, the type series, were taken during the first visit, and ten during the last. The latter are typical in every respect. Especially noticeable, when compared with P. m . megalonyx, is the long bill, which averages in the ten specimens: culmen, .58; gonys, .42. Although the birds taken were evidently breeding, no nests were found nor juveniles observed. 24. Ampelis cedrorum — Cedar Waxwing. In the forenoon of May 31, I saw a single specimen of this bird in the canon near China Point. It flew past me down the canon and a minute later returned. Its note, manner of flight and plumage were characteristic and unmistakable. 25. Lanius ludovitianus gambeli — California Shrike. This bird was without question the shyest and hardest to be se- cured of any on the island. Indeed it was as shy as any hawk I ever saw. It was tolerably common; that is, two or three could be generally seen during an hour’s walk. There was a pair in the neighborhood of the windmill where we were camp- ing, and nearly every morning a little after daybreak the male would perch either on the windmill or on the topmost twig of a brush pile on the opposite side of the ravine, and utter its defiant ’**=Xe\v species, described by me in Attk, July, 1897. 20 Pasadena Academy of Sciences Publication I. shrike notes. The rustle of the tent door or the click of a gun lock, however, was sufficient to send him up over the ridge, not to appear again for hours. On April 2, I found a nest and suc- ceeded, after lying in ambush for a long time, in securing the female bird. The nest was in a small bush growing out from the side of a canon, and was composed mostly of sheep wool, with an admixture of weed stems and grasses. Five slightly incubated eggs constituted the set. They are not different from eggs of true L. /. ^^ambeli of the mainland, and measure: .97X.72, .96X.72, .95X.71, .95X.73, .96X.72. During our last visit, Mr. Horace Gaylord secured another adult female and a juvenile, and I took another juvenile, making four specimens in all obtained. This Shrike is not exactly referable to L. I ga 7 n- beli, but appears to be nearer that than either of the other U. S. forms. 2b. Helniinthophila celata sordida — Dusky Warbler. At the time of my first visit, the Dusky Warblers were quite numerous in the weed-patches and brush along the ravines nearly to the beaches. But later when most ot the plants were dry and dead, they were confined to the cherry thickets along the canons. Their song and habits were similar to those of the Lutescent Warbler of the mainland. Seventeen specimens of the Dusky Warbler were taken. 27. Dendroica auduboni — Audubon’s Warbler. I took a single specimen on March 28; it was at the windmill and was evidently a winter visitant. 28. Mimus poly ^lottos— yVoQkAx\^\xdi. Not uncommon among the cactus patches on the higher mesas, but very shy. Two adult males were secured; these agree in being dorsally lighter than mainland specimens. No nests were discovered, but full-fledged juveniles were seen on June 3. 29. Salpinctes obsoletus — Rock Wren. Tolerably common on the rocky canon sides, but excessively shy. On March 30, a male, the only one noted during the first visit, was heard singing, and finally secured. Its song was remarka- bly beautiful, resembling closest that of a Thrasher, yet with the sad cadence of a Hermit Thrush. During our second visit, an adult female and a juvenile were taken. August, 1897. Land-Birds Observed on San Clemente Island. 21 80. Thryothorus leucophrys — San Clemente Wren. Very common in the vicinity of Smuggler’s Cove on the lower mesas. The thickest beds of cactus are its favorite resorts, although the cherry brush along the canons is but little less frequented. The song of this wren is short but vivaceous and often repeated; it, of course, resembles closely the song of the Vigor’s Wren on the mainland. At the time of my first visit, the San Clemente Wrens were undoubtedly nesting, and I sus- pect even had young as early as March 28, for I repeatedly saw the old birds fly into cactus patches with insects in their bills. However, I failed to find any nests, as the parents invariably disappeared among the interlaced stems in the center of the cactus beds. In such situations, nests are not generally sought after even by foxes, and the wrens seemed to have taken advan- tage of the fact. During our second visit, the fully-fledged juveniles far exceeded the adults both in noise and numbers. The curiosity of these birds is easily aroused. If once they realize that a person is hunting them, they will dive to the depths of a thicket, and any amount of racket will not drive them out; but if the collector sits down quietly and makes any low squeaking noise, such as hissing, he soon has a small series of bowing, inquisitive wrens to select from. Thirty-three speci- mens of the San Clemente Wren were taken. 81. Turdus aonalaschkcB — Dwarf Hermit Thrush. At the time of my first visit, this bird was common along the canons among the cherry bushes. It was probably only a win- ter visitant. One specimen was taken. Entire List of Water=Birds Observed. This list comprises the notes of both trips to the islands, the first from March 26 until April 4, and the second from May ii until June 9. It includes all the water-birds positively identified from the time we left San Pedro until our return. A few others were seen, such as ducks and waders, which were not with certainty identifiable. 1. Lunda cirrhata — Tufted Puffin. About a dozen of these birds were probably breeding on Santa Barbara Island. They were seen flying about a bluff on the north side of that island on several occasions during our stay there — ^May 13 to 18. They were shy and none were obtained. 2. Ptychoramphus aleuticus — Cassin’s Auklet. This bird was breeding in large numbers on Santa Barbara Island. The southwest side of the mesa from the top of the bluff to the summit of the hill was crowded with their bur- rows. On the evening of May 16, Mr. Gaylord and I went over to this colony. Not a single bird was to be seen above ground during the day, nor even until quite dark; but by 8 o’clock the Auklets began one by one to arrive from out to sea. They would alight among the weeds with a thud and shuffle through the stalks in a very uncertain manner, but each one seemed to know where his respective burrow was. When leav- ing, they generally had a hard time to gain their flight, flopping among the weeds in a most awkward way. We caught quite a number besides digging out several. The gullets of those arriving were distended with a quantity of partly digested fish for feeding the young. Out of eleven occupied burrows dug into, four contained each a badly incubated egg with the old bird, and the other burrows young of various sizes. The bur- rows were two to four feet long with an eliptical nest cavity at the end, four inches in diameter. Nineteen specimens of the Cassin’s Auklet were preserved. August, 1897. Water-Birds Observed. 23 Large numbers of these birds were seen during the day off San Nicolas Island, between it and Santa Barbara Island, but no breeding colony was discovered on the former. S. Brachyramphus hypoleucus — Xantus’s Murrelet. Common out in the channel betweeen San Pedro and Catalina Island. A specimen was secured May 13, near Santa Barbara Island, and others seen. 4. Cepphus columba — Pigeon Guillemot. Very common along the precipituous rocky shores of Santa Bar- bara Island, where they were breeding. Mr. Gaylord and my- self found four slightly-incubated sets, three of two eggs, and one of one egg, on May 15. They were in a large cave on the north side of the island. This cave had evidently been hollowed out by the surf which thundered far back into the narrow chasm. On one side was a shelf extending for some distance into the cave just above tide mark. On this bench were strewn large boulders. As we entered the cave, several Guillemots flew out past us, and a careful search in the crevices and under the boulders, by the scanty light of matches, disclosed the eggs. They were laid on the bare gravel, usually far under some slab of rock, where they were hard to reach. The birds did not come back while we were in the vicinity of the cave. Two specimens of the Pigeon Guillemot were taken. 5. Larus occidentalis — Western Gull. This bird was noted nearly everywhere we went. A small colony were breeding on San Nicolas Island, and immense num- bers on Santa Barbara Island. On the latter they were nesting on the outer margins of the mesa, nearly the whole way around the Island. A good many were nesting on the sides of the hills in the center of the island. Full sets were of three. On May 18, about twenty sets of fresh eggs were collected, but as yet only few of the nests contained full sets. The nests were slight depressions among the weeds and grass, with a scanty lining of . dry plant stems and grasses. One Western Gull from Santa Barbara Island was preserved. 6. Larus californicus — California Gull. Immature birds of this species were always seen about San Pedro harbor, and even far out in the channel. One was noted May 12 off Catalina Island. 24 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication /. 7. Lafus heermanni — Heermann’s Gull. During my first visit to San Clemente Island, these gulls, mostly immature birds, were common along the beach at Smuggler’s Cove. Two specimens were taken. Seen also commonly in the channel near San Pedro harbor. They were noted there May 1 1 , the last observed. 8. Larus Philadelphia — Bonaparte’s Gull. We saw a pair of these small gulls in San Pedro harbor just as we were leaving. May ii. 9. Sterna maxima — Royal Tern. Seen commonly about San Pedro and in the channel. One was seen off the south end of Catalina Island on June 9. 10. Diomedea nigripes — Black-footed Albatross. One was seen on May 27, between San Nicolas and San Cle- mente Islands, and another between San Clemente and Catalina Islands on June 8. These were identified by Mr. Gaylord. 11. Pujjinus creatopus — Pink-footed Shearwater. Several Shearwaters seen between Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, were identified by Mr. Gaylord as of this species. 12. Pujjinus opisthomelas — Black-vented Shearwater. Immense numbers of these birds were observed May 1 1 , resting on the water in beds, a mile out in the channel from San Pedro harbor. They were so gorged with small fish that they could scarcely fly. Ten specimens were secured. They all, male as well as females, had bare spaces on their breasts, and the state of the reproductive organs showed that they must have recently bred. This species was also observed in the same locality, but in much less numbers, on March 26, and again on June 9. A few were noted off Catalina Island on May 12. Although we searched carefully on Santa Barbara Island, where these birds are said to have formerly bred, we failed to find any trace of them.. 13. Puffinus griseus — Dark-bodied Shearwater. There were quite a number of this species seen along with the Black- vented Shearwaters on May ii, and one was taken. I also saw several in the channel on April 4, and on June 9. August, 1897, Water-Birds Observed. 