1938

YOSEMITE

Western Robin Special Number

Price 35 Cents

THE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE YOSEMITE NATURALIST DEPARTMENT AND THE YOSEMITE NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION VOL. XVII JANUARY, 1938 NO. 1

Birds of Yosemite By M. E. BEATTY and C. A. HARWELL (Revised November 1950)

INTRODUCTION

Since the publication in 1924 of Grinnell and Storer 's "Animal Life in Yosemite" there has been a constant and increasing interest in the natural history of the region, and particularly in bird study. This interest has resulted in a popular demand for a brief guide to the birds of Yosemite to supplement the very complete publication noted above. This bulletin is intended to meet this demand, and is offered in the hope that it will not only aid visitors to the park in identifying the birds, but will also stimulate an increased interest in the pleasant and profitable hobby of bird study. In so brief a guide as this it is impossible to include more than names and descriptions, together with brief notes on voice, nest and habitat For more complete information, the reader is urged to consult a copy of "Animal Life in Yosemite, " a contribution of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, by Grinnell and Storer, which is the authority on Yosemite Vertebrate Zoology. Additional reference material is listed on the next page. The 217 species thus far observed in Yosemite National Park have been arranged in four lists. A Check List of all species in the Park appears first; from this list we have taken all those seen regularly in Yosemite Valley and classified them under three headings: Permanent Residents, Summer Visitants and Winter Visitants, which are described in detail. In the Check List there are two additional classifications : Migrant and Casual Visitants, which need some explanation. Only one Yosemite bird, the Rufous Hummingbird, is classed in this entire list as a migrant; 101 species are of such infrequent or irregular occurrence that they have been lumped together as Casual Visitants. This unusually large proportion of casual visitants is due to three things: first, that we have combined uncommon, accidental and vagrant species under this one heading; second, birds normally living in or migrating through the arid Mono

Lake region or the warm San Joaquin valley often wander into the park boundaries; third, it is almost impossible for these unusual birds to visit the park without being noted by an observer. There are few areas in the West so well adapted to accurate and all-inclusive bird censuses as is this valley, both because of its topography and because of the large number of keen observers who constantly patrol it. It is proper here to thank these many observers for their assistance in making this bulletin possible. We cannot name them all here, since we must acknowledge contributions from a good percentage of the residents of Yosemite and from many visiting scientists and tourists as well. There are two major sources of information, however, which merit individual thanks. "Animal Life in Yosemite " has been freely drawn upon through the kind permission of the authors, Joseph Grinnell and Tracy I. Storer. Most of the descriptions, voice, and occurrence were taken verbatim from this excellent reference. In addition to this, the daily observations of Charles and Enid Michael during the last 20 years have been of great assistance. They have discovered many casual visitants unknown at the time Grinnell and Storer 's book was published in 1924, and have also contributed much valuable information on dates of arrival and departure. Much of this data has appeared in "A Distributional List of Yosemite Birds " (1927) and "Special Bird Number of Yosemite Nature Notes " (1930), both of which are now out of print. The American Ornithologists ' Union Check List (1931) has been followed in arranging the order of families, genera and species.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

This limited list includes only a few of the more recent books best suited to beginning students of California bird life. Advanced students should consult the comprehensive "Bibliography of California Ornithology " by Dr. Joseph Grinnell.* The first two references may be purchased from the Yosemite Natural History Association, and copies of all may be read in the Yosemite Museum Library. 1. Field Guide to Western Birds, Peterson, 1941— $3.50 plus tax. 2. Birds of the Pacific States, Hoffman, 1924— $4.00 plus tax. 3. Animal Life in the Yosemite, Grinnell and Storer, 1924. 4. The Birds of California, Dawson, 1923. 5. The Game Birds of California, Grinnell, Bryant and Storer, 1918. 6. Handbook of Birds of the Western United States, Bailey, 1917. 7. Field Book of Birds of the Southwestern United States, Wyman and Burnell, 1925. *Published by the Cooper Ornithological Club, Berkeley, Calif.—1924.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

CHECK LIST OF BIRDS. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

R —Resident SV —Summer Visitant WV—Winter Visitant CV —Casual Visitant M —Migrant A. O. U. Order Name Status Where best seen Pacific Loon CV One record. Lower Yosemite Valley. Eared Grebe CV High Mountain lakes. Pied-billed Grebe Yosemite Valley. White Pelican CV Yosemite Valley. Farallon Cormorant CV__._.--__ -Two records in Yosemite Valley. Treganza's Heron CV Tuolumne Meadows, one record. California Heron R Merced River. American Egret CV Yosemite Valley. Snowy Egret CV Yosemite Valley. Anthony's Green Heron CV Yosemite Valley. Common Canada Goose CV Mirror Lake.

Hutchins's Goose CV Yosemite Valley. Common Mallard _CV-___.__-Yosemite Valley. Baldpate...................................... CV Yosemite Valley. American Pintail CV Yosemite Valley. Green-winged Teal CV Yosemite Valley. Blue-winged Teal CV Yosemite Valley. Cinnamon Teal CV Yosemite Valley. Shoveller..............................CV.__.._.___Yosemite Valley, one flock observed. Wood Duck CV Yosemite Valley. Ring-necked Duck WV _ Yosemite Valley. Canvas-back CV Yosemite Valley. Lesser Scaup Duck CV-_ Yosemite Valley, two records. Barrow 's Golden-eye CV Pleasant Valley, one record. Bufile-head CV -_ Yosemite Valley. Western Harlequin Duck CV Yosemite Valley. Ruddy Duck CV Yosemite Valley. Hooded Merganser CV Two records, winter. American Merganser CV Yosemite Valley, winter. Turkey Vulture CV Lower elevations. White-tailed Kite CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Western Goshawk Canadian Zone. Sharp-shinned Hawk.___.__...__._.__High Sierra, occasionally in Yosemite Valley. Cooper's Hawk..___ High Sierra. one nest Yosemite Valley. Western Red-tailed Hawk............Canadian Zone and up. Swainson's Hawk..__.._.._....-_Sierra. Golden Eagle Often seen over Yosemite Valley. Marsh Hawk -__-.w_.__ Valley, two records. Osprey CV Yosemite Valley. Prairie Falcon _.___-... •CV_---•---High Sierra and one record Yosemite Valley.

Duck Hawk Valley and higher. Eastern Sparrow Hawk...R. Throughout Park. Sierra Grouse R Canadian and Hudsonian Zones. Sage Hen CV Mt. Conness Region. Valley Quail CV Yosemite Valley. Plumed Quail R Yosemite Valley and Canadian Zone. Virginia Rail CV Yosemite Valley. Sora CV Yosemite Valley, one record. American Coot CV Mirror Lake, High Sierra Lakes. Killdeer CV Yosemite Valley. Wilson's Snipe CV Yosemite Valley. Spotted Sandpiper Valley. Western Solitary Sandpiper CV High Mountain Lakes. Western Willet SV Yosemite Valley. Avocet CV Yosemite Valley, one record 1917. Black-necked Stilt CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Red Phalarope CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Wilson's Phalarope CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Northern Phalarope CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Western Gull CV High Mountain Lakes. California Gull CV High Mountain Lakes. Ring-billed Gull CV Yosemite Valley, two records. Band-tailed Pigeon SV Yosemite Valley. Western Mourning Dove CV Yosemite Valley or higher. Road-runner CV Two records, western edge Park Barn Owl CV ____ Yosemite Valley, one record. Pasadena Screech Owl R Lower elevations of Park. Pacific Horned Owl Up to Canadian Zone. California Pygmy Owl Valley. California Spotted Owl R Transition and Canadian Zones. Great Gray Owl CV Canadian Zone. Long-eared Owl R Lower Canadian Zone. Short-eared Owl ____

Mt. Clark, one record. Saw-whet Owl R Transition Zone. Dusky Poor-will SV Lower Transition Zone. Pacific Nighthawk SV.......High Sierra. Black Swift SV Tenaya Canyon and Nevada Fall. Vaux's Swift CV Over Yosemite Valley, winter. White-throated Swift SV Over Yosemite Valley. Black-chinned Hummingbird CV Yosemite Valley, late summer. Anna's Hummingbird SV Upper Sonoran Zone. Rufous Hummingbird M High Sierra, July, August. Allen's Hummingbird SV Yosemite Valley. Calliope Hummingbird SV Yosemite Valley.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