25 14. Oceanodroma melania — Black Petrel. A large dark colored Petrel seen in small numbers on several occasions, was identified by Mr. Gaylord as of this species. It was seen between Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands on May 12; between San Nicolas and San Clemente on May 27; and between San Clemente and Catalina, on June 8. Small Petrels of some kind were heard at night on the east end of San Nicolas, and at Mosquito Harbor on San Clemente, but no trace of them were to be found by day. We searched dili- gently for their burrows, but failed entirely. As Mr. Gajdord suggested. Petrels may have bred later in the Auklet burrows on Santa Barbara Island. 15. Phalacrocorax dilophus albociliatus — Farallone Cormorant. Immature birds were seen commonly about San Nicolas Island, but none were found breeding. On Santa Barbara Island, how- ever, this Cormorant was breeding in large numbers. Most of the birds were nest-building, and but two sets, of three and four fresh eggs were found — May 1 5. Their nests were made of coarse sticks and seaweeds, and built usually on the ground on the sloping sides of the island above the rocks; several nests were built in bushes from one to three feet above the ground. The nests of this species of Cormorant were never in close colonies, but scattered promiscuously wherever the birds fancied. Single nests were frequently found by themselves a long distance from any others. One specimen of the Farallone Cormorant was saved. 16. Phalacrocorax penicillatus — Brandt’s Cormorant. Seen commonly everywhere we went. Mr. Gaylord found a small colony nesting on the north side of San Nicolas Island. On Santa Barbara Island this bird was nesting in large rookeries. These rookeries were generally situated nearly to the base of the precipitous sides of the island, often but a few feet above water line, A sloping shelf of rock or heap of fallen boulders was usually preferred. The nests were built as close as the^^ could rest. They were made of turf and seaweed, and were filthy with excrement, so different from the neat-looking nests of the Farallone Cormorant. On May 15, we took about 30 sets of three and four eggs each. They were in all stages of incu- bation, and several nests contained young just hatched. One specimen of this Cormorant was taken. 26 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication 1. 17. Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens — Baird’s Cormorant. This Cormorant was seen only at Santa Barbara Island, where it was nesting in smaller numbers than either of the other species. The nests were unique, in always being inaccessible. They were built either on a narrow projection of rock, or in a niche on the face of a cliff. Seldom more than two or three nests were seen in any one place. The birds were apparently incubating. Two specimens of the Baird’s Cormorant were taken. 18 Pelecanus calif ornicus — California Brown Pelican. Common at San Pedro harbor, and for several miles out into the channel. Mr. Gaylord saw a flock of flfteen at San Nicolas Island on May 25. A few were seen near Santa Barbara Island on May 13. No signs of nesting were found anywhere. 19. Ardea herodias — Great Blue Heron. One was seen on the southeast end of San Clemente Island on March 28, and another on San Nicolas Island on May 24. 20. Himafitopus mexicanus — Black-necked Stilt. I took a male Black-necked Stilt on San Nicolas Island on May 25. It was alone on the margin of a tide pool. 21. Heteractitis incanus — Wandering Tattler. I took a male Wandering Tattler on the southeast end of San Clemente Island on March 29. It was alone on a rocky beach. 22. Actitis macularia — Spotted Sandpiper. I took a female Spotted Sandpiper on San Nicolas Island on May 25. It was alone flying along the beach. Undoubtedly a migrant. 23. xEgialitis nivosa — Snowy Plover. This bird was common along the sandy beaches at San Nicolas Island, and was undoubtedly breeding. Two specimens were taken May 20. 24. Arenaria melanocephala — Black Turnstone. During my first visit to San Clemente Island, these birds were not uncommon along the rocky shores. An adult male was secured on March 28. V IP I i' 1 % < ■ 'V^^^ '’ ' **'< s 3 19B4 PASADENA ACADEMY OE SCIENCES. PUBLICA TION NO. II. OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE OF Los Angeles County BY JOSEPH QRINNELL. Press of G. A. Swerdfiger PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. MARCH, 1898. NAT. PASADENA ACADEMY OE SCIENCES. rUBLrCAl ION NO. II. OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE OF Los Angeles County. A LIST WITH BRIEF NOTES. BY JOSEPH QRINNELL, A. B., Assistant Instructor in Biology, Throop Polytechnic Institute. Press of G. A. Swerdfiger PAvSADRNA, CALIFORNIA. MARCH, 1898. Pasadena Academy of Sciences, PASADENA. CALIFORNIA. OFFICERS: PROF. CHARLES F. HOLDER, PROF. ERNEST B. HOAG, HON. DELOS ARNOLD, FRANK S. DAGGETT, OLIVER M. GALE. President. First Vice-President. Second Vice-President. Secretaiy. Treasurer. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Prof. Ernkst B. Hoag, Frank S. Daggett, Dr. Geo. S. Hull, Joseph Grinneee, Major H. N. Rust. REGULAR MEETINGS: Assembly Hall, Throop Polytechnic Institute, first and third Friday evenings of each month. INTRODUCTION. The present list is intended to include all birds which have been so far proven to occur within the limits of the region under consideration. Besides their common and scientific names, brief notes are added on their comparative abundance and distribution; definite dates of arrival and departure, in the cases of migratory birds; the extent of the breeding season, giving exact dates and citing extreme instances. No species or subspecies has been entered except upon the best of evidence. Thus many, especially water birds, which I am certain do occur, have been ex- cluded because specimens have not been actually secured and properly identified. All notes have undergone careful consideration and if the least doubt has existed as to their authenticity, they have been stricken out. Thus certain recently re- corded breeding notes have not been admitted on account of a doubt as to the identity of the species in question, although I could not prove it to thave been wrong. All species and subspecies, concerning the relationship of which there was any uncertainty, have been carefully looked up or submitted to the best authori- ties for verification. In case of slight races, comparative series have been exam- ined, and their status as accurately as possible determined. The present list, with the accompanying notes, is the result mainly of ob- servations made by members of the Southern Division of the Cooper Ornitholog- ical Club, and cover little more than the past six or eight years, a very short time as compared with the years of careful observation carried on in some of the East- ern states. Yet the results of our work are so favorable that it is hoped we are not judged conceited or hasty in publishing at least this annotated list. The region dealt with may seem to be rather ill-defined, but I think that, as restricted, it comprises a neat little geographical area, quite distinct from the sur- rounding country. It is very seldom that faunal areas coincide with political di- visions, and frequently a state or county may lie in parts of two or more entirely different regions, as in the case of Los Angeles County, which is about half and half in the desert and in the Pacific district. As indicated by the title of this paper, the region here dealt with is the por- tion of Los Angeles County lying southwest of the divide between the desert and the Pacific slopes. The lower part of Orange County lying west of the Santa Ana mountains is also included, as it is topographically identical with the contiguous portion of Los Angeles County. The region under consideration presents considerable variation as regards to- pographic characters, and to this fact may be attributed the large number of birds found in so limited an area. It is approximately sixty miles square in extrem^ dimensions. Beginning at the seacoast, there is a gradual rise to the base of the main mountain ranges when there is an abrupt elevation to the divide, which va- ries from 4000 to 9000 feet in altitude. Along the coast there are several bayous with extensive salt marshes. A litle further inland, in the artesian well districts 4 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. and along the streams, there are numerous fresh water ponds and swamps. The plains which comprise the major part of this region, extend almost unbrokenly, gently sloping up to the base of the mountains. However, on the eastern and western margins are ranges of hills or low mountains, furrowed by ravines and canyons. The dry, elevated slopes lying along the base of the Sierra Madre range, at an elevation of 600 to 1200 feet, I have termed the mesa region in dis- tinction from the lower plains lying toward the coast. The high mesas are crossed by broad sandy washes and arroyos, and thus more nearly resemble the desert on the opposite side of the mountains. The brush-covered foot-hills rise in successively higher spurs and ridg,es, culminating in the lofty mountain ranges which form the desert divide. The higher mountains are clothed with heavy con- iferous forests, while the canyons are lined with alders and sycamores. Exten- sive oak forests cover portions of the mesas and lowlands, especially along the western border of the county. The water birds known to occur around the neighboring islands of Santa Cat- alina and Santa Barbara, and in the intermediate Santa Barbara Channel, are of course considered as belonging to the Eos Angeles County fauna, but the land birds of the mainland only are included. The water birds of this county have been given but very little attention. Mr. A. M. Shields, to whom I am greatly indebted for notes on the major part of the game birds, has in fact done almost the only work in that line. The sea birds can be but poorly represented, when we consider the number which should and undoubtedly do occur along our coast and in the adjacent ocean channel. The land birds, however, I believe to be very well covered, at least those of regular occurrence, and besides these it will be noted that there are several rather unexpected stragglers. It is hoped that this initiatory effort at cataloguing our native birds will be a basis for further and more extended observations in this comparatively little known region. I wish to extend my thanks especially to Messrs. Frank S. Daggett, Horace A. Gaylord and G. F. Morcom for aid and suggestions and for critically reading the manuscript. I am also indebted to the following observers for more or less extended local lists or notes: Ralph Arnold, Walter E. Bryant, Dee Chambers, A. J. Cook, Evan Davis, Chas. E. Groesbeck, Frank J. Illingworth, Frank B. Jew- ett, Will B. Judson, Harry J. Eeland, A. I. McCormick, Virgil W. Owen, Earl D. Parker, Howard Robertson, Edward Simmons, Frank Stephens, Harry S. Swarth and M. E. Wicks, Jr. For identification of specimens I owe my sincerest thanks to Prof. Robert Ridgway and Mr. William Palmer of the National Museum, and to Messrs. A. W. Anthony and William Brewster. Finally, to the Pasadena Academy of Sciences, I express my gratitude for en- abling me to publish this paper. Pasadena, California, JOSEPH GRINNEEE, February 21, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 1 — Aichmophorus occidentalis (Lawr.)- Western Grebe. Tolerably common winter visitant along the coast, and occasional in the interior on the larger ponds. A disabled individual of this spe- cies was found by Arthur Hewitt on one of the streets of Pasadena, Feb. 21, ’95. 2 — 4. Colymbus tiigricollis calif oi'nicus (Heerm. ). Aroericao Eared Grebe. Occasional in summer on the larger fresh water ponds, and in winter along the coast. I found it numerous at Catalina Island in the last week of December, ’97. It breeds at Elizabeth Take in the north- ern part of the county, and abundantly at Bear Valley Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. W. H. Wakele^^ has an immature male of this species in perfect albino plumage, shot near San Pedro, Sept. 30, ’86. 3 — 6. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe. Common resident on ponds and lagoons throughout the lowlands. It appears in the fall in localities where it is not seen at other times; V. W. Owen has tak n specimens at that season on a reservor at Gar- vanza. Breeds in May. 4 — 7. Urinator hnber (Gunn.). Loop). Tolerably common along the coast as well as inland on fresh wa- ter ponds in midwinter. For several years, before the reservoirs in North Pasadena were cemented. Loons were of regular occurrence, subsisting on the fish which were then abundant in the reservoirs. One bird in particular became very tame and was regularly fed by the “ zanquero ” until it disappeared in the spring. 5 — 70 . Urbiator pacificus (Lawr.). Pacific Looq. Tolerably common midwinter visitant along the coast. A. M. Shields shot an adult male specimen at Nigger Slough in January, ’93. I found it common at Catalina Island in the latter part of December, ’97, and took two specimens. 6 — II. Urmator lumme (Gunn.). Red-throated Loon. Tolerably common winter visitant along the coast. F. S. Daggett took a specimen at San Pedro, Jan. 4, ’96, and several others were seen. I have noted it in the spring as late as the first week in April. Numbers and nomeclature are according to the A. O. U. Check-list. 6 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. 7 — 12. Lunda cirrhata Pall. Tufted Puffin. I observed a few in May, ’97, at Santa Barbara Island, where they were probably nesting. 8 — 75. Cerorhinca ^nonocerata (Pall.). Rhinoceros fluKlet. Apparently a common winter visitant. I found it comparatively numerous at Catalina Island in the last week of December, ’97, and secured ten specimens in one day’s collecting. F. Stephens took a specimen in the same locality in the latter part of March, ’93. Evan Davis has a specimen taken near Newport Bay in winter. 9 — 16. Ptychoraynpus aleiiticus (Pall.). CossiQ’s Auklet. Abundant resident around the Islands. I found it numerous at Catalina Island in December, ’97, and breeding in large numbers on Santa Barbara Island in Ma>^ ’97. On May 16, badly incubated eggs and young of all sizes were secured, so that the breeding season prob- ably begins in March. 10 — 25. Brachyramphus hypoleucus Xantus. Xantus’s Murrelet. Seen frequently out in the Channel at all seasons. I took a spec- imen near Santa Barbara Island, May 13, ’97. 11 — 2g. Cepphus columba Vf[\. Pigeon Guillemot. Common resident about the Islands. I saw several at Catalina Island in December, ’97, and found it breeding numerously at Santa Barbara Island in May, ’97. Fresh sets of two eggs each were taken on May 15. 12 — -j*/. Stercorarius parasiticus (Finn.). Parasitic Jaeger. A female of this species was taken at Santa Monica, Sept. 29, ’95, by H. S. Swarth. Jaegers are not infrequently seen along the coast in winter, and probably include other species besides this. 13 — ^4. Larus glaucescens Naum. Glaucous-wioged Gull. W. B. Judson has an immature specimen taken near Redondo in winter. I identified this species at Catalina Island in December, ’97. It undoubtedl}^ occurs as a regular winter visitant. 14 — 4(4. Larus occidentalis And. Westerr) Gull. Abundant throughout the year along the coast. Especially nu- merous in San Pedro Harl)or, where they are protected by law as be- ing useful scavengers. Breeds in large numbers on Santa Barbara Is- land. In May ’97, full sets of three fresh eggs were found by the i8th. Nests also on an outlying rock near the Isthmus at Catalina. March, i8g8. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 15 — 51a. Lams argenialus smith sonia^ius Cones. American Herring Gull. This species is frequent in winter along the coast. I found it in small numbers in December, ’97, at Catalina Island, and a specimen was obtained. 16 — S 3 ‘ Larus calif ornicus Lawr. California Gull. Common winter visitant along the coast. This species also fre- quents the fresh \vater marshes back from the coast, feeding on dead ducks at the sporting grounds, and I have even seen it along the river bottom near Los Angeles. 17 — 5/. Larus delaw arc7i sis Ord. Ring-billed Gull. Tolerably common along the coast in midwinter. J. F. Illing- worth has a specimen taken at Long Beach, Dec. 20, ’92, and I have one taken at the same place, Dec. 4, ’96. 18 — 57. Larus heei'maiini Cass. Heerroann’s Gull. Generalh" a common winter visitant along the coast. I have seen it in spring as late as May ii (’97), and in the fall by Sept, i (’97). When the fishermen draw their seines along the beaches, clouds of gulls are usually attracted and of these, this species generally forms about one-fourth, while the Western Gull forms about one-half. The greater part of our winter visitants among the Laridae are in immature plumage, and consequently in most cases difficult to distinguish at a distance. I suspect that a systematic slaughter of the swarms of gulls attracted by the fishermen wo.uld result in the addition of several more species to our list. But this would be a practice that is certainly rep- rehensible in the extreme, although I understand it has been resorted to, to a successful degree, by a “lover of birds” near San Francisco. 19 — 60. Larus Philadelphia (Ord). Bonaparte’s Gull. Occasional winter visitant along the coast. I have an adult male taken near Santa monica, Dec. 8, ’89, by E. C. Thurber. I saw a pair in San Pedro Harbor on May ii, ’97, and a single individual at the same place, Jan. 30, ’97. 20 — <55. Steriia maxhna Bodd. Royal Tern. More or less common throughout the year along the coast. Very numerous in winter around Catalina Island. I do not know of its breeding north of Lower California. 21 — dp. Sterna forsteri Nutt. Forster’s Tern. Common spring and fall migrant; seen generally about the sloughs and bays. I secured specimens at San Pedro, Sept, i, ’97. H. A. Gaylord saw several individuals at Alamitos Beach, Dec. 4, ’96. 8 Publication II. Pasadena Academy of Sciences. 22 — 7^. Stema ajitillar^im (Less.). Least Tern. Abundant in summer, coastwise. Arriv^es about the middle of April and leaves for the most part late in August, although V. W. Owen noted a few near Long Beach on Sept. 24 (’97). This tern nests abundantly in suitable places along the sea coast. A strip of sandy beach separating the surf from a tide marsh seems to be generally se- lected. Such nesting sites are on Terminal Island and Ballona Beach, where good-sized colonies are usually found breeding. Sets are most often of two, occasionally of three. Breeds mainly in June. Evan Davis has found fresh eggs as early as May 20, and as late as Aug. 12, at Newport Beach. 23 — 81. Diomedea nigripcs Aud. BlacK-footed Albatross. Tolerably common out to sea, probably occurring throughout the year. Follows in the wake of steamships and other large vessels, and at such times known to the sailors as “Goonies.” 24 — 82. Diomedea albatrus Pall.! Short-tailed Albatross. Dr. J. G, Cooper informs me that he has taken this species near Catalina island. I once found a partly decomposed specimen in the surf at Long Beach. Evan Davis has a fine specimen which was killed with an oar near Newport Beach. 25 — 86b. Fiilmarius glaeialis ghipiseha Stejn. Pacific Fulmar. Irregular visitant out in the Channel. Very numerous in the vicinity of Catalina Island in the fall of ’97. F. S. Daggett found a specimen dead on the sand at Long Beach, Oct. ii, ’95. 27 — pj. Pnffi7ins ereatopus Cones. Pink-footed Shearwater. Occasional out to sea. Seen and positively identified near Catalina Island on May 12, ’97, by H. A. Gaylord. 27 — 97. Puffi7i2ts opisthomelas Coues. Black-vented Shearwater. More or less common at all times out in the Channel. During the spring and early summer of ’97 they were very abundant off San Pe- dro. They are said to have formerly bred on Santa Barbara Island. — 95’ Puffmus griseus (Gmel.). DarL-bodied Shearwater. Occasionally common out in the Channel. During the spring of ’97 they were not uncommon off San Pedro, associated with the Black - vented Shearwaters. Considerable numbers are sometimes found washed up on the beaches in the fall of the year. W. B. Judson noted many of these birds, dead or disabled, on the beach at Santa Monica toward the end of August. ’97. March, iSgS. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los A//^<^e/es County. i) 21 ) — io6. Oceanodro7ua leucorhoa (Vieill.). Leaeb’s Petrel. I found the remaiiLS of one at Long- Beach, Sept. 7, ’95. Dr. J. G. Cooper informs me that he has observed a white-rnmped petrel out in tlie Channel near Catalina which he considered of this species. oO — loy. Occanodroma rnclania (Bonap.). BlacL Petrel. During the spring of ’97, this species was ob.served on several occa- sions out in the open Channel. It is probably a more or less common resident. 