Western Belted Kingfisher R Merced River, Yosemite Valley. Red-shafted Flicker R Throughout Park. Western Pileated Woodpecker R Transition, Canadian Zones. California Woodpecker R Black Oak Belt. Lewis's Woodpecker CV Irregular, seasonally and zonally. Red-naped Sapsucker CV Yosemite Valley, winter. Southern Red-breasted Sapsucker R Transition and Canadian Zones. Williamson's Sapsucker R Upper Canadian, & Hudsonian Zones. Modoc Woodpecker R Yosemite Valley. Willow Woodpecker R Yosemite Valley. Nuttall's Woodpecker R Yosemite Valley. Northern White-headed Woodpecker R Transition and Canadian Zones. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker R Canadian and Hudsonian Zones. Arkansas Kingbird CV Yosemite Valley, summer. Ash-throated Flycatcher CV Casual above El Portal, summer. Black Phoebe CV Yosemite Valley. Say's Phoebe CV Yosemite Valley. Little Flycatcher SV Yosemite Valley. Hammond's Flycatcher SV Canadian Zone. Wright's Flycatcher SV High Sierra. Western Flycatcher SV Yosemite Valley. Western Wood Pewee SV Yosemite Valley and higher. Olive-sided Flycatcher SV Yosemite Valley and higher. Dusky Horned Lark CV High Sierra. California Horned Lark CV Yosemite Valley. Violet-green Swallow SV Yosemite Valley. Tree Swallow CV Yosemite Valley, one nesting record. Rough-winged Swallow SV Yosemite Valley, along river. Northern Cliff Swallow CV Hetch Hetchy. Blue-fronted jay R Yosemite Valley. Long-tailed jay CV Yosemite Valley, in fall. American Magpie CV Lyell Canyon, one record. Yellow-billed Magpie CV Yosemite Valley, two records. Western Crow CV Yosemite Valley, spring and fall. Pinon jay CV Tuolumne Meadows and above Valley. Clark's Nutcracker R Hudsonian Zone. Short-tailed Chickadee R Yosemite Valley and higher. Plain Titmouse WV Yosemite Valley. California Bush-tit R Lower elevations of Park. Slender-billed Nuthatch R Upper Sonoran to Canadian Zones. Red-breasted Nuthatch R Transition and Canadian Zones. Black-eared Nuthatch R Canadian Zone. Sierra Creeper R Yosemite Valley and higher. Pallid Wren-tit CV Merced Canyon, lower elevations. Dipper R All streams of Park.

Western House Wren R Upper Sonoran, in fall higher. Western Winter Wren WV Yosemite Valley. San Joaquin Wren CV Yosemite Valley. Western Marsh Wren _. Yosemite Valley, one record, winter. Dotted Wren R Yosemite Valley, canyon walls. Common Rock Wren SV Sonoran up to 11,000 feet. Western Mockingbird CV Yosemite Valley, post-nesting. Sage Thrasher CV Yosemite Valley. Western Robin SV Yosemite Valley and higher. Northern Varied Thrush WV Yosemite Valley. Alaska Hermit Thrush WV Up to Canadian Zone. Dwarf Hermit Thrush WV Yosemite Valley. Sierra Hermit Thrush SV Canadian and Upper Transition Zones. Russet-backed Thrush SV Yosemite Valley. Western Bluebird WV Yosemite Valley; a few summer records higher. Mountain Bluebird SV High Sierra. Townsend's Solitaire R Canadian Zone, lower in winter. Western Gnatcatcher CV Yosemite Valley. Western Golden-crowned Kinglet SV Canadian Zone, summer; Yosemite Valley, winter. Western Ruby-crowned Kinglet R Canadian Zone, summer; Yosemite Valley, winter. American Pipit CV Up to timberline, fall and winter. Bohemian Waxwing CV Yosemite Valley, two records. Cedar Waxwing CV Yosemite Valley. White-rumped Shrike CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Hutton's Vireo R Upper Sonoran, Lower Transition Zones, in oaks. Cassin's Vireo SV Yosemite Valley. Western Warbling Vireo SV Yosemite Valley. Lutescent Warbler SV Transition and Canadian Zones. Calaveras Warbler SV Transition and Canadian Zones. California Yellow Warbler SV Transition Zone. Audubon's Warbler __SV----.-.----.Up through Hudsonian Zone. Black-throated Gray Warbler SV Yosemite Valley. Townsend's Warbler CV Yosemite Valley. Hermit Warbler SV Yosemite Valley. Macgillivray's Warbler SV Yosemite Valley. Western Yellow-throat CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Long-tailed Chat CV Yosemite Valley. Golden Pileolated Warbler SV Canadian Zone. English Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley. Western Meadowlark CV Yosemite Valley, summer; Hudsonian Zone, fall. Yellow-headed Blackbird CV Yosemite Valley. Kern Red-wing SV Yosemite Valley. Bullock's Oriole SV Yosemite Valley. Brewer's Blackbird SV Yosemite Valley; higher in fall.

Dwarf Cowbird CV Yosemite Valley.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

Western Tanager SV Yosemite Valley; higher in fall. Black-headed Grosbeak SV Yosemite Valley; higher in fall. California Blue Grosbeak SV Yosemite Valley, one record. Lazuli Bunting SV Upper Sonoran and Transition Zones. Western Evening Grosbeak_

_Trans. Can. Zones; casual in winter. California Purple Finch SV Yosemite Valley. Cassin's Purple Finch R Canadian and Hudsonian Zones. Common House Finch CV Yosemite Valley. California Pine Grosbeak Hudsonian Zone, not common. Sierra Nevada Rosy Finch CV Arctic-Alpine Zone. Northern Pine Siskin R Canadian and Hudsonian Zones. Willow Goldfinch CV Yosemite Valley. Green-backed Goldfinch CV Yosemite Valley. Lawrence's Goldfinch CV High Sierra, one record. Bendire's Crossbill R Canadian and Hudsonian Zones. Green-tailed Towhee SV Canadian Zone. Nevada Towhee CV Glen Aulin, one record. Sacramento Towhee R Yosemite Valley. Sacramento Brown Towhee CV Above El Portal, one record. Nevada Savannah Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley and Ten Lakes. Western Vesper Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Western Lark Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley. Rufous-crowned Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley, one banding record. Northern Sage Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley. Slate-colored Junco WV Yosemite Valley, not common. Thurber's Junco R Yosemite Valley and higher. Gray-headed Junco CV Yosemite Valley, not common. Western Chipping Sparrow SV All over the Park. Brewer's Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley and higher—post-nesting. Harris's Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley, one banding record. White-crowned Sparrow SV Hudsonian Zone; four nesting records Yosemite Valley. Gambel's Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley in fall. Golden-crowned Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley in fall. White-throated Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley, three records, fall 1949. Alberta Fox Sparrow WV Yosemite Valley and above rim. Shumagin Fox Sparrow WV Yosemite Valley and above rim. Kodiak Fox Sparrow WV Yosemite Valley and above rim. Valdez Fox Sparrow WV Yosemite Valley and above rim. Slate-colored Fox Sparrow WV Aspen Valley, one record. Mono Fox Sparrow CV High Sierra, one record. Yosemite Fox Sparrow SV Canadian Zone. Lincoln's Sparrow SV Canadian Zone, occasionally lower. Forbush's Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley, one record. Modoc Song Sparrow CV Yosemite Valley in fall.

PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF YOSEMITE VALLEY

The 24 species listed here include only those which are regularly present in the Transition Zone areas of the Park throughout the year. We lack positive evidence of nesting in a few cases, notably the California Heron. Such species as Western Robin and California Purple Finch have been seen here every month of the year, but not enough to warrant inclusion in this list (see Summer Visitants). In the case of some species, notably Thurber's Junco, we are not sure whether the same individuals remain in the Park continuously, or whether those that nest here move out in the fall to be replaced by others from higher elevations. This is a promising field of study for some ornithologist who is interested in bird-banding. In scanning this list it will be seen that two-thirds of the species are either predatory or dendrophilous (living on trees, as Woodpeckers or Creepers) and are thus well able to remain in the Valley during the cold weather.

CALIFORNIA HERON

(Ardea herodias hyperonca). (Great Blue Heron.) Occasionally seen along Merced River and Mirror Lake in Yosemite Valley, but no nesting records.

GOLDEN EAGLE

(Aquila chrysaetos canadensis). Largest of Sierran land birds (length 30 to 35 inches, spread 6 to 7 feet). Coloration chiefly dark brown, becoming paler, more golden brown, on top of head; a grayish white area at base of tail and underside of each wing toward extremity. Voice: A single loud cry, sometimes repeated several times in quick succession. Occurrence : Occasionally seen over Yosemite Valley near Eagle Peak.

EASTERN SPARROW HAWK

(Falco s. sparverius.) Our smallest hawk, only slightly larger than Robin, but appearing bigger because of the longer wings; wings pointed and, when closed, reaching nearly to end of tail. Two narrow vertical black stripes on sides of head below eye; chin and belly white; top of head, back and most of tail, rusty red; male with basal portions of wings slaty blue and tail with a broad subterminal black band and a white tip; female lacking slaty tone on wings, this being replaced by rusty brown, and tail narrowly barred with black throughout. Flight swift, with frequent quick turns; often hovers in one position for several seconds, with wings rapidly beating.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

Voice: A shrill high-pitched killee, repeated. Occurrence: Common resident; most numerous in the San Joaquin Valley, but ranges clear up through the Hudsonian Zone, at least in summer; in Yosemite Valley during most of year. Found chiefly about grass and meadow lands.