31 — 1 20c. Phalacrocorax dilophus albociliatus Ridgw. parallone Cormorant. Common throughout the year, though less so in summer. Those which remain about San Pedro Harbor in summer are mostly imma- ture. This is the only cormorant found further inland than the coast, it being frequent in winter on the larger ponds and marshes. Breeds abundantly on Santa Barbara Island in the latter part of May. It also breeds, according to A. M. Shields, on Gull Rock near the Isthmus at Catalina Island. Three or four eggs constitute a set. 32 — 122. Phalacrocorax penicillatus (Brandt). Brandt's Cormorant. The most abundant cormorant. Very numerous along the coast and breeding in large numbers on Santa Barbara Island. On this is- land, May 15, ’97, I found small young as well as eggs in all stages of incubation. Sets were of two to four. Probably the small size of some of the sets was due to the thieving propensities of the gulls, which are always ready to carry off unprotected eggs. This cormo- rant is the usual one observed about San Pedro, and sometimes hun- dreds are seen roosting on the breakwater. Large beds of “shags,” as the fishermen call either species of cormorant, are frequently met with just outside the harbor. 33 — I2jb. Phalacrocorax pelagicus respleyidens (And.). Baird’s Cormorant. Tolerably common resident among the islands. Breeds numer- ously on Santa Barbara Island in May. Probably occurs in winter along the mainland coast, but I have not learned that it has as yet been positively identified there. 34 — i2fi. Petccanus erythrorhyncos Gmel. American White Pelican. Occasionally during the fall and winter good-sized flocks appear on the fresh water marshes and lagoons near the coast. A. M. Shields says that during the migrations he has seen V-shaped flocks further inland flying at a considerable height. 35 — I2J. Pelecanns californicus Ridgw. California Brown Pelican. Abundant in winter all along our coast, and a few remain through 10 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication //, the summer about San Pedro Harbor. It does not breed within our limits that I know of, though I am told that it does north of us on Ana Capa Island and south, on I^os Coronados. 86 — 128. Fregata aquila Ivinn. MoQ-o’-War Bird. Of not infrequent occurrence along our coast in winter. W. B. Judson reports seeing it at Santa Monica, and H. A. Gaylord, at Long Beach. There is a specimen in a Los Angeles taxidermist’s, which was taken near Santa Monica. A specimen was shot about August, ’92, in North Pasadena (R. H. Lawrence in “Auk,” Vol. X). H. S. Swarth reports seeing three of these birds circling overhead near Los Angeles, in December, ’97. 87 — i2g. Merganser americamis ( Cass. ) . AroericQQ Merganser. Probably a not uncommon winter visitant. P'. vStephens took a male at Alamitos Bay, Dec. 15, ’79. 88 — /70. Aferganser serraior ( Limi. ) . Red-breasted MergaQser. Common winter visitant, occurring mostly along the coast. I saw it at Catalina Island in December, ’97. H. S. Swarth took a specimen near Los Angeles, Dec. 27, ’94. 39 — igi. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). hooded Mergaoser. A. M. Shields states that this Saw-bill is a common fall and win- ter visitant, arriving in November and leaving by February. Mostly found along the coast in the vicinity of the salt marshes. F. Stephens took an adult male at Alamitos Ba}q Dec. 23, ’79. 40 — IJ2. Anas boschas Linn. Mallard. Abundant resident in the neighborbhood of fresh water marshes, and along irrigating ditches and streams. A. M. Shields states that it breeds from the first of April to the last of June. 41 — lyy. Anas sirepera Linn. Gadwall. Tolerably common resident in the vicinity of fresh water lagoons. A. M. Shields took a set of eleven eggs, considerably incubated, on April 16. 42 — ijy. Anas ajnericana Gmel. Baldpate. Abundant winter visitant. A. M. Shields states that after the first rains, as soon as the new growth of grass appears, this duck ar- rives in thousands. They generally spend the day, in common with many other species of ducks, .several miles out at .sea, resting on the water in beds of acres in extent. Here they are safe from the gunner during the day, and only after nightfall they go inland, dispersing over alfalfa and grain fields to feed. This duck remains late in the spring. A/arch, i8gS. Jiirds of Ihc Paa'jic Slope of Los Angeles County. 1 1 A. M. Shields states as late as May 15, and arrives early in the fall. Known generally among hunters as “widgeon.” 48 — ijg. Anas carolinensis Ginel. GreeQ-wioged Teal. Abundant in winter throughout the lowlands. This is the com- monest duck in the game markets. 44 — 14.0. Anas discors Linn. Blue-Winged Teal. Rare visitant. F. S. Daggett took an adult male near El Monte, March 12, ’97. It was on a small pond and no others were seen. \V. B. Judson shot a female near Los Angeles, Oct. 31, ’96. 45 — ip.[. Anas cya?ioptera Vieill. Cinnamon Teal. An abundant fresh water duck during spring, summer and fall, going south in midwinter. Breeds in considerable numbers throughout the lower country in the vicinit}' of ponds and lagoons. A set of twelve fresh eggs was taken by A. M. Shields near Compton, May 7, ’95, Evan Davis took .sets of .seven and nine fresh eggs each at New- port Bay, April 20, ’97. Breeds mostly in May. 4 () — 1^2. Spatula clypeata fLinn. ). Sl^oveller. Abundant winter visitant about any body of water. I have seen it on ponds near Pasadena as late in the spring as May 3 (’95 ). Gen- erally called “spoonbill” by local hunters. 47 — //J. DaJUa acuta (Linn.). PiQtail. Abundant in winter, and a few remain through the summer about lagoons and marshes. A. M. Shields states that he has taken sets of eggs in May. Commonly called “sprig” by hunters. 48 — ip-p. Aix sponsa {\p\ww.). Wood Duck. Occasional midwinter visitant. A. M. Shields states that it breeds in this State further northward, along the San Joaquin river. 49 — 1^6. Aythya americaiia (Eyt.). Redh)ead. Tolerably common in summer. Breeds sparingly in fresh water marshe.s. .50 — Ay thy a valtisncria (Wils. ). Canvas-back. Tolerably common winter vi.sitant. Our most highly prized game bird. A. M. Shields writes me that he believes it to occasionally breed within the county. . 51 — i^g. Ay thy a ajffints ( Eyt. ). Lesser Scaup Duck. A. M. Shields says that this duck is found commonh^ in fall, win- Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication //. ter and spring on the lagoons and bays along the coast, and sometimes on the deeper bodies of fresh water a few miles inland. 52 — /50. Aythya coda r is (Donov. ). Ring-necked DucK- A. M. vShields states this dnck to occur in company with the last, but only about one-third as numerous. H. vS. Swarth has taken it near Los Angeles. 53 — lyi. Clangula clangula americana (Bonap. ). Americao GoldeQ-eye. Only one record, that by A. M. Shields of a male shot at Ballona, Dec. 14, ’94. H, S. Swarth reports seeing Golden-eyes frequently in the vicinity of Los Angeles, but he is in doubt as to the specie.s. 54 — lyy. Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). Buffle-b^ad. Abundant winter visitant, especially on th.e lagoons along the coast. 55 — i6j. Oide7nia americana Swains. fliT)ericao Scoter. A. M. Shields states that he has found this duck in limited num- bers during the winter months along the coast and on the tide marshes. Dr. J. G. Cooper took it at Catalina Island, man}’ years ago. 56 — i6y. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. W^ite-winged Scoter. A. M. Shields writes that he has found this to be the commonest Scoter along the coast and on the tide marshes. F. Stephens found it common at Catalina Island in the latter part of March, ’93. 57 — 166. Oidemia perspicillata (Liun.). Surf Scoter. Quite numerous at times during the mid-winter months along the coast. I have noted considerable numbers about San Pedro Harbor in December and January. In December, ’97, it was very numerous at Catalina Island. 58 — i6y. Erisjuatura jamaicensis ( Gmeh). Rudd}/ DucL. Tolerably common resident. A. M. Shields states that it breeds from late in May until the last of June. Evan Davis took a .set of twelve eggs, considerably incubated, near Orange on May 28th. 59 — i6g. Chen hyperhorea (Pall.). Lesser Snow Goose. A. M. Shields considers this a common winter visitant in the low- lands. Immense numbers feed during the winter and spring months on the Centinela grain fields. This goo.se, in common with the other species, does considerable damage to grain and alfalfa crop.s. They feed almost entirely at night ; during the day they stay out at sea rest- ing on the water in large beds a few miles off shore along with swarms of duck.s. March, iSgS. JUrds of the Pacific Slope of I. os . lu}:;eles County. 1 :> GO — i6ga. Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.). Greater Sqow Goose. Evan Davis writes me that he secured specimens of this race along with the I.esser Snow Goose in winter near Santa Ana. G 1 — ijia. denser albifrons gambeli (Hartl. ). fImericaQ White-fror)ted Goose. Quite numerous during winter and spring on the fresh water marsh lands. A. M. Shields states that this is the goo.se usually dis- played in the Los Angeles game markets, being most easily secured by the pot-hunters. G 2 — IJ2. Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. Tolerably common in midwinter in the vicinity of fresh water marsh lands. I saw good-sized flocks at Bixby, Dec. 26, ’95, when several specimens were secured. A. M. Shields states that this goo.se was formerl}" much more abundant than it now is. () 3 — iy2a. Branta caiiadensis hutchinsii (Rich.). Hutchins’s Goose. A. M. Shields regards this as nearh" as numerous as the Lesser Snow Goose, and occurring in company with that species. G 4 — lyy. Branta nigricans (Lawr.). Black Braot. A. M. Shields is the sole authority for adding this species to our list. He states that the Black Brant is an occasional winter visitant along the coast. It appears in small flocks after severe storms further north. G 5 — ij8. Dcndrocygna fulva ( Gmel.). Fulvous Tree-ducL- A. M. Shields furnishes all the information we have in regard to this interesting species. He has found it to be a regular visitant in the spring months from the last of January until the latter part of April or even later. In the spring of ’96 a flock of about seventy-five remained in the vicinity of Nigger Slough until the middle of May. They then abruptly disappeared, probably returning southward where this species is known to breed, in Northern Mexico. GG — 181. Olor bucemator (Rich. ). Trumpeter Swan. A regular winter and spring visitant in small numbers on fresh water ponds and lakes. A. M. Shilds has taken two fine specimens. G 7 — i8y. Plegadis guaranna (Linn.). Wl^ite-faced Glossy Ibis. Of common occurrence in fall, winter and spring. A few remain through the summer in the Ballona marshes, and A. M. Shields be- lieves that they breed there. 14 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II n. Spinus pinus (Wils. ). Pine SiskiQ. Irregular winter visitant in the willow regions of the lowlands. In 1892 this bird was very abundant during February and March; and it again appeared, though in smaller numbers, during the same months in 1897. They were noted in the neighborhood of El Monte as late as March 20 (’97). In July (’97) I found the Pine Siskin to be tolerably 86 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. common in the vicinity of Mt. Waterman (7000 to 8500 feet ). An adult female was secured on Jul}’ 14. which was evidently incubating, and a few days later I saw a full-fledged brood of young following their parents. ‘ 202 — Pooccctes gramineiis confinis Baird. WesterQ Vesper Sparrow. Common winter visitant. Found in stubble fields and washes, especially on the dry mesas. My earliest and latest records are, re- spectively, Sept 14 (’97) and March 19 (’95); both near Pasadena. 203 — 340b. Pooccetes gramineus affijiis Miller. Oregon Vesper Sparrow. Common winter visitant occurring in company with the last, but possibly more numerous on the damper meadows of the lowlands. My earliest record for this subspecies is Sept. 16 ( ’95 ). H. A. Gaylord has noted the latest, April 25 (’96); both near Pasadena. 204 — 542b. Ammodramiis satidwichensis alaudmus (Bonap.). Westerp Savanna Sparrow. Abundant winter visitant, inhabiting fields and meadows from the coast to the mesas. In the vicinity of Pasadena my earliest and latest records are, respectively. Sept. 18 (’97) and May 3 (’95). I have rea- son to believe that a few remain to breed in the lowlands near the coast. 205 — 343. Anunodramus beldingi Ridgw. Belding’s Marsh Sparrow. Abundant resident of the salt water marshes along the coasr. Nests in the marsh grass just above the reach of the tide. Breeds mostly in May. Earliest set, four fresh eggs, taken by G. F. Moicom at Ballona, April 14 (’97); latest set, three, incubation advanced, taken by H. A. Gaylord near Long Beach, July 5 (’95). 206 — 344. Ammodramus rostratus Cass. Large-billed Sparrow. Common in winter in the salt marshes and along the beaches, but far less numerous than the Belding’s Sparrow. In San Pedro Harbor this bird frequents the wharves and breakwaters, and even hops fear- lessly about the decks of vessels, feeding on crumbs and flies. Al- though observed from August to late in April, this sparrow apparently disappears altogether during the summer months, but where it breeds seems to be as yet unknown. 207 — 346a. Ammodramus savannarmn perpallidus (Coues). WesterQ Grasshopper Sparrow. On account of its secretive habits this sparrow is not often met with. It frequents grassy fields, where its mouse-like habit of run- ning through the grass, rather than taking flight, renders it difficult to discover. Daring the winter of i89i-’92 a pair remained in a va- cant lot in Pasadena, and became quite tame, so that I could approach within an arm’s length without frightening them. G. F. Morcom took an adult male of this species at Los Angeles, April 30 (’95), March, i8gS. Birds of ihe Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 37 which is the latest known occurrence in the spring. W. B. Judson took a specimen at Highland Park, near Los Angeles, Aug. lo (’97), which might indicate that it had reimiined throughout the summer. 208 — 552a. Chondestes grammacus strigatiis (Swains.). WesterQ LarK Sparrow. Common resident in the lower portion of the county. Quite nu- merous and familiar about cultivated fields and oichards. Breeds mostly in April and Ma}', nesting either on the ground or in trees and bushes. Earliest set, of four fresh eggs, taken by C. E. Groesbeck near Pasadena, April 18 (’95); latest, of three slightly incubated eggs, taken by H. A. Gaylord, July 12 (’94). Sets are of three to five eggs. 209 — 554-Ci^ Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia Ridgvv. Intermediate Sparrow. Abundant winter visitant from the coast to the foot-hills. Weed- patches and brushy tracts at times fairly swarm with these sparrows; They arrive regularly about the last week in September, my earliest date being Sept. 15, (’95). The bulk leave early in April, though I have shot specimens as late as May 3 (’96). 210 — Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Nutt.) Gambel’s Sparrow. H. S. Swarth has a specimen, typical of this subspecies, taken at Los Angeles, Jan. 13, ’96. Many of our white-crowned sparrows are intermediate between gambellii and intermedia, indeed, most which I have examined, are. 211 — 557. Zonotrichia coronata ( Pall . ) . Golden-crowned Sparrow. Common winter visitant from the mesas up to 5000 feet on brushy mountain sides. My earliest and latest records are, respectively. Sept. 26, (’96), and May 9. (’96). 212 — yyS. Zo7ioirichia albieollis (Gmel. ). White-throated Sparrow. H. A. Gaylord secured an immature female near Pasadena, Nov. 21, ’94. W. E. Bryant took an adult in Los Angeles, Feb. 25, ’97. These are our only records. 213 — y6oa. Spizella socialis arizonce Cones. Western Cl^ipping Sparrow. Common resident of orchards and gardens in the mesa regions, and in summer numerous in the ccmiferous regions on the mountains up to 8500 feet. Breeds inainK^ in May, laying usually four eggs. First set, of three, probably incomplete, taken near Pasadena by E. Parker April 19 (’96); latest set, 3, slightly incubated, noted by H. A. Gaylord, June 19 (’94). 214 — 562. Spizella bf'eweri , , Brewer’s Sparrow. Tolerably common in summer from 5000 to 7000 feet on the brush}^ mountain sides between Pine Flats and Mt. Waterman. I secured full- grown juveniles there, July 3 (’97). In spring and fall it occurs spar- -8 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. iiigl}" on the mesas and lowlands. I have taken specimens near Pasa- dena on March 31 (’96), and April 17 (’97). In the fall H. S. Swarth noted good-sized flocks in San Fernando Valley, Sept. 22, ’97, and took an immature male in Los Angeles, vSept. 5, ’95. 215 — 5^5. Spizclla atrigularis (Cab.). Black-chinncd Sparrow. Common in summer on brushy mountain sides. I have noted it in the breeding season from che base of the foot-hills up to 7000 feet, where the environment was suitable. In July (’97), I found this bird numerous in the vicinity of Pine Flats, and secured full-grown juve- niles, July 3. During the migrations this sparrow occurs sparingly on tlie mesas along the foot-hills. The earliest spring record is that of a specimen taken by H. S. Swarth at Cahuenga Valley April i (’96); the 1 itest in the fall, an immature male, taken by me near Pasadena, Sept. 10 (’97). 216 — f 6 y. Junco hyemalis (Linn.). Slate-colored Juqco. This bird, usually considered as “accidental” in California, is ap- parently of pretty regular occurrence in this vicinity, especially so as compared with some other winter visitants which are expected to ap- pear regularly. I took a female near Pasadena Nov. 14 (’96). H. S. Swarth took a male at Los Angeles, Feb. 8 (’97). H. A. Gaylord took a female at Pasadena, P'eb. 27 (’97). F. S. Daggett took a male near Pasadena, March 4 (’97), and saw at least seven others in a flock, which had also been seen a week before in the same locality. F. S. Daggett took a male near Pasadena, March 15 (’93), from a flock of fifteen, all apparently of the same species. 217 — Junco hyemalis oregonus (Towns.). OregOQ Jupco. A single specimen was taken by F. S. Daggett at Pasadena, Nov. 24, ’96. This subspecies can at most be but a rare winter visitant. 218 — 5^71'. Junco hyemalis thurberi Anthony. Thurber’s Junco. Abundant in summer in the coniferous forests on the mountains. In the winter there is a partial movement to lower elevations, and it appears in small flocks down to the mesas and even further. In the vicinity of Pasadena I have noted it as early as Oct. 3 ( ’94), and as late as April 13 (’95).' Breeds exclusively in the mountains, mainly above 5000 feet. I noted fully fledged young in the mountains north of Pasadena on May 19 (’95). This is extremely early, as the usual nesting time is the latter part of May. The latest set reported is of 5 slightly incubated eggs taken' by R. Arnold on Mt. Wilson, June 12 (’92 ). Full sets consist of 3 to 5 eggs. 219 — y 6 c). Junco caniceps (Woodh.). Gray-beaded Juqco. A single specimen, a female, was taken by W. B. Judson near Pas- adena, Oct. 26, ’94. This is our only record. ^^arch, i8p8. Birds of the Pacifc Slope of Los Anjre/es County. 89 220 — 57J. Amphispiza bit in eat a (Cass. ). BlacK-throated Sparrow. I took an adult male in the Arroyo vSeco near Pasadena. April lo, ’97. This is our only record. 221 — Amphisphiza belli (Cass.). Bell’s Sparrow. Common resident locally on brush-covered washes on the mesas, and in summer up to 5000 feet on the mountain sides. I have taken full-grown young near Pasadena by June 19 (’97). 222 — 574C1. Amphispiza belli nevadensis (Ridgw.). Sage Sparrow. Tolerabh’ common in summer on the brush-covered slopes in a limited locality at the head of the Tujunga Canon (3000 to 6000 feet ). I secured juveniles near Pine Flats, July 3 (’97). In winter the Sage Sparrow occurs sparingly on the mesas along the base of the mountains. 223 — ^80. Peueeea rufieeps (Cass. ) Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Tolerably common locally in the foot-hills, wliere it undoubtedly breeds. Occurs throughout the year, but most numerous in April. 224 — 58 le. Melospiza fasciata lieermanni ( Baird). lieernnann’s Song Sparrow. Abundant resident in the lowlands, and in the mesa region in the vicinity of streams and ponds. Breeds mainly from April to June. I took a .set of three slightly incubated eggs in Pasadena, March 4 (’96). and on the same date, found a brood of half-fledged young. This is of course exceptionally early. Full .sets are of three to five eggs, usually four. 225 — s8j. Melospiza lineolnii (And.). Lincoln’s Sparrow. Common winter visitant in the lower portion of the county. Gen- erally found in brush in the vicinity of water courses. H. S. Swarth noted the first arrival at Los Angeles, Sept. 18 (’97). and the last in the spring was .seen by me at Pasadena, May 3 (’96), 226 — 585a. Passey ella iliaca 2i7ialaselieensis (Gmel. ). Townsepd’s Sparrow. Abundant winter visitant in the brushy tracts of the mountains and foot-hills, and occasionally down on the mesas. H. A. Gaylord reports the earliest in the fall. Sept. 13 (’95); and I took the last speci- men in the spring, April 10 (’97). I have a specimen taken on Mt. Wilson, Oct. 31 (’97), which is intermediate in color and markings between this subspecies and true P. iliaea. 227 — SSfb. Passerella iliaea inegarhyncha (Baird). Tl^ick-billed Sparrow. Common winter visitant on the brushy mountain sides. I have noted it from Oct. 10 (’96), till April 17 (’97). 40 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication //. 228 — S 8 yc. Passerella iliaca schistacea (Baird). Slate-colored Sparrow. A female was taken near Los Angeles, Dec. 14, ’96 H. S., by Swarth. This is our only positively identified specimen. 