PLUMED QUAIL

(Oreortyx p. picta) Larger than Valley Quail; sexes alike; a long slender, usually backward-directed, black plume on head. Bands of black, white and chest-' nut on sides of body; throat chestnut; head, breast, and forepart of back, bluish slate; rest of back and wings, olive brown; belly whitish. Voice: A single loud resonant "kyork" repeated at intervals. Occurrence: Common resident in Transition and Canadian Zones, migrating down to below level of heavy snow in winter. Lives in and around brush patches.

PACIFIC HORNED OWL

(Bubo virginianus pacificus.) Large size (length about 20 inches); ear tufts present and conspicuous; exceeded in size only by Great Gray Owl, which lacks ear tufts. Plumage chiefly mixture of dark and light brown, streaked on back and barred on under surface; eyes yellow. Voice: Our common hoot owl. Often heard moonlight nights. Occurrence: Resident in moderate numbers throughout the region below Hudsonian Zone; observed twice in Hudsonian Zone and once on Lyell Fork, 10,700 ft. el. and at Ten Lakes. Lives in open woods in mountains.

CALIFORNIA PYGMY OWL

(Glaucidium gnoma californicum). Size very small (smallest of our owls); total length only about 7 inches, expanse 14 1/2 inches; head round, without ear tufts; eyes yellow. Color of plumage above grayish brown, relieved by small white spots; below white, with sharp blackish streaks. Voice: Different from that of any other owl, and frequently heard during the day; a single mellow whistle, repeated at intervals, or a prolonged slow trill, followed by two or three isolated notes. Occurrence: Apparently a common permanent resident of the Transition Zone, and perhaps also of the upper margin of the Upper Sonoran Zone. Inhabits sparse woods.

CALIFORNIA SPOTTED OWL

(Strix o. occidentalis). Of medium large size for an owl, less than that of a Pacific Horned; head round (no ear tufts); eyes lead-color (not yellow); plumage brown with numerous abruptly contrasted white spots in transverse rows. Voice: Varied; perhaps most often a series of yelps like the barking of a small dog. Occurrence: Resident in the Transition Zone. Strictly a night owl, and an inhabitant of woods.

SAW-WHET OWL

(Cryptoglaux a. acadica). Sparse resident on floor of Yosemite Valley. One nesting record April, 1926, C. M. and Enid Michael.

WESTERN BELTED KINGFISHER

(Megaceryle alcyon caurina). Size somewhat greater than that of Flicker; head big, tail small, bill stout and crest prominent. Color above, slaty blue; beneath, a silvery white with a broad belt of slate across breast. Female has also a belt, behind the slaty one, of bright rusty brown, with extensions of this color backward along each side. Flight rapid and usually in straightaway course up or down a stream. Voice: A loud grating clatter or rattle. Occurrence: Frequent along streams and about the margins of lakes up at least to the altitude of Tuolumne Meadows, 8600 feet.

RED-SHAFTED FLICKER

(Colaptes cafer collaris). Larger than robin; of woodpecker structure and general habits, save that it does much of its foraging on the ground. In flight shows large white rump patch and flash of dull red from wings and tail. General color above brownish, with narrow bars of black; beneath grayish with numerous sharp polka dots of black and a black crescentic bar across breast. Males have bright red patches at corners of mouth. Flight strong and direct, with quick but infrequent wing beats. Voice: A sharp loud rolling call, repeated at length on practically one pitch. Occurrence: Widely distributed apparently without regard for zonal boundaries; in summer and fall up to timber line. Occupies nesting holes in tree trunks. In winter, descends to the region below the level of heavy snows.

WESTERN PILEATED WOODPECKER

(Ceophloeus pileatus picinus). Much the largest of our woodpeckers (length over 17 inches). Body plumage black, a brilliant red crest on head; a large white area on forward part of under surface of wing; a smaller spot of white on middle of outer surface of wing. Flies usually in direct course, sometimes in great undulations, with rather slow and regular wing beats. Voice: A loud but low-pitched note (kuk), uttered a varying number of times in rather slow and irregular succession.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

THE COMMON WOODPECKERS OF YOSEMITE

California Modoc Western Pileated Red-shafted Flicker Northern White-headed

Occurrence: Common resident in Transition Zone and Canadian Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Seen in Yosemite Valley at all seasons of the year. Lives chiefly in white fir woods.

CALIFORNIA WOODPECKER

(Balanosphyra formicivora bairdi). Of medium size for a woodpecker, near that of robin. Conspicuously pied with black and white; patch on wing showing conspicuously in flight, broad bar across forehead, rump and belly, white; throat yellowish white; black of chest broken into streaks toward belly; conspicuous red patch on top of head; iris of eye white. Sexes alike save that in female the red crown patch is smaller, being separated by a black interval from white bar on forehead. Movements typically woodpeckerlike. Flight undulating to a degree; a short series of strong flaps, then a deep sweep on set wings. Voice : Sharp cry, "yakob" repeated several times. Occurrence: Commonest woodpecker on floor of Yosemite Valley. Forage is chiefly in the black oak belt, often seen flycatching above oaks.

SOUTHERN RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER

(Sphyrapicus varius daggetti). Not common in summer, but occasionally seen near rim of valley. Observed in Valley during fall and early winter.

MODOC WOODPECKER

(Dryobates villosus orius). A woodpecker the size of Robin or slightly less. Upper surface black, with a broad white stripe down middle of back; whole under surface, including outer stripe behind eye white. Adult males have narrow fringe of red feathers across back of head, but this is not often to be seen at a distance. Voice: A single sharp note (speenk), uttered at irregular intervals. Occurrence: Resident in moderate numbers throughout the region except in the Lower Sonoran Zone and above timber line.

WILLOW WOODPECKER

(Dryobates pubescens turati). Smallest of our woodpeckers, about halfway between junco and Robin in size. Upper surface, wings and tail chiefly black; lower surface dull white; a white streak over eye, and one across forehead and down along cheek; middle of back continuously white (no bars); outer tail feathers white, barred with black; outer wing feathers marked with white spots near tips. Males have a bright red band across back of head, this, however, often not seen; females without any red at all. Flight-course in short undulations; wing strokes intermittent. Voice (seldom heard): A highpitched run or trill of unique character. Occurrence: Sparse resident of deciduous timber in Lower and Upper Sonoran and Transition Zones.

NORTHERN WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER

(Dryobates a. albolarvatus). Size somewhat under that of robin. Plumage wholly black, save for entirely white head and white area on wings, the latter showing best in flight. Flight course undulating, wing strokes intermittent. Voice: A single high-pitched note, often repeated in short staccato series. Occurrence: Resident in moderate numbers throughout the region except in the Lower Sonoran Zone and above timber line.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

BLUE-FRONTED JAY

(Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis). Somewhat larger than Robin. Head with conspicuous crest; tail as long as body, broad, and slightly rounded at end; wings short and rounded. Head (including crest) and forepart of body, blackish; wings, tail and hinder part of body, chiefly deep blue. Young more blackish, less blue, especially on lower surface, and plumage more fluffy. Voice: Extremely varied, usual calls harsh and loud. Occurrence: Remains in Yosemite Valley throughout the year. Frequents wooded territories; stores food in ground. Non-flocking, but individuals quickly assemble about any object or sound which incites their curiosity.

SHORT-TAILED CHICKADEE

(Penthestes gambeli abbreviatus) (Mountain Chickadee). About two-thirds size of junco. Top and back of head, and whole chin and throat, black; side of head below eye and short stripe above eye, white; rest of body chiefly plain gray. Manner active and alert; when foraging, often hangs inverted from smaller twigs. Voice: Commonest call a wheezy rendering of the syllables (chick-adee-dee). Occurrence: Common resident in Canadian and Hudsonian Zones, less numerous in Transition. Lives in trees, mostly conifers, foraging up to 50 feet above the ground. In pairs at nesting time; flocking loosely at other seasons, sometimes in company with other small birds.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH

(Sitta canadensis). Half size of Junco; tail about half length of body. Top and sides of head, black in male, slaty in female; a white stripe over eye in both sexes; back slaty gray; under surface of body reddish brown. "Hitches" about in all directions on bark of tree.

Voice: A nasal yank-yank. Occurrence: Lives on trunks and branches of conifers, usually in the upper halves of the trees. Solitary.

SIERRA CREEPER

(Certhia familiaris zelotes). Less than half size of Junco; tail as long as body, each feather stiffened, and pointed at tip; slender bill and curved. Coloration above dark brown streaked with white; under surface of body plain white. Hitches jerkily upward on trunks of trees. Voice: Call note a high thin "seep. " Occurrence: Permanent resident in Transition Zone. Forages on trunks and larger branches of good-sized trees, and nests in crevices behind loose bark. Solitary or in pairs.

DIPPER

(Cinclus mexicanus unicolor). (Water Ouzel). but tail very short, about one-half length of body. Whole plumage appearing dark slate gray; young paler toned beneath, with whitish throat. No contrasted markings anywhere in adults save for small white spot on upper eyelid; when perched on rock or bank, bird bobs body down and up at short intervals. Voice: Male has an elaborate and varying song. Occurrence: Common in Transition, Canadian and Hudsonian Zones on both slopes of Sierra Nevada; resident at least up to Canadian. Lives along swift-flowing streams. Solitary.