229 — 585^. Passerella iliaca sleplie?isi Anthony. Stephens’s Sparrow. Common in summer on the higher mountains. In July, ’97, I found it numerous in the vicinity of Mt. Waterman, above 7000 feet. Its haunts were the growth of brakes and willows which lined the water courses in the canons. I secured full-grown young by July 10. Probably found in winter at lower elevations, though I have not as yet observed specimens at that season. 230 — y 88 a. Pipilo maculahis niegalonyx (Baird.) Spurred Towhee. Abundant resident of brushy regions throughout most of the County. Breeds in the mountains up to the limit of the undergrowth, but in winter few are seen above the foot-hills. Nests mostly in May and June. Extremes: Set four, considerably incubated, taken by A. I. McCormick near Los Angeles, April 15 ( ’95); set three fresh, taken by me on Barley Flats (5000 feet), July 10 f’95). Full sets are of two to five eggs, usually four. 231 — Spo. Oreospiza chlorura (And.). Green-tailed Townee. Common summer resident of the higher mountains. I found it rather numerous in the vicinity of Mt. Waterman in July (’97), and secured nearly fledged juveniles on JuL" 10. Occurs occasionally dur- ing the migrations along the base of the mountains. H. A. Gaylord noted specimens neai^ Pasadena, April 4 (’96), and April 29 (’97 ). 232 — sgrc. Pipilo fuscus senicula Anthony". flnthony’s Towl^ee. Abundant resident of the mesa and foot-hill regions; less common in portions of the lowlands and up to 4000 feet on the brush}^ moun- tain sides. Breeds mostly in April and May. I found a brood of nearly fledged young in Pasadena, March 20 (’96), and I have noted fresh eggs late in July. Full sets are of two to five eggs, generally three or four. W. H. Wakely has a perfect albino of this species taken near Pasadena, Feb. 13, ’86. 233— 596. Zamelodia melajiocephala (Swains.). BlacK-headed Grosbeak. Common summer resident in the willow^ regions of the lowlands, and locally up to 7000 feet in the mountains. i\rrives early in April. My earliest record is a male, March 30 (’96); and last in the fall. Sept. 22 (’96). Nests mostly in the latter part of May. Extremes: Set three, slightly incubated, taken by W. B. Judson near Los Angeles, May 9, (’97) and set three fresh taken by G. F. Morcom in the Ca- huenga Valley, June 22 (’94). P’ull sets are of two to four eggs, prin- cipally three. 41 March, 1898. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 234 — 597(1- Guiraca cccrulea eurhyncha Cones. Western Blue Grosbeak. Tolerably common in summer; found mainly in the mesa regions, and very local even there. Earliest seen near Pasadena, April 25 (’96). Extreme nesting dates: vSet four, .slightly incubated, taken by M. L. Wicks, Jr., near Eos Angeles, May 18 (’89) ; and set four, slightly incubated, taken by H. Robertson near Eos Angeles, June 24 (’93 ) • 235 — 599. Passerina amoena (Say). Lazuli Bunting. Common summer resident of the foot-hills and mesas. Extreme dates of arrival and departure according to my notes are respectively, April 4 (’96), and Sept. 17 (’97). This species becomes very scarce after July, and I have only two records for September, including the one quoted above and an earlier. Broods mainly in the latter part of May. Extremes: Set three fresh taken by E. D. Parker near Pasa- dena, April 30 (’95); and a slightly incubated set taken by A. I. Mc- Cormick near Eos Angeles, June 23 (’95). Full* sets are of two to five, in only one instance of the latter number, usuall}^ of four eggs. 23 b — 605. Calamospiza nielanocorys Stejn. Lark Bunting. Casual visitant. An adult male was taken by Ed. Simmons at Newhall, May 3, ’97, and two others were seen. 237 — 607. Piranga ludoviciana (Wils.). Louisiana Tanager. Common summer resident of the mountain canons and coniferous forests from 1500 to 7000 feet altitude. Extreme dates of arrival and departure are respectively, April 19 (’96) and Sept. 30 (’95). During the spring migrations, in the larter part of April and early May, tan- agers occur numerously on the mesas and lowlands, feeding on fruit and berries. Breeds ordinarily about the first week in June. Ex- tremes: Set three, fresh, taken by R. Arnold, May 5 (’95); and set three, slightly incubated, taken by Ed. Simmons, June 30 (’95); both in the canons north of Pasadena. Sets are of three or four, and in one case, noted by R. Arnold, of five eggs. 238 — 61 la. Prog?ie subis hesperia Brewst. Western Martin. Common in summer mostly in the mountains where they nest in holes in the tall dead firs. Frequently seen flying over the mesas in spring and late summer. A few breed in the oak districts to the west of San Fernando Valley. R. Arnold has found them nest-building there by April i. As yet no eggs of this bird have been taken in the County. 239 — 612. Pelrochelidon lunifrons (Say ). Cliff Swallow. Abundant in suininer in the lower portion of the County. Earliest arrival in the spring, noted at Pasadena by H. A. Gaylord, March 8 (’96); latest in the fall, seen by me at Long Beach, Sept. 7 (’95). 42 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. Nests mostl}^ on buildings, from May to July. Sets are of four to six eggs. 240 — 6ij. Chelidon erythrogasira (Bodd.). Barn Swallow. Occurs as a tolerably common migrant over the lower parts of the County. My earliest record is March 27 (’96); and in the fall F. S. Daggett has noted it as late as Sept. 30 (’96); both in the vicinity of Pasadena. A few remain through the summer and nest on the bluffs along the coast in Uie neighborhood of Santa Monica. 241 — b/./. Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.). Tree Swallow, Abundant in spring and summer in the willow regions of the low- lands, especially in the vicinity of ponds and marshes. The majority leave in the fall, but a few remain throughout the winter. By the middle of March this swallow again appears in full force and is soon nest-building. Breeds mosth^ from the last of April through May. Earliest set, four fresh, taken by H. J. Leland near El Monte, April 15 (’97); latest .set, five incubated about one-half, taken by E. D. Parker at El Monte, June 9 (’95). Sets are of four to six eggs. 242 — 6iy. Tachycineta thalassina (Swains.). Violet-green Swallow. Abundant summer resident of the mountainous districts, and occurring during migration on the mesas and lowlands. Arrives in large numbers along the foot-hills by the middle of March. My earliest and latest dates are respectively, Feb. 16 (’95) and Oct. 20 (’94). Breeds principally before the last of May. R. Arnold took a set of five fresh eggs on Mt. Wilson, June 19 (’93). Full sets are of four or five eggs, usually the latter number. 248 — 616. Clivicola rip aria (Linn. ). BoqK Swallow. Common in summer in suitable localities on the lowlands. Large numbers nest in the sandy bluffs along the coast. Evan Davis states it to breed in June and July, laying from four to six eggs. 244 — 61 j. Stelgidopteryx serripe7inis (And.). Rough-Winged Swallow. Coinmo!! over the mesas during the spring migrations. In the vicinity of Pasadena, this swallow is most numerous in April, though I have taken it as early as March 12 (’97) near El Monte. A few pair remain to breed along water courses with steep sandy bank.s. H. A. Ga3dord furnishes our only nesting data, that of a set of four fresh eggs taken Ma>^ 30, ’96, near Pasadena. The nest was in a hole in a cement wall in the Arroyo vSeco. 245 — 61 g. Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill. ). ’ . , Cedar Waxwing. Irregular winter visitant. At times, usually in the spring months, this species visits us in large numbers, feeding in flocks on the berries of the pepper-trees. My earliest and latest records are, respectively. Sept. 14 (’97) and May 17 (’95). H. J. Leland tells us that he saw a March, i^gS. thirds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles Couiiiy. 48 pair near South Pasadena. June i6 ( ’97 ). However, we have as yet no evidence that this bird nests within the County. 246 — 620. Phainopepla nilens (Swains. ). Phainopepla. Coinnion summer resident, almost exclusively of the dry mesa regions. In the washes and arroyos in the vicinity of Pasadena it is very numerous. Kd. Simmons lias noted the earliest arrival, April 9 (’97); and H. S. Swarth noted one near Cos Angeles as late as Oct. 19 (’97). An adult male was observed b}' H. S. Swarth at Los An- geles, Jan. 31 (’98). which must be considered as very unusual. Breeds mostly ill June. H. A. Gaylord reports the earliest and latest sets; they are respect! vehy a set of two, slightl}" incubated, taken Ma}" 4 (’94), and a set of two fresh eggs taken July 28 (’94.) In some seasons most of the sets are of two eggs each, and in other years almost all are of three. This bird is popularly known as Black Mocking- bird, and Black-crested Flycatcher. 247 — 622a. Lanins Indovicianns excnbilorides (dSwains.). White-rumped Shrike. Occasional winter visitant, probably straggling from the Desert. I have a specimen taken near Pasadena, Dec. 8, ’94. 248 — 622b. Lanins Indovicianns gambeli Ridgw. Califorpia Shrike. Abundant resident of the lowlands and mesas. The majority nest in the latter part of March and early April. Extreme instances are, a set of five fresh eggs taken by H. J. Leland, Feb. 14 (’97); and a set of six fresh eggs noted b}^ H. A. Gaylord, June 28 (’94); both near Pasadena. Full sets are of four to seven eggs, most often six. This bird is popularly known as the butcher-bird, and is generally dis- liked; but as it is such a pei-sistent destroyer of the “Jerusalem Cricket” and other injurious insects, it is undoubtedly one of our most beneficial birds from the agriculturalist’s standpoint and should be protected. 249 — 62f. Vireo gilvns (VieilL ). WarbliQg Vireo. Abundant migrant in most of the County, and a tolerably com- mon summer resident in portions of the mountains. The spring migrations occur mainly in the first three weeks of April, and the re- turn movement, the last week of September. My earliest and latest records are respectively, March 23 (’95) and Oct. 2 (’95). This bird breeds less commonly than any other of our vireos. It occurs very locally, mainly in the mountains, where I found it in the vicinity of Mt. Waterman up to 8000 feet in July. H. A. Gaylord took a set of three slightly incubated eggs in the Arroyo Seco near Pasadena, May 9 (’94); and I took a set of three fresh eggs on Pine Flats (6000 feet) on July 2 (’97). 250 — 62ga. Vireo solitarius cassmii (Xantus). Cassin’s Vireo. Common in summer in the mountains, and during the migrations on the mesas. My earliest and latest dates are, April 4 (’96) and Oct. 44 /^asadefia Academy of Sciences. Publication // 2 (’95). Breeds numeroiisl}" in the mountain canons from the foot- hills to 4000 feet elevation, nesting mostly in cottonwoods and white oaks in May. Extreme nesting dates from my field notes: A set five, incubation nealy complete, May ii (’95); and a set of three, slightly incubated, June 26 (’93); both taken in the Arroyo Seco Canon north of Pasadena. 