DOTTED WREN

(Catherpes mexicanus punctulatus) (Canyon Wren). Body size nearly that of Robin; tail shorter than body; bill long (3 in.) and slender. Coloration rich reddish brown; throat and chest clear white. Executes squatting movement every few seconds, by which white of throat area is emphasized. Voice: Song a series of 10 or so loud clear whistled notes, the pitch descending and the timing slower toward end of series. Occurrence : Resident in fair numbers from Lower Sonoran Zone up through Transition on west side of Sierra Nevada. Chiefly on and about rock walls of the larger canyons. Solitary.

SACRAMENTO TOWHEE

(Pipilo maculatus falcinellus) (Spotted Towhee). Size large for a sparrow, bulk be-

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

tween that of Junco and Robin; tail about as long as body, and usually carried up at an angle with back. Whole upper surface and forepart of body, black; small spots (tear drops) in rows on wings, larger spots (thumb marks) at end of tail, and belly, white; sides of body orange brown. Male with black more intense than in female; young quite different, streaked. Voice: A cat-like mewing call or alarm note, and a trilled song sounding like to-whee-e-e-e, the first syllable inaudible beyond a short radius. Occurrence: Ranges in the breeding season from the vicinity of Snelling up as high as the floor of Yosemite Valley. In autumn wanders still higher, as to Aspen Valley at 7000 feet and on Illilouette Creek at 6200 feet. Lives in brush thickets and forages on ground beneath such cover, seldom venturing into the open. Solitary.

THURBER'S JUNCO

(Junco oreganus thurberi) (Sierra Junco). A small sparrow (total length about 6 inches, tail about 2 1/2 inches long). Head, neck and breast covered by solid black (most intense in males, grayish toned in females and immatures), sharply set off from white on under surface of body. Bill whitish-appearing. Back and wings dark brown, unmarked; tail black centrally, two outer feathers on each side pure white. Juvenile birds lack the black "cowl" and have the whole head and body, both above and below streaked. When on ground, hops about rapidly in zigzag course; if flushed, rises quickly, spreading tail so that white margin shows conspicuously; usually takes refuge within nearby trees or large bushes. Voice: Song of male a quavering trill, metallic in quality, rapid in utterance. Occurrence: Abundant summer visitant throughout the Transition, Canadian and Hudsonian Zones on both sides of Sierra Nevada. In winter descends to below the level of heavy snow, occupying the whole of foothill and lowland country, numbers appearing in flocks in Yosemite Valley. In summer lives in and about openings in forest or along open stream banks; nests on ground; in winter ranges widely. In pairs at nesting time, but in flocks of varying size during other parts of the year.

SUMMER VISITANTS TO YOSEMITE VALLEY

This list of 35 species, together with the preceding group of '24 Permanent Residents, gives a total of 59 possible nesting species for Yosemite Valley and the Transition Zone areas of the Park. It does not include all the species designated as Summer Visitants in the Check List of Yosemite National Park, since many nest only in the Canadian or Hudsonian Zones above Yosemite Valley, while a few nest only in the Upper Sonoran Zone below the Valley. Hence this list might be more properly termed "Summer Visitants to the Transition Zone of Yosemite National Park, " and bird students at Wawona, Hetch Hetchy, and other points of similar elevation will find it as useful as those whose studies are limited to Yosemite Valley.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER

(Actitis macularia). A "wader" between Robin and Junco in size; a slender build, with long legs, slender neck, and short tail. Upper surface olive brown; under surface, in summer adults, white with numerous rounded black spots; wing crossed by a narrow white band, readily seen in flight; outer tail feathers barred with brown and white. Course of flight usually semicircular, the bird skimming low over the water. When on ground bobs hinder parts of body down and up every second or two. Voice: A clear, whistle like "weet" or "weeter," uttered three or more times in succession. Occurrence, Sandy or pebbly shores of lakes and smooth flowing streams. May to September.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON

(Columba f. fasciata). Size and proportions of domestic pigeon; general effect of coloration of upper surface bluish gray, of under surface pinkish brown; a distinct dark band across middle of square-ended tail. Flight swift and

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

direct, with steadily flapping wings; leaves perch with loud clapping of wings. Voice: A deep, rolled, "coo-coo" resembling that of a domestic pigeon. Occurrence: Small flocks in open forests near or in oak trees or berry producing shrubs. Nests rather commonly in Yosemite Valley. Larger flocks during acorn harvest.

DUSKY POOR-WILL

(Phalaenoptilua nuttalli californicus) Sparse visitor to lower Transition Zone, but rare in Yosemite Valley.

BLACK SWIFT

(Nephoecetes niger borealis) Larger than any of our swallows or the White-throated Swift, but resembling the latter in its long slender wings; tail very broad. Plumage, black; no white marks ordinarily apparent. Flight more swallow-like, less erratic, than of White-throated Swift. Voice: A high-pitched twitter. More quiet than White-throated Swift. Occurrence: Forages in the open air. Found nesting in Tenaya Canyon, 1926, by C. M. and Enid Michael, the second known nesting location for this species. May to September.

WHITE-THROATED SWIFT

(Aeronautes s. saxatalis). Resembling a swallow, but wings much longer and more slender, and tail longer; outline in flight crossbow-like. Plumage, black, save for white on throat and midbreast, and white patch on either side of rump. Flight swift and erratic, with very rapid beats of the wings, which at times appear to operate alternately. Voice: A series of shrill twittering notes, descending chromatically. Occurrence: Summer visitant locally in small numbers west of the Sierra crest and below the Canadian Zone. Courses about in the open air, usually high over sheer cliffs. March to September.

ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD

(Calypte anna). Largest of the hummingbirds found in the Yosemite region. Male with whole top of head, chin and throat iridescent magenta or rosered; lower surface grayish green. Back in both sexes metallic green; no rufous or buffy at all in plumage. Female with sides of body tinged with greenish, and with outer tail feathers broadly rounded at ends. Occurrence: Common resident of Upper Sonoran Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Seen in Yosemite Valley in some numbers after nesting season, mainly June to September.

CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD

(Stellula calliope). Smallest of the hummingbirds in the region. Throat of male with long, lancet-like feathers of a striking lavender iridescence, the whole on a white background; back and top of head green; flanks tinged with buffy. Female with back and top of head iridescent green; lower surface grayish white strongly buffy tinged, but not bright rufous on base of tail as in the female Rufous; outer tail feathers broad-ended instead of narrow as in Rufous. Occurrence: Common summer visitant to Transition and Canadian Zones on both slopes of Sierra Nevada; observed from March until September in Yosemite Valley. In Yosemite Valley the arrival of these hummers seems timed by the first

opening of manzanita blossoms along the sunny north side of the valley. They forage chiefly about this shrub and also ceanothus and wild currant blossoms.

LITTLE FLYCATCHER

(Empidonax trailli brewsteri). (Trail Flycatcher) Smaller than junco. No striking bright markings anywhere. Coloration above, brownish; beneath, nearly white. Perches with drooping wings and tail on prominent twig tips whence it flits out after insects which fly past. Occurrence: Common summer visitant locally in Sonoran Zones, and lower part of Transition Zone "chiefly Yosemite Valley, " on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Restricted to willow and azalea thickets of broad bottomlands. Nest usually in azalea. May to September:

WESTERN FLYCATCHER

(Empidonax d. difficilis). Smaller than junco. Upper surface of body olive green, under surface definitely yellowish; lower mandible wholly yellow beneath. Occurrence: Sparse summer visitant to Transition Zone on west side of Sierra Nevada. Observed in Yosemite Valley, especially about Mirror Lake. Frequents chiefly wooded canyon bottoms where incense cedars and alders line the streams. Forages singly, and perches 10 to 25 feet above the ground. Nest on moist banks. April to August.

WESTERN WOOD PEWEE

(Myiochanes r. richardsoni). Size of junco, with posture and habits of flycatcher. Plumage above and on sides of body dark brown; middle of lower surface of body yellowish white. No special markings whatever: no white flank patch, no light eye-ring, wing bars wanting or indistinct. Perches in upright, straight-backed posture on lower bare branches of large trees, whence it darts out after flying insects. Occurrence: Common summer visitant to Upper Sonoran, Transition and Canadian Zones on both slopes of Sierra Nevada. Seen in Yosemite Valley throughout the summer. Arrives about second week in May and departs about mid-September. Usual forage range about 15 to 40 feet above ground. Solitary except when caring for brood. Nest, a cup of dry fibers saddled on dead limb, frequently over water.

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW

(Tachycineta thalassina lepida) Body size slightly less than that of Linnet or junco; wings long and pointed, when closed reaching an inch beyond the slightly notched tail. Whole under surface of body, and sides of rump, pure white; up-

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

per surface of body intense green, with violet tinge on rump discernible at short range. Occurrence: Common summer visitant to Upper Sonoran and Transition zones on west slope of Sierra

Nevada. Forages in open, frequently over water, roosting and nesting in hollow trees or in rock crevices. Often in loose flocks while foraging. April to September.

ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

(Stelgidopteryx ruficollis serripennis) Body size about that of Linnet or Junco; tail almost square-ended. Whole upper surface dull brown; throat and chest grayish brown; belly and feathers below base of tail white. No brilliant or iridescent markings whatsoever. Occurrence: Sparse summer visitant in foothills west of Sierra Nevada. Frequents vicinity of gulches having steep earth banks. In pairs or small companies. Several pairs nest in banks of Merced River each summer in Yosemite Valley. April to August.

WESTERN ROBIN

(Turdus migratorius propinquus) Size, medium (length 10 inches); bill, slender; tail nearly as long as body. Lower surface of body bright reddish brown; upper surface plain dark slate gray, blackish on head and tail; chin, white; area under base of tail, white. Young birds have under surface of body pale reddish and conspicuously marked with rounded black spots. When on ground moves rapidly, either walking or hopping; stops abruptly and fixedly in upright posture for a few second after each advance. Flight steady, not undulating. Voice: Of male, 'a loud caroling song. Both sexes utter short calls, some of them sound like squeals; these given singly or in various combinations. Occurrence: Common summer visitant to forested portions of the Yosemite region, most abundant in Transition Zone on west slope, less numerous at the higher elevations and on the east side of the mountains. A few remain in Transition Zone, as in Yosemite Valley, in certain winters. Forages chiefly on open grasslands in summer and generally in berry-producing trees and bushes in winter. Seeks open branches of trees for singing or roosting. In pairs or families during nesting season; in loose flocks up to 50 or more at other times of year.

SIERRA HERMIT THRUSH

(Hylocichla guttata sequoiensis) Decidedly larger than Junco, but not so large as Russet-backed Thrush; bill, short and slender. Upper surface, plain brown; rufous tinged on tail; ring of buff around eye; wing with a concealed band of buffy, shown forth in flight; breast buffy, with numerous triangular dark spots; sides grayish, not streaked; belly, white. Manner, quiet; every few seconds, when bird is perched, the ends of the wings are spasmodically twitched and the tail is elevated and then slowly depressed. Voice: Song of male, clear and musical, consisting of phrases uttered at varying intervals, each phrase of three to six "words" with

the pitch of successive phrases now high, now low, etc.; usual call note a rather low soft "sup." Occurrence: Common summer visitant on west slope of Sierra Nevada, chiefly in Canadian Zone. Keeps to wooded glades and ravine bottoms. Solitary. Several nesting records on floor of Valley. May to August.

RUSSET-BACKED THRUSH

(Hylacichla u. ustulata). Size nearly twice that of Junco; bill, short and slender. Whole upper surface plain brown; wing, with a concealed band of buffy, which shows in flight; breast buffy with triangular spots of brown; sides, brownish, not streaked; belly, white; eye surrounded by narrow ring of buff. Movements, deliberate. Voice: Song of male a set theme, two to four clear deep notes, then an equal number of slurred ones, ascending in pitch, the last one finely attenuated; call note, a soft whistled tone. Occurrence: Summer visitant in Transition Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Keeps to low growths near streams, males going up into trees to sing. Solitary. May to September.

CASSIN'S VIREO

(Vireo solitarius cassini). Three-fourths bulk of Junco; tail shorter than body. Plumage grayish green above, olive gray on head; under surface whitish; eye encircled by white; two light bars on wing; bill black. Movements deliberate. Voice: Incessant singer—or talker. Pattern suggests "Jimmy, come here!" Occurrence: Common summer visitant to Transition Zone, on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Frequents chiefly incense cedars and golden oaks. Solitary. April to September.

WESTERN WARBLING VIREO

(Vireo gilvus swainsoni). Two-thirds size of Junco; tail shorter than body. Plumage, grayish green, with no highly contrasted markings; a light line over eye; no light bars on wing. Movements slow as compared with warblers; keeps usually within crown foliage of trees. Voice : An incessant singer all during the day. Three or four high warbled notes in each short song. Rising inflection. Occurrence: Summer visitant in Upper Sonoran, Transition and Canadian zones on both sides of Sierra Nevada; commoner on west slope. Frequents deciduous trees chiefly, most often near streams; forages from 10 to 60 feet above ground. Solitary except when pairs are caring for broods. April to September.

LUTESCENT WARBLER

(Vermivora celata lutescens). Half size of Junco. Whole body dull greenish, tinged with yellow

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

beneath. No wing bars or other contrasted markings of any sort. Occurrence: Summer visitant in small numbers locally in Upper Sonoran and Transition zones on both slopes of Sierra Nevada. Keeps to inner foliage of trees on shaded hillslopes; forages 10 to 30 feet above ground, but nesting on ground. Solitary. Seldom seen in Valley.

CALAVERAS WARBLER

(Vermivora ruficapilla ridgwayi) Half bulk of Junco. Body coloration, yellow beneath, olive green above; head and neck (except throat), gray; eyelids, white; male has a chestnut-colored crown patch, visible only at close range. No white or black markings whatsoever on wings or tail. Voice: Song of male, four or five rapidly uttered shrill notes followed by three or four lower ones. Occurrence: Common summer visitant to Transition Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Sings and forages 10 to 70 feet above ground in broad-leaved trees, such as black oak and maple, but nests in shaded situations on ground. Solitary. April to September.

CALIFORNIA YELLOW WARBLER

(Dendroica aestiva brewsteri) Half size of Junco. Yellow color predominating; no black or white markings whatsoever. Male: clear yellow beneath (narrowly streaked with chestnut, but this not discernible at a distance); upper surface greenish yellow. Female and young pale yellow beneath, unstreaked; upper surface, dull greenish yellow. Movements, quick and nervous; hops along small branches in zig-zag course. Voice : Song of male, very high pitched, piercingly shrill, four or five sharply enunciated notes, rising, followed by quick series of shorter ones descending in pitch. Occurrence: Common summer visitant at both bases and on adjacent lower slopes of Sierra Nevada, extending up through the Transition Zone. Chiefly in cottonwoods and willows along streams, foraging up to 40 feet from the ground; nests in same general surroundings, but usually less than 15 feet from ground. Solitary. April to September.

AUDUBON'S WARBLER

(Dendroica a. auduboni). Size, two-thirds that of junco. Rump always yellow (except in young newly out of nest), and tail large-appearing and always with a wide bar of white across it near end. Chin usually distinctly yellow. Adult male in summer: top of head, chin, rump, and patch on each side of breast, yellow; breast, black; upper surface of bluish gray streaked with black. Adult female in summer: top of head, chin and rump, yellow; breast, mottled with gray and black; upper surface bluish gray. All movements quick and nervous; often flies out from foliage of tree in semicircular course. Voice: Song of Male, a series of mellow notes, run together rapidly, not loud, and of tinkling quality. Occurrence: In summer common visitant to Transition, Canadian and Hudsonian zones on both slopes of Sierra Nevada (most plentiful in Canadian). Keeps chiefly to coniferous trees, foraging 10 to 50 feet or higher above ground, and nests in same situation. In pairs or solitary. In Yosemite is often seen every month of the year.

BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER

(Dendroica nigrescens). Half bulk of Junco. Head, chin and throat black (mixed with white in female and young), with a white line backward over eye and another from bill down side of throat; sides of body streaked with black; rest

THE COMMON WARBLERS OF YOSEMITE

Facing left Facing right Black-throated Gray Hermit Audubon 's Calaveras California Yellow Lutescent Macgillivrays (Tolmis)

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

of under surface white; upper surface, bluish gray; two light bars on wing; tail, white margined. No conspicuous yellow in plumage. Movements, rather deliberate for a warbler. Voice: Song of male, slow drawling. Occurrence : Moderately common summer visitant locally in Transition Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. In nesting time practically restricted to golden oaks. Solitary or in scattering parties. April to September.

HERMIT WARBLER

(Dendroica occidentalis). Half size of junco. Cheeks always yellow; under parts whitish, unstreaked; back bluish or greenish gray; two light bars on each wing; tail, white margined. Adult male: whole head clear yellow, except for black throat. Female and immatures: head dull yellow, crown mottled with blackish; little or no black on throat. Voice: Song of male three or four two-syllable notes followed by two shorter ones, often with drawling intonation. Occurrence: Summer visitant in varying numbers to Transition and Canadian zones on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Forages chiefly in coniferous trees, 20 feet or more above ground, and nests in same locations. Solitary. April to August. MacGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) (Tolmie Warbler). About two-thirds bulk of Junco. Head, neck and breast gray, darkest in adult males; eyelids, white; belly and under parts, yellow; upper surface, wings, and tail, plain dull green. Voice: Song of male, three to five clean separated notes followed by one or several shorter ones close together and sometimes trilled. Occurrence: Common summer visitant to Transition and Lower Canadian zones on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Keeps to low shrubbery, usually over damp ground, foraging four feet or less from ground; nests in same sort of surroundings. Solitary, or in pairs. April to September.

WESTERN MEADOWLARK

(Sturnella neglecta) Very uncommon in the valley. Has been noted from April to November. Formerly nested here in small numbers.