251 — 6^2. Virto hutto7ii Cass. hjutton’s Vireo. A common bird throughout the year; although it occurs from the willow regions in the lowlands up to 6000 feet in the mountains, de- cided preference seems to be shown for the oak regions of the mesas and foothills. The breeding season is quite extensive, as shown by the following extremes: A set of three fresh eggs, taken by me in the foothills north of Pasadena, March 7 (’96) ; and a set of four fresh eggs, taken by H. A. Gaylord near Pasadena, July 15 (’94). However, the majority of sets are laid in April and May. Full sets are of three or four. 252 — 6j^a. Vireo bellii pusillus (Coues). Least Vireo. Abundant in summer in the willow regions of the lowlands, and along streams up to the foothills. Arrives by the first week in April and leaves during the last week of August. My earliest and latest dates are, respectively, March 26 (’96) and Sept. 8 (’97). Breeds mainly during the latter part of May. Extremes: Sets of four fresh eggs, both taken near Eos Angeles by H. Robertson, earliest, April 28 (’97) and latest, June 15 (’97). Full sets are almost invariably of four eggs. 253 — 6j6. Mniotilta varia (Einn.). Black and White Warbler. Only one record: An immature female was taken in the Arroyo Seco near Pasadena by H. A. Gaylord, Oct. 2, ’95. 254 — 6^^a. Hclminlhophila rubricapilla guttiiralis Ridgw. Calaveras Warbler. Common spring and fall migrant. Noted in the spring mostly in the foothill and mesa regions. Earliest specimen, taken by me, April 4 (’96); latest, by H. A. Gaylord, May i (’96). In the fall this warbler appears mainly in the lowlands. In the vicinity of Eos An- geles H. S. Swarth has noted it from Sept. 13 (’97) to Oct. 8 (’96). 255 — 6^6a. Helminthophila celata lutesceyis (Ridgw.). Lutescent Warbler. Tolerably common in summer in canons and on brushy mountain sides up to 6000 feet. Abundant spring migrant, appearing in greatest numbers in April. Earliest specimen of this race, taken by me, March 6 (’97); last taken in the fall. Sept. 8 (’97). Breeds in April and May. I took a female on April 4 (96) which contained a fully formed egg. Juveniles were secured early in July (’95) on Pine Flats (6000 feet). 256 — 6j^6b. Helmmthophila celata sordida Townsend. Dusky Warbler. This subspecies appears in the vicinit}" of Pasadena in the oak re- A/arcfi, iSgS. L'irds of the Pacific Slope of Los . lai^e/cs County. 4r, gions and along the arroyos in large numbers during August, and even by the middle of July. Remains in diminishing numbers through the winter; the latest specimen noted in the spring was secured by me, Feb. 29 (’96). This race is apparently quite distinct from the last, and is probably a visitant to the mainland from the neighboring islands of San Clemente and Santa Catalina at a season when the latter are dry and uninviting. The large size, especialh" of the bill and feet, and darker colors of H. c. sof'dida render it readily distinguishable from the small yellow lutescens. The birds found breeding in this county are evidently of the latter race. 257 — ^4-7- Helminihophila peregrin a (Wils.). Tennessee Warbler. Only one record: I shot an immature female in the Arroyo Seco Canon near Pasadena, Sept. 27, ’97. 258 — Dendroica erstiva (Gmel. ). Yellow Warbler. Common summer resident in wooded localities, especially along streams, from the willow regions to 5000 feet altitude in the mountains. My earliest and latest dates are, April 2 (’95) and Sept. 22 (’94). Dur- ing the migrations in April and September, this warbler is particularly numerous and well distributed over the mesas and lowlands. The breeding season commences by the second week in May. Extreme nesting dates: Set four, slightly incubated, taken by H. A. Gaylord near Los Angeles, May 12 (’95); and set of three fresh eggs, taken by me near Pasadena, June 26 (’93). Full sets are almost invariably of four eggs. 259 — ^55. Dendroica coronata (Linn.j. Myrtle Warbler. Tolerably common winter visitant, associating with Audubon’s Warbler. Specimens have been taken during December, January and February. 260 — 6g6. Dendroica auduboni (Towns.). Audubon’s Warbler. Very abundant and generally distributed throughout the count3' during the winter; in moderate numbers in the higher mountains through the summer. It appears in the lowlands about the first week in October, and remains until the first of April, while I have noted a few along the foothills as late as May i. In summer it is found in the coniferous forests on the mountains above 5000 feet altitude. W. B. Judson took a set of five fresh eggs on Mt. Wilson, May 29, ’97. I observed full-grown juveniles in the same localit}^ on June 22 (’95). 261 — <557. Dendroica maculosa (Gmel.). MagQolia Warbler. Only one record: H. S. Swarth took an immature female near Los Angeles on Oct. 21, ’97. 262 — 66g. Dendroica 7iigresccns (Towns.). BlacK-tbroated Gray Warbler. Common summer resident of the mountains from the foothills up Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publicaiion 11. 4r> to 6000 feet, and in the migrations occurring in considerable numbers over the mesas and lowlands. The earliest noted was a male taken b}" me, March 23 (’95), and by the second week in April they are present in full force. H. A. Gaylord has the latest record, Oct. 23 (’95). Dur- ing the breeding season, the scrub oak regions of the mountain sides are the preferred haunts of this warbler. Most of the sets have been taken about the last week of May, but I found a nest with four small 3’oung, in the mountains north of Pasadena, May 19 (’95), and R. Ar- nold took a set of three considerably incubated eggs in the same vicin- it}", June 26 (’96). P'our eggs constitute the usual set. 2 () 3 — 668. Dendroica townsendi TowQseod’s Warbler. Tolerably common migrant, though not regularly so. During the last week of April, ’96, it was fairly numerous in the vicinity of Pas- adena. but in the spring of 1897 none were observed. The first noted was on April 22, and the latest. May 13. In the fall I have taken one specimen, Oct. 2 {’95). A few probably pass the winter with us if the weather is not severe. I saw several on Mt. Wilson, Dec. 12 (’96), and took a specimen in the same locality, Jan. 27 (’94). 264 — 66g. Dendroica occidentalis (Towns. ). hjern^it Warbler. In the spring migrations this warbler is in some years tolerably common, though not detected af all in others. In the spring of ’96 it was numerous about Pasadena. I noted the earliest, April 22, and the latest, May 17. H. S. Swarth reports a specimen near Los Ange- les, Sept. 10 (’97). 265 — 680. Geofhlypis macgillivrayi (Aud.). Macgillivray’s Warbler. This is a common spring migrant along the base of the foot-hills, and in the fall in much smaller numbers out on the lowlands. It arrives by the second week in April, and I have taken it as early as April 4 (’96); the last was observed by H. A. Gaylord, May 13 ( ’96). In the fall, H. S. Swarth has noted it in the vicinity of Los Angeles from Sept. 4 (’97) to Oct. 13 (’96). 266 — 68 ia. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis Brewst. Western Yellow-throat. Common resident of marshy tracts throughout the lowlands, and appears abundantly during the migrations along the foot-hills and on the mesas. Breeds in April and May. Extremes: Set of four fresh eggs taken by H. J. Leland near Pasadena, April 7 (’97); and a sim- ilar set taken by H. A. Gaylord in the same localit\', June 6 (’95). Full sets are almost invariabl}' of four eggs. 267 — 68 ja. Ictcria virens lo^igicauda (Lawr. ). Long-tailed Cbat. Common summer resident in the willow regions of the lowlands, and in small numbers during the migrations along the foot-hills. The earliest specimen noted in the vicinity of Pasadena, was a male, April 18 (’95), but they probably arrive on their breeding grounds some- March, i 8 g 8 . Birds oj the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 47 what earlier. F. S. Daggett took it as late in the fall as Sept. 29 (’96). Breeds mostly during the latter part of May. Extremes: vSet of four fresh eggs taken near Pasadena by H. J. Leland, May 10 (’97), and a similar set taken June 10 (’96), by H. Robertson near Eos Angeles. 268 — 6 SSd. Sylvania pus ilia pileolata (Pall.). Pileolated Warbler. Abundant migrant throughout the lower parts of the county, and more or less common summer resident in the willow regions. Ap- pears in numbers usually by the first week in April, though I took an adult male near El Monte, Feb. 16 (’95); last in the fall, Oct. 27 (’94). Breeds most commonly about the middle of May; A. I. McCormick took a set of five fresh eggs near Los Angeles, April 28 (’97), and G. F. Morcom took a set of four slightly incubated eggs at Cerritos, April 24 (’97); H. Robertson took a set of four fresh eggs in the former lo- cality May 31 (97). 266 — dpy. Anihus peyisilvanicus (Lath.). American Pipit. Abundant winter visitant in the lowlands; especially numerous and more generally distributed during the seasons of heavy rain-fall. My notes taken in the vicinity of South Pasadena and El Monte, give the earliest and latest, respectively, Aug. 29 (’95), and April 3 (’95). 270 — yoi. Cmclns mexica 7 ius Swains. (American Dipper. Met with in small numbers along streams in the mountainous parts of the Com itv. Resident throughout the year. H. Arnold took a set of four siigiitly incubated eggs in Eaton’s canon north of Pasa- dena, April 22, ’94, and the same collector found a nest with four young in the San Gabriel canon. May 27, ’94. 271 — yo2. Oroscoptes 7 nonta 7 ius (Towns.). Sage Thrasl^er. Rare straggler from the Desert. H. S. Swarth secured a i)air in San Fernando Valley, March 13, ’97. 272 — ’/OJ. Mwius polyg lottos (Linn.). MocKingbird. Common and familiar resident of orchards and gardens through- out the lower portion of the County, and of dry washes and arroyos in the mesa regions. Breeds as a rule by the first of May. I took a set of 4 considerably incubated eggs on April 16 (’95) which is my earliest date, and as two or even three broods are reared in a season, nesting continues sometimes into August. Full sets consist of four, rarely five eggs. 273 — /lo. Harporhyoichus redivivus (Gamb. ). Califoroiar) Thrasher. Common resident of brushy localities from the lowlands ii]3 to 6000 feet in the mountains. Breeds mainly in March and April. H. J. Leland took a set of 2 considerabl}^ incubated eggs near Pasadena on January 27 (’97) which of course is exceptionally early. H. A. 48 Pasadena Academy of Sciences. Publication II. Gaylord took a set of 3 fresh eggs near Pasadena, June 26 (’94) which is also exceptional in l)eing so late. Full sets are of 2 to 4 eggs, us- ually 3. 