KERN RED-WING

(Agelaius phoeniceus aciculatus) (Red-winged Blackbird Somewhat smaller than Robin. Male, wholly black, except for red "epaulet" or shoulder patch on each wing at bend. Females, brownish black, with under surface more or less streaked with pinkish buff, feathers of back edged with buff, and a light stripe over eye. Voice: "Kong-lure-lee," most characteristic. Occurrence: Common locally below Canadian Zone. Restricted to fresh water marshes with abundant

growths of tules (or willows) or to boggy meadows with thick stands of tall grass. More or less gregarious at all seasons. February to October.

BREWER'S BLACKBIRD

(Euphagus cyanocephalus). Slightly smaller than Robin. Female about one-fourth smaller than male. Male entirely black, the plumage with a distinct sheen; iris white. Female dull brownish black; iris dark brown. No contrasted color marks in either sex. Occurrence: Common resident of the lowlands and foothills (Lower and Upper Sonoran zones, sparingly Transition) on the west slope. In summer and fall months ranges upward in mountains nearly to timber line. Nests singly or in small scattered colonies, but assembles in large flocks at other seasons of year. March to November.

WESTERN TANAGER

(Piranga ludoviciana). Between Robin and Junco in size. Sexes different. Male: head, red; wings, upper back and tail, black; rest of body plain lemon yellow. Female: dull yellowish brown (sometimes greenish in effect) on upper surfaces; dull yellowish white beneath. Both sexes notably deliberate in all movements, the opposite of nervous. Voice: Call note "pretty."

Occurrence: Common summer visitant in Transition and Canadian zones on west slope of Sierra Nevada. In pairs at nesting time, otherwise seen singly, except as small flocks may be formed in early fall, before departure. April to September.

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK

(Hedymeles m. melanocephalus). Between Junco and Robin in size; tail shorter than body; bill, large and blunt. Adult male in summer: upper surface largely black; end of tail and middle of wing with large spots of white; collar around hind neck, rump, and under surface of body, light reddish brown. Female and immature: head with a light stripe over each eye and another over crown; rest of upper surface dull brown, streaked with blackish; under surface brownish white. Year-

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

ling males often wear plumage intermediate between that of adult male and of female. Voice: Song of male elaborate—a rapidly timed series of full warbling notes with both ascending and descending inflections. Occurrence: Abundant summer visitant at lower altitudes on both sides of Sierra Nevada (chiefly in Upper Sonoran and Transition zones). Forages largely in crown foliage of deciduous trees, sometimes in shrubs, occasionally on ground. Non-flocking.

LAZULI BUNTING

(Passerina amoena) Decidedly smaller than Junco; tail shorter than body. Sexes different. Male: head, throat, back and rump, clear light blue; breast crossed by a bright tawny band; under parts otherwise white; tail and wings blackish brown with a white bar (sometimes a narrower one also) across each wing. Female and young: dull dark brown above, buffy and white on under surface, without contrasted markings of any sort. Voice: Song of male a rather long, high-pitched hurried utterance of set character. Occurrence: Common summer visitant at lower altitudes on both sides of Sierra Nevada; most abundant in Upper Sonoran Zone on west slope. Lives in low growths along ravine bottoms and near streams. Seen in pairs or singly, the male more often than the female. May to August.

WESTERN EVENING GROSBEAK

(Hesperiphona vespertina brooksi). Size large for a sparrow, but less than that of Robin. Body chunky, tail short and indented at end; bill very large and conical. Male: body coloration brownish yellow; tail and wings black, each wing with a large white patch (mostly of innermost secondaries); top of head, black; forehead and stripe over eye clear yellow. Female: body coloration, grayish brown; wings and tail, black, much spotted with white. Voice: Song of male three loud high-pitched notes uttered slowly. Occurrence: Irregular, usually sparse, summer visitant to Transition and Canadian zones on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Observed from Crane Flat, Hazel Green and Chinquapin east to Mono Meadow; also in Yosemite Valley. Inhabits forest trees, foraging in crown foliage; less often shrubs or on ground. Usually in small flocks of loose formations, or in pairs. Commonest March to October.

CALIFORNIA PURPLE FINCH

(Carpodacus purpureus californicus) Size of junco (length 5 1/2 inches); tail shorter than body, and decidedly notched. Male: top of head,

rump and lower surface of body from chin to breast, dull purplish red; belly, whitish, unstreaked; rest of plumage dark brown, more or less tinged with red. Female: entirely lacking red, the plumage above grayish brown (tinged with greenish) and the under surface broadly streaked with dark brown. Voice: Song of male a rapid rolling warble lasting about two seconds and repeated at fairly regular intervals. Occurrence: Moderately common summer visitant to Transition Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. In pairs or in small flocks. Casual in winter.

WESTERN CHIPPING SPARROW

(Spizella passerina arizonae). Decidedly smaller than Junco, and with narrow tail. Crown of head chiefly bright reddish brown; stripe over eye ashy white; upper surface of body brown, with black streaks on back; under surface of body ashy white, unmarked in adults, streaked in juveniles. No white on tail. Voice: Song of male a monotonous buzz lasting several seconds. Occurrence: Summer visitant widely from floor of San Joaquin Valley to near timber line on Sierra Nevada. Frequents various situations, most often margins of clearings adjacent to small trees. Forages chiefly on ground. Flocks loosely after nesting. April to October.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW

(Zonotrichia 1. leucophrys). Never common in Yosemite Valley, but straggler, seen every year. A few nesting records in Valley. April to November.

LINCOLN'S SPARROW

(Melospiza 1. lincolni). Nests from Yosemite Valley (4000 feet) up to 8000 feet as at Porcupine Flat. Several nesting records. Nests on ground in manner of Junco. April to October

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

WINTER VISITANTS TO THE YOSEMITE VALLEY

California is popularly known as the winter home of many birds that nest in the north, but only a few of these winter visitors are attracted to the mountainous portions of the State. Yosemite Valley, at 4000 feet elevation, is the winter home of only 15 of these species, most of which nest farther north. However, there are several winter visitants that come to Yosemite from warm summer homes at lower elevations along the flanks of the Sierra Nevada. This unusual trait of moving to a cold climate for the winter is exhibited to some extent by the Nuttall Woodpecker, Plain Titmouse, Western Winter Wren and Western Bluebird. The latter is the only one present in numbers, in fact the general scarcity of species and individuals is the most outstanding feature of Yosemite 's winter visitants. Only the careful observer will see any but the Kinglets and Bluebirds.

RING-NECKED DUCK

(Nyroca collaris). Head black, with purplish reflections in strong light; back and breast black; sides ashy, separated from breast by curved white line extending a short distance upward; area under tail black; rest of under parts white. Bill dark gray with a narrow band of white around the base, and a broader band of bluish white near the tip, tip black; iris yellow, feet grayish blue. Size medium for a duck. Occurrence: Casual visitor to Merced River and Mirror Lake, December to March.

NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER

(Dryobates nuttalli). Size, small for woodpecker, little over half that of a Modoc Woodpecker. Whole back, wings, sides of body and outer tail feathers barred or spotted with black and white; therefore called "ladder-backed "; throat and breast white, unmarked; head, black, with a white stripe above and another below eye; back of head red in adult males. Juvenile birds of both sexes have more or less red on crown of head. Flight course in short swoops or undulations, with intermittent wing strokes. Voice: A loud high-pitched trill. Occurrence : Frequents oaks, digger pines, and to a lesser extent cottonwoods and willows. Irregular visitant to Yosemite Valley.

PLAIN TITMOUSE

(Baeolophus inornatus). Size somewhat less than that of Junco or Linnet. Coloration everywhere plain, grayish brown above, pale gray beneath; no contrasted markings of any sort. Head with a tapered crest, which is habitually kept erect. Manners, flight and notes resembling those of Chickadees. Occurrence: Common resident of Upper Sonoran Zone on west slope of Sierra Nevada. Lives chiefly in foliage of oak trees. Expected November to February, singly or in pairs. Often with Juncos.

WESTERN WINTER WREN

(Nannus hiemalis pacificus) Smallest of the wrens; body size less than half that of Junco; tail but a little more than an inch in length. Coloration dark reddish brown, below as well as above; an indistinct light line over eye. Tail held always up at steep angle with back. Movements of bird quick; squats every now and then. Voice: A rather extended and varied song of rapid delivery and high pitch. Occurrence: Sparse resident at middle elevations on west slope of Sierra Nevada; observed in Yosemite Valley and at Merced Grove of Big Trees. Winter visitant in fair numbers to Yosemite Valley and El Portal. Lives among root tangles and brush heaps near streams. Solitary. October to March.

NORTHERN VARIED THRUSH

(Ixoreus naevius meruloides) Size of Robin and somewhat similar in coloration, but with a black, or (in female), slaty, band across chest, and a shorter tail. Upper surface slate-colored; under surface bright rusty brown (more orange than in Robin); conspicuous stripe of same color behind eye; also bars and spots of same on wing. In flight like Robin, but with a pale band showing lengthwise of each spread wing. Occurrence: A winter visitant to the western slope of the Sierras below the level of heavy snows. Common locally, reaching Yosemite Valley in late autumn and present in midwinter. Forages in scattered companies in chaparral or dense growths of small trees; seldom seen in the open. October to March.