274 — 7/j. Heleodytes bnauieicapillus. (L,afr.). Cactus Wren. Common resident locally on cactus covered washes in the mesa regions. Breeds mostly in April, but I took a set of 5 fresh eggs near Pasadena, March 18 (’92) and a set of 4 fresh eggs in the same local- ity June 28 (’92). Full sets are of 4 or 5 eggs, sometimes 6. M. L. Wicks, Jr., took a set of 7 fresh eggs near San Gabriel, May 25, (’89). 275 — 7/5. Salpbides obsoleius (Say). Rock Wrer). Common winter visitant along dry washes, and toleiably common throughout the year in certain limited localities from the coast to the highest mountains. I took nearly fledged young near the summit of Mt. Waterman (8500 feet) on July 20 (’95). 276 — 717b. Catherpes mexicamis punctulatus Ridgw. Dotted Canon Wren. Tolerably common resident in the mountain cations up to 6000 feet. Breeds in the rockiest and steepest canons usually in the neigh- borhood of a stream. I took a set of 5 eggs, incubation advanced, in the Arroyo Seco Canon north of Pasadena, May 5 (’94) and a set of 6 fresh eggs in the same locality, June 23 (’93). These probably indi- cate the extent of the breeding season. Sets are of 5 to 7 eggs. 277 — 7iga. Thryothonis bewickii spihirus (Vig.). Vigors’s Wren. Abundant resident of brushy mountain sides, the majority de- scending in winter to the foot-hills and mesas. Full-fledged 3’oung appear commonly by the middle of May, so that nesting probably be- gins early in April. R. Arnold took a set of 4 fresh eggs near San Fernando, June 7 (’96). 278 — 721a. Troglodytes aedon parkma7iii ( Aud.). ParKnnan’s Wren. Resident throughout the year, but much less common in winter than in summer. Occurs from the lowlands to the highest mountains. Generally found in wooded localities, where it breeds in May. Ex- treme nesting dates: vSet of 8 fresh eggs taken by me near Pasadena, April 20 (’95), and a set of 7 fresh eggs taken by H. A. Ga^dord in the West Fork of the San Gabriel Canon, June 18 (’93). Sets are of 5 to 9 eggs, usually of 7 or 8. 279 — 722a. Troglodytes hiemalis pacijicus Baird. WesterQ Winter WrcQ. So far, detected in small numbers during the winter only, in a very limited locality in the mountains north of Pasadena. I have secured specimens by Oct. 23 (’97), and and none later than Jan. 25 (’96). The Arroyo Seco and Millard’s Canons, and Mt. Wilson, are the only localities where they have been discovered. M arch, i8g8. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County. 49 280 — "]2ga. Cistothorus paluslris paludicola Baird. Tule Wren. Common resident of swampy regions in the lowlands. In fall and winter it appears in localities where not found at other seasons, and haunts weed-patches and rank grass. Breeds in the tule swamps prin- cipally in May. H. Leland found nests with young nearly two-thirds grown at El Monte by April 25 (’97). W. B. Judson took a set of 5 fresh eggs near Santa Monica, May 30 (’95). This last is our latest nesting date, though eggs are probably laid much later. 281 — J26c. Certhia familiaris occidentalis Ridgw. Californian Creeper. Common resident of the coniferous forests on the mountains. It is observed from 3000 feet up to 8500 feet. Juveniles appear by the middle of July. W. B. Judson found a nest on Mt. Wilson, containing 3 fresh eggs, on May 29 (’97). 282 — y2fa. Sitta caroline?isis aculeala (Cass.). Slepder-billed Nuthatch. Common resident of the coniferous forests on the mountains; usu- ally found above 4000 feet, but F. S. Daggett took a specimen in the oaks south of Pasadena, Aug. 26, (’96). I took juveniles in the vicin- ity of Mt. Waterman by July 15 (’97). 283 — f28. Sitta cariadensis Linn. Red-breasted Nutbatcb- Irregular visitant in the mountains above 4000 feet. Occurs mostly in winter, but I found it on Mt. Wilson as late as May 9 (’96), and H. A. Gaylord noted it again on Barley Flats, by Sept, ii (’95). 284 — 730. Sitta pygmcBa Vig. PygT)y Nuthatch. Common resident of the coniferous forests on the higher mount- ains. It is abundant on Pine Flats, and I took full-grown juveniles there as early as July 2 C97). 285 — 733. Parus inomatus Gamb. Plain Titmouse. Common resident in the coniferous regions from the lower countr3^ up to 6000 feet on the mountain sides. Breeds mainl}^ in April. I took a set of nine fresh eggs near Pasadena, April 13 (’96), and a set of six slightly incubated eggs in the same locality. May 12 (’94). These probably indicate the extent of the breeding season. 286 — 738. Parus gai7i be li Sixdgw. Mountain Chickadee. Common resident in the coniferous forests on the mountains. Oc- casionally, in severe winters, a few descend to the oak regions out on the mesas, but they generally remain above 4000 feet. Full-grown young appear by the first of Jul>% so that nesting probably takes place about the middle or last of May. 50 Pasadena Academy of Sciences, Publication II. 287 — yi2a. Cha^ncea fasciata henshawi Ridgw. Pallid Wren-Tit. Abundant resident of brushy regions from the mesas up to 6000 feet on the mountain sides. Most numerous in the foot-hills, where it breeds during the latter part of April and in May. Earliest set, probably incomplete, of three fresh eggs taken by H. J. Eeland near Pasadena, April 10 (’97); latest set of four considerably incubated eggs taken b}^ me in the .same locality, June 25 (’97). vSets are of three to five eggs, usually 4. 288 — 743a. Psaltriparus minhmis califojmicus Ridgw. CaliforQia Bush-Tit. Abundant resident in wooded and brushy regions, especially in the foot-hills. Breeds generally in April. Extreme dates: Incom- plete set of four eggs taken by C. E. Groesbeck near Pasadena, March 7 (’96), and a set of seven fresh eggs taken by H. A. Gaylord in the same locality, July 18 (’94). Full sets are of five to eight eggs, usually six or seven. 289 — 748a. Regulus satrapa olivaceus Baird. Western Golder)-crowoed Tolerabl}’' common mid-winter visitant on the higher mountains. So far, noted only on Mt. Wilson where it occurs in flocks of five to eight in the fir forests. I have observed it there as early as Oct. 30 ( ’97 ), and specimens were secured Oct. 31 (’96). 290 — 74g>. Regulus calendiila (Linn.). Ruby-crowned Kioglet. Abundant winter visitant throughout the County, and present through the summer in small numbers on the highest mountains. Arrives in the lowlands early in October and leaves by the last of March. Extreme dates from observations in the vicinity of Pasadena: Sept. 24 (’96), and April 15 (’96). On JuW 14 (’97), I took an adult female on Mt. AVaterman (8500 feet), which undoubtedly had a nest in the vicinity, probabl}^ with young. 291 — 73 1 Cl. PoHoptila acerulea obscma Ridgw. Westero Goatcatcher. Common resident in wooded and brush}^ localities, especially in the oak regions. Breeds mostly in May, but I found a nest near Pas- adena containing young. May 4 (’95), and G. F. Morcom took a set of four fresh eggs in the Cahuenga Valley as late as June 12 (’93). Full sets are of four or five eggs. 292 — ‘75 7. PoHoptila califorjiica Brewst. Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. Common resident in a few limited localities on brush>^ mesas and washes, principally along the base of the foot-hills. Numerous in San Fernando Valley and about Pomona and Claremont, but around Pasadena, which is between these two localities and apparently offers similar attractions, I have never seen but one specimen. Breeds mostly about the middle of May. E. D. Parker took a set of four fresh eggs March, i8g8. Birds of the Pacific Slope of Los Angeles County, 51 near Claremont, April 12 (’97) and G. F. Morcom took a set of three slightly incubated eggs in San Fernando Valley, June 29 (’96). Full sets are of three to five eggs, generally four. 293 — 75^. Myadestes townsendii (Aud.). Townseod’s Soletaire. Tolerably common winter visitant in the mountains, occasionally appearing as low as the mesas. My earliest and latest records from the vicinity of Mt. Wilson are, respectively, Oct. 30 (’97) and xMay 9 (’96). 294 — ygS. Tiirdus usUilatus Nutt. Russet-backed Tl^rush. Common summer resident in the willow regions of the lowlands. Appears during the spring migrations, last of April and first week in May, on the mesas and in the mountain canons. H. A. Gaylord noted the earliest, April 12 (’96), and F. S. Daggett noted the last, Sept. 14 (’96). Breeds mostly about the last week in May. Extremes: Set of 4 fresh eggs taken by C. E. Groesbeck near Pasadena, May 17 (’93), and a set of 3 slightly incubated eggs taken by H. A. Gaylord in the same locality, July ii (’94). 295 — jfg, Turdus aonalaschkcs Gmel. Dwarf hermit Thrush. Abundant winter visitant in most of the county, especially in the foot-hills, where it feeds on the berries of the California Holly. My earliest and latest records are, Oct. 10 (’96) and May 9 (’96). 296 — Turdus aonalaschkcs atiduboni (Baird). (4uduboo’s hermit Thrush. An adult male thrush taken by me near Pasadena, Jan. 23, ’97, was identified as of this race by Robert Ridgway. 297 — ’/61a. Merula migratoria propinqua Ridgw. Western Robin. More or less common winter visitant throughout most of the coun= ty, remaining through the summer in small numbers on the higher mountains. Frequently appears in the lowlands and on the mesas in large flocks, especially in wet winters. In the early spring months they come into town, feeding on the berries of the pepper trees. My earliest and latest records in the neighborhood of Pasadena are, Oct. 5 (’97) and April 17 (’97). M. L. Wicks, Jr., found a nest containing young but a day or two old, near Mt. Waterman, Jul}" 4 (’95). 298 — y6g. Hesperodchla ncBvia (Gmel.). Varied Thrush. Usually a common winter visitant, but occasionally, during the winter of ’95-’ 96 for example, scarcely any are seen in the county. First arrival, a male, noted by me Nov. 25 (’96); latest in the spring, a female, April 10 (’97). Most common in the foot-hills, but noted from the crests of the mountains nearly to sea level. Especially numer- ous wherever the California Holly grows abundantly. 52 Pasadena Academy of Scie?ices. Publication II. 299 — y6j. Sialia mexicana occidentalis (Towns.). Western Bluebird. Common winter vnsitant in most of the low^er parts of the county, and abundant through the summer and most of the winter in the higher mountains. A few remain through the summer and breed in the vicinity of Pasadena. H. A. Gaylord reports a set of 4 slightly incubated eggs found near Pasadena, May 24, ’92. Ed. Simmons took a set of six considerably incubated eggs near Newhall, May 4 (’97). H. J. Eeland took a set of four fresh eggs on Pine Flats (6000 feet), June 6 ( ’96 300 — ^68. Sialia arciica Swains. Mountain Bluebird. More or less common winter visitant in the lower parts of the county. Generally .seen in large scattering flocks in vineyards and young orchards. I saw a small flock on Mt. Wilson, Oct. 31 (’97). H. A. Gaylord noted them near Pasadena as late as March 14 (’95).