HERMIT THRUSH

Alaska (Hylocichla g. guttata) Dwarf (Hylocichla guttata nanus) For description see Sierra Hermit Thrush in Summer Visitants. Occurrence: Fall visitant at all altitudes on west slope of Sierra Nevada, and winter visitant there below level of heavy snow. Keeps to sheltered situations generally, even chaparral. Solitary. October to February.

WESTERN BLUEBIRD

(Sialia mexicana occidentalis). Size half again that of junco; wings relatively long, reaching nearly to end of tail. Male: upper surface of body mainly intense dark blue, chin and throat the same; middle of back and breast, and sides of body, chestnut brown. Female: upper surface and throat dull grayish blue; breast and sides pale chestnut brown. Young: breast mottled with dusky. Of quiet demeanor, movements deliberate. Occurrence: Common at all seasons in Upper Sonoran Zone on western foothills of Sierra Nevada. In autumn and early winter appears at higher altitudes eastward as far as Colby Mountain (near Ten Lakes) and commonly in Yosemite Valley. In nesting season lives chiefly about blue oaks; one nesting record Moraine Dome, but at other seasons of year frequents berry-producing plants especially the mistletoe on oaks. Flocks openly through most of year, breaking into attentive pairs at nesting time. October to March.

WESTERN GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET

(Regulus satrapa olivaceus). Size very small; about one-third that of junco; tail shorter than body.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

Crown of head orange and yellow (male) or golden yellow (female) bordered on either side by black; a white stripe over eye; upper surface of body chiefly green; under surface whitish; one or two light bars on wings. Movements quick, wings fluttered often. Voice : A series of fine and wiry notes. Occurrence : Resident of Park, winters in Yosemite Valley, in small flocks. Keeps high in conifers. September to May.

WESTERN RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET

(Corthylio calendula cineraceus) Size very small, about one third that of Junco; tail shorter than body. Upper surface of body grayish green; under surface buffy white; one or two light bars across each wing, and a light ring around eye. Male has a crown patch of brilliant red, usually concealed, but capable of being flashed into view. Movements quick, nervous, flutters wings frequently.

Voice: Song of male elaborate. Call note a scolding "eh" often repeated.

Occurrence: Resident Canadian Zone, winter visitant to Valley. Solitary. September to March.

SLATE-COLORED JUNCO

(Junco h. hyemalis). Similar to Thurber Junco (see Permanent Residents list), but black margin of cowl on breast curved downward rather than upward.

Occurrence: Irregular winter visitant. Most likely to be associated as single individuals in flocks of Thurber Juncos. October to April.

DISTINCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF COMMON YOSEMITE BIRDS

HAWKS and EAGLES with long strong wings are most often seen in air circling and soaring. OWLS more often heard than seen as most of them forage at night. Have large eyes, brownish coloration, flight noiseless. SWIFTS are swiftest fliers which dart high in air about cliff walls capturing insects on wing.

FOX SPARROWS

(Passerella iliaca) Alberta (altivagans) Shumagin (unalaschcensis) Kodiak (insularis) Valdez (sinuosa)

Of chunky build, between Robin and Junco in size. Upper surface almost uniform dark brown, grayish, or reddish in tone, according to subspecies; wings and tail in any case with more or less of a foxy red tinge; under surface white, with bold triangular spots of dark brown or grayish brown, most numerous on fore neck; no white markings on either wings or tail; bill varyingly stout, dark-colored, in some races yellow below at base. Occurrence: These subspecific forms are migrants and winter visitants, rare in Lower Sonoran Zone, but common in Upper Sonoran and (except in periods of heavy snows) Transition Zones, throughout the region. Inhabits thick brush, under which it industriously forages with much sound of scratching in the litter; found singly or in pairs, never in flocks. August to April.

HUMMINGBIRDS are the smallest of birds with iridescent plumage which buzz about flowers extracting nectar and tiny insects with their long needleshaped bills. KINGFISHERS fly or perch above water to plunge beneath surface to capture small fish in their long bills. WOODPECKERS with long, strong bills, climb up and down the trunks of trees bracing with their tails and tapping the bark vigorously. FLYCATCHERS sit erect with drooping, teetering tails, watching alertly for insect prey upon which they pounce in mid-air, afterwards returning to their perch. SWALLOWS with long pointed wings, skim through the air in graceful and long sustained flights. JAYS are good-sized blue birds, with raucous call and bold behavior, inhabiting open fields and wooded areas. Very common about camps. CHICKADEES and TITMICE are small, noisy, active, restless birds feeding largely in foliage or on inner limbs. They have fluffy, grayish plumage and short straight bills, with which they often hammer seeds with woodpecker-like blows while holding them with their feet. NUTHATCHES are smaller than woodpeckers and have much the same habit of climbing up and down tree-trunks but with a freer wing-wagging motion, often descending head downward. CREEPERS as the name implies, creep upward on the trunks of trees and the larger limbs, searching for insects in the crevices of the bark. DIPPERS, (Water Ouzels), of dark slaty gray plumage are seen dipping into rushing streams for food or bobbing up and down on mid-stream rocks. THRUSHES, with the exception of the ROBIN and BLUEBIRD, are very plainly dressed and have spotted breasts. They run about on the ground stopping suddenly in listening attitudes. KINGLETS, tiny, chubby birds with large eyes, move restlessly about in foliage, ever keeping on the move. VIREOS are chubby, large-eyed birds, the color of foliage. They are at home in the boughs of trees and sing freely as they glide in and out among the leaves to feed. WARBLERS are small, tireless, gaily-colored explorers of the twigs of trees and bushes. A few exhibit flycatcher-like habits. BLACKBIRDS have bright plumage and usually inhabit open fields. The sexes differ in coloration. Winter flocking is the rule. TANAGERS, remarkable for the brilliant plumage of the males, are birds of the coniferous forests during the summer. SPARROWS and FINCHES have stout seed-cracking bills, feed on or near the ground, seldom fly high or far at a time, and are for the most part fine songsters. Juncos and Grosbeaks belong in this group.

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

INDEX

Allen 's Hummingbird

American Coot

American Magpie

American Merganser

American Pipit

Anna's Hummingbird 17, 4 Arkansas Kingbird

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Audubon's Warbler 21, 6 Avocet

Band-tailed Pigeon 16 17, 4 Barn Owl

Barrow's Golden-eye

Behaviour Key 29-30 Belted Kingfisher 10, 4 Bendire's Crossbill

Bibliography

Blackbird, Brewer's 24, 6 Kern Red-wing 23 24, 6 Yellow-headed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-eared Nuthatch

Black-headed Grosbeak - 24 25, 7 Black-necked Stilt

Black Phoebe

Black Swift 17, 4 Black-throated Gray Warbler 21 23, 6 Bluebird, Mountain

Western 28, 6 Blue-fronted Jay 13, 5 Blue Grosbeak, California

Blue Heron 8, 3 Bohemian Waxwing

Brewer 's Blackbird 24, 6 Brewer 's Sparrow

Brown Towhee

Buffle-head

Bullock's Oriole

Bunting, Lazuli 25, 6 Bush-tit, California

Calaveras Warbler 21, 6 California Blue Grosbeak

Bush-tit

Gull

Heron 8, 3 Woodpecker 12, 5 Calliope Hummingbird - 17-18, 4 Canada Goose

Canvas-back

Canyon Wren 14, 6 Cassin 's Purple Finch

Cassin 's Vireo 20, 6 Cedar Waxwing

Chat, Long-tailed

Check List 3-7 Chickadee, Short-tailed 13, 5 Chipping Sparrow - - 26, 7 Clark's Nutcracker

Cliff Swallow

Common Mallard

Cooper 's Hawk

Coot, American

Cormorant, Farallon

Cowbird, Dwarf

Creeper, Sierra 14, 5 Crossbill, Bendire 's

Crow, Clark

Western

Dipper 14, 5 Dotted Wren 14, 6 Dove, Western Mourning

Duck Hawk

Duck, American Merganser

Barrow's Golden-eye -

Buffle-head. 3 Canvas-back

Hooded Merganser -

Lesser Scaup

Ring-necked 27, 3 Ruddy

Shoveller

Western Harlequin

Wood

Dusky Poor-will 17, 4 Dwarf Cowbird

Eagle, Golden 8, 3 Eared Grebe

English Sparrow

Evening Grosbeak 25, 7 Falcon, Prairie

Farallon Cormorant

Finch, California Purple - 25 26, 7 Cassin 's Purple

House

Sierra Nevada Rosy

Flicker, Red-shafted 10, 4 Flycatcher, Ash-throated

Hammond 's

Little 18, 5 Olive-sided

Western 18, 5 Wright's

Forbush's Sparrow

Fox Sparrows 29, 7 Gambel's Sparrow

Gnatcatcher, Western

Golden-crowned Kinglet - 28-29, 6 Golden-crowned Sparrow - - - 7 Golden Eagle 8, 3 Golden-eye, Barrow 's - -

Golden Pileolated Warbler

Goldfinch, Green-backed -

Lawrence 's

Willow

Goose, Canada

Goshawk, Western

Gray-headed Junco

Gray Owl

Grebe, Eared

Pied-billed

Green-backed Goldfinch- -

Green Heron

Green-tailed Towhee

Green-winged Teal

Grosbeak, Black-headed 24 25, 7 California Blue

California Pine

Western Evening - 25, 7 Grouse, Sierra

Gull, California

Ring-billed

Western

Hammond's Flycatcher

Harlequin Duck 3. Harris's Sparrow

Hawk, Cooper 's

Duck

Eastern Sparrow - - 8 9, 3 Marsh

Sharp-shinned

Swainson's

Western Red-tailed

Hermit Thrush - - - 19-20, 28, 6 Hermit Warbler 23,6 Heron, Anthony 's Green - - -

California 8, 3 Treganza's Hooded Merganser

Horned Lark

Horned Owl 9, 4 House Finch

House Wren

Hummingbird, Allen's

Anna's 17, 4 Black-chinned

Calliope 17-18, 4 Rufous

Hutton 's Vireo

Introduction 1-2 Jay, Blue-fronted 13. 5 California

Long-tailed

Pinon

Junco, Gray-headed

Slate-colored 29, 7 Thurber 's (Sierra) 15, 7 Kern Red-wing - - - - 23-24, 6

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

Key to Bird Behaviour 29-30 Killdeer 4 Kingbird, Arkansas

Kingfisher, Western Belted - 10, 4 Kinglet, Western Golden-crowned - - 28-29, 6 Ruby-crowned 29, 6 Kite, White-tailed

Lark, California Horned

Dusky Horned

Lark Sparrow

Lawrence 's Goldfinch

Lazuli Bunting 25, 7 Lewis 's Woodpecker

Lincoln 's Sparrow 26, 7 Linnet

Little Flycatcher 18, 5 Long-eared Owl

Long-tailed Chat

Long-tailed jay

Loon, Pacific

Lutescent Warbler 20-21, 6 Macgillivray 's Warbler - 23, 6 Mallard 3 Magpie, American

Yellow-billed

Marsh Hawk

Marsh Wren

Meadowlark, Western 23, 6 Merganser, American

Hooded

Mockingbird, Western

Modoc Woodpecker 12, 5 Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Chickadee 13, 5 Mourning Dove

Nevada Towhee

Nighthawk, Pacific

Northern Phalarope

Nutcracker, Clark ' s

Nuthatch, Black-eared

Pygmy

Red-breasted 13, 5 Nuttall 's Woodpecker 27, 5 Olive-sided Flycatcher - - -

Oriole, Bullock 's

Osprey

Ouzel, Water 14, 5 Owl, Barn

California Pygmy 9, 4 California Spotted 10, 4 Great Gray

Long-eared

Pacific Horned 9, 4 Pasadena Screech

Saw-whet 10, 4 Short-eared

Pacific Loon

Pacific Nighthawk

Pallid Wren-tit

Pelican, White

Permanent Residents 8-15 Pewee, Western Wood 18, 5 Phalarope, Northern

Red

Wilson's

Phoebe, Black

Say's

Pied-billed Grebe

Pigeon, Band-tailed - 16 17, 4 Pileolated Warbler

Pileated Woodpecker 10, 4 Pine Grosbeak

Pine Siskin

Pinon jay

Pipit, American

Plain Titmouse 27, 5 Plumed Quail 9, 4 Poor-will, Dusky 17, 4 Prairie Falcon

Purple Finch 25-26, 7 Pygmy Owl 9, 4 Quail, Mountain 9, 4 Plumed 9, 4 Valley

Rail, Sora

Virginia

Red-breasted Nuthatch 13, 5 Red-breasted Sapsucker 12, 5 Red-naped Sapsucker

Red Phalarope

Red-shafted Flicker 10, 4 Red-tailed Hawk

Red-wing, Kern 23-24, 6 Residents, Permanent 8-15 Ring-billed Gull

Ring-necked Duck 27, 3 Road-runner

Robin, Western 19, 6 Rock Wren

Rosy Finch

Rough-winged Swallow 19, 5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 29, 6 Ruddy Duck

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Rufous Hummingbird

Russet-backed Thrush 20, 6 Sacramento Towhee 14 15, 7 Sage Sparrow

Sage Thrasher

Sandpiper, Spotted 16, 4 Western Solitary

San Joaquin Wren

Sapsucker, Red-naped

Southern, Red-breasted - 12, 5 Williamson 's

Savannah Sparrow

Saw-whet Owl 10, 4 Say's Phoebe

Scaup Duck

Screech Owl

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Short-eared Owl

Short-tailed Chickadee 13, 5 Shoveller

Shrike, White-rumped

Sierra Creeper 14, 5 Sierra Crossbill 15, 7 Sierra Grouse

Sierra Junco 15, 7 Siskin, Northern Pine -

Slate-colored Junco - - 29, 7 Slender-billed Nuthatch

Snipe, Wilson's

Solitaire, Townsend 's

Solitary Sandpiper

Song Sparrows

Sora

Sparrow, Alberta Fox 29, 7 Brewer 's

English

Forbush 's

Fox 30, 7 Gambel 's

Golden-crowned

Harris 's

Hawk 8 9, 3 Kodiak Fox 29, 7 Lincoln's 26, 7 Modoc Song

Mono Fox

Nevada Savannah -

Northern Sage

Rufous-crowned

Shumagin Fox 29, 7 Slate-colored

Valdez Fox 29, 7 Western Chipping 26, 7 Western Lark

Western Vesper

White-crowned 26, 7 Yosemite Fox

Spotted Owl 10, 4 Spotted Sandpiper 16, 4 Spotted Towhee 14-15, 7 Stilt, Black-necked

Summer Visitants 16-26 Swainson's Hawk

Swallow, Northern Cliff -

Rough-winged 19, 5 Tree

Violet-green 18 19, 5 Swift, Black 17, 4 Vaux's

White-throated 17, 4 Tanager, Western 24, 7 Teal, Cinnamon Green-winged

Thrasher, Sage

Three-toed Woodpecker

Thrush, Alaska Hermit 28, 6 Dwarf Hermit 28, 6 Northern Varied 28, 6

BIRDS OF YOSEMITE

Russet-backed 20, 6 Sierra Hermit 19-20, 6 Thurber 's junco 15, 7 Titmouse, Plain 27, 5 Tolmie, Macgillivray 's Warbler 23, 6 Towhee, Green-tailed

Nevada

Sacramento Brown

Sacramento (Spotted) - 14-15, 7 Townsend's Solitaire

Townsend's Warbler

Tree Swallow

Turkey Vulture

Valley Quail

Varied Thrush 28, 6 Vaux 's Swift

Vesper Sparrow

Violet-green Swallow 18-19, 5 Vireo, Cassin's 20, 6 Hutton's

Western Warbling 20, 6 Virginia Rail

Visitants, Summer 16-26 Winter 27-29 Vulture, Turkey

Warbler, Audubon's 21, 6 Black-throated Gray - 21-23, 6 Calaveras 21, 6 California Yellow 21, 6 Golden Pileolated

Hermit 23, 6 Lutescent 20 21, 6 Macgillivray 's 23, 6 Townsend's

Warbling Vireo 20, 6 Water Ouzel 14, 5 Waxwing, Bohemian

Cedar

Western Bluebird 28, 6 Western Crow

Western Flycatcher 18, 5 Western Gnatcatcher

Western Goshawk

Western Gull

Western Meadowlark 23, 6 Western Mockingbird

Western Robin 19, 6 Western Tanager 24, 7 Western Yellow-throat

White-crowned Sparrow 26, 7 White-headed Woodpecker - 12,

White Pelican

White-rumped Shrike

White-tailed Kite

White-throated Swift 17, 4 Williamson 's Sapsucker

Willow Goldfinch

Willow Woodpecker 12, 5 Wilson 's Phalarope

Wilson 's Snipe

Winter Visitants 27-29 Winter Wren 27 28, 5 Wood Duck

Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed

California 12, 5 Lewis's

Modoc 12, 5 Northern White-headed 12, 5 Nuttall's 27, 5 Western Pileated 10, 4 Willow 12, 5 Wood Pewee 18, 5 Wren, Common Rock

Dotted (Canyon) 14, 6 San Joaquin

Western House

Western Marsh.

Western Winter 27 28, 5 Wren-tit, Pallid

Wright Flycatcher

Yellow-billed Magpie - - - - 5 Yellow-throat, Western

Yellow-headed Blackbird - - -

Yellow Warbler 21, 6

I know that I have never heard A song so lovely as a bird's. The soft low note from throat of Dove, Singing a symphony of love; A Meadowlark from nearest clod, Lifting a song in praise of God. I think the sweetest rhapsodies Are sung by birds just for the trees. The Thrush sings softly with a stream, The joy of evening in his theme; That's why I know I've never heard A song so lovely as a bird's.

CHARLES ALBERT HARWELL

Relive

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