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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

r r r r Cover: watercolor of Male Western Tanagerr r (by Bob Stebbins)r r

r
• Table of Contents
r
• Preface
r
• Introduction
r
• Distribution of Birds in Yosemite
r
• Bird Descriptions and Illustrationsr r
  r
  • Grebes, Order Podicipediformes
  r
  • Pelican-like Birds, Order Pelecaniformes
  r
  • Stork-like Birds, Order Ciconiiformes
  r
  • Goose-like Birds, Order Anseriformes
  r
  • Hawk-like Birds, Order Falconiformes
  r
  • Fowl-like Birds, Order Galliformes
  r
  • Crane-like Birds, Order Gruiformes
  r
  • Plover-like Birds, Order Charadriiformes
  r
  • Pigeon-like Birds, Order Columbiformes
  r
  • Cuckoo-like Birds, Order Cuculiformes
  r
  • Owls, Order Strigiformes
  r
  • Goatsucker-like Birds, Order Caprimulgiformes
  r
  • Swifts and Hummingbirds, Order Apodiformes
  r
  • Roller-like Birds, Order Coraciiformes
  r
  • Woodpecker-like Birds, Order Piciformes
  r
  • Perching Birds, Order Passeriformesr r
    r
    • Tyrant Flycatchers, Family Tyrannidae
    r
    • Larks, Family Alaudidae
    r
    • Swallows, Family Hirundinidae
    r
    • Jays, Magpies, and Crows, Family Corvidae
    r
    • Tits, Family Paridae
    r
    • Nuthatches, Family Sittidae
    r
    • Creepers, Family Certhiidae
    r
    • Wrentits, Family Chamaeidae
    r
    • Dippers, Family Cincilidae
    r
    • Wrens, Family Troglodytidae
    r
    • Mockingbirds and Thrashers, Familyr Mimidae
    r
    • Thrushes, Family Turdidae
    r
    • Gnatcatchers, Kinglets, and Old-world Warblers, Family Sylviidae
    r
    • Wagtails, Family Motacillidae
    r
    • Waxwings, Family Bombycillidae
    r
    • Silky Flycatchers, Family Ptilogonatidae
    r
    • Shrikes, Family Laniidae
    r
    • Vireos, Family Vireonidae
    r
    • Wood Warblers, Family Parulidae
    r
    • Weaver Finches, Family Ploceidae
    r
    • Orioles and Blackbirds, Family Icteridae
    r
    • Tanagers, Family Thraupidae
    r
    • Finches, Sparrows, etc., Familyr Fringillidae
    r
    r
  r
  r
r r
• Species Recorded in the Yosemite Region But of Infrequent Occurrence
r
• Sources of Information
r
• Appendix I: Family Characteristics of Birds
r
• Appendix II: Key to the Yosemite Birds
r
• Index and Check List
r
• Back Cover
r

About the Authors

r r r r Bob Stebbins, 1951r r (MVZ, UCB)r r

r Cyril Adelbert Stebbins was born June 20, 1878 in Harrisville, Wisconsin.r He married Louise Beck.r He was Instructor with ther Department of Agricultural Education at University of California.r His interests were agriculture,r particularly elementary school gardens for teaching,r and birds.r He died Feb. 26, 1953 in Los Angeles, California.r

r Robert C. “Bob” (Robert Cyril) Stebbins,r son of Cyril Stebbins, was born in Chino, California October 25, 1915.r He grew up in Los Angeles and became interested in Salamanders whiler wandering the foothills of the area.r He married Anna-rose Cooper June 8, 1941 and had 1 son and 2 daughters.r He received his AB, MA, and Ph.D. from UCLA (1940, 1942, and 1943).r His original interest was in birds, with his father.r He served as a Ranger Naturalist at Lassen Volcanic National Parkr in 1941 and 1942.r He joined the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), University of Californiar in 1944, where he became Curator and Professor.r Bob became a Guggenheim Fellow in 1949.r He produced two films for the Sierra Club in the 1960s:r Nature Next Door and No Room for Wilderness?r

r Bob is a leading expert in herpetology, particularly salamanders.r His special interest is in the ecological and behavioral significance of ther pineal gland and the parietal eye in reptiles.r He also has an interest in landscape and wildlife painting.r He retired in 1978 as Professor Emeritus, and is still active inr herpetology fieldwork.r He wrote over a dozen books, including various Peterson field guides,r and over 70 scientific papers.r Two Salamanders are named in his honor,r Ambystoma mavortiumv stebbinsi r andr Batrachoseps stebbinsi. r Bob feels that “education is the only way to solve environmental andr population problems”r (quote from Zoology 131 (UC Press, 2003)).r He lived in Kensington, California, just north of Berkeley,r and in retirement, Gardena, California.r Dr. Stebbins died Dec. 18, 2000.r

r
• For more information seer Louis Sahagun, “Robert Stebbins; Art and Science Illuminate a Naturalist’s Path,” Los Angeles Times April 4, 2005, p. B-2.r
r

Bibliographical Information

r Cyril A. (Cyril Adelbert) Stebbins (1878-1953)r andr Robert C. (Robert Cyril) Stebbins (1915-2000),r Birds of Yosemite National Park. (1963).r Illustrated by Robert C. Stebbins.r 76+4 pp. Illustrated with 142 black & white drawings.r 24 cm.r First published in Yosemite Nature Notes 33(8) (August 1954).r Revised 1963.r Paper wrapper illustrated with a watercolor.r Saddle stitched.r California State Library call number: QL684.C2 S8.r

r Although not credited, two illustrations, on ther title pager andr p. 79,r appear to be by Jane J. Gyer.r The shading and prespective reflect her style.r Jane Gyer illustrated the cover for the revised 1974 editionr of Birds of Yosemite.r

r Digitized by Dan Anderson, April 2005,r from a personal copy.r These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose,r provided this notice is left intact.r
r     —Dan Anderson, www.yosemite.ca.usr

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r r r

Birdsr
r ofr
r Yosemite National Park

Contents

r CYRIL A. STEBBINSr
r andr
r ROBERT C. STEBBINSr
r (Illustrated by the junior author)r

r r r

r This booklet is one of a series explaining the history and natural historyr of Yosemite National Park. For prices of this and other publications aboutr Yosemite, write: Yosemite Natural History Association, Box 545, Yosemiter National Park, California.r

r First published August, 1954 asr
r Volume 33, Number 8, of Yosemite Nature Notes.r
r Revised 1963r

r Yosemite Natural History Associationr

r THE COVER — Male Western Tanagerr
r from a watercolor byr
r Robert C. Stebbinsr

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

r r r

Preface

r Even before you have finished establishing your camp in one of the many pleasantr campgrounds of Yosemite National Park, you may be visited by a bird accustomedr to finding people friendly and ready to share their food. In the face of such confidencer one cannot be intolerant of the behavior of the colorful western tanager (see cover)r when he alights on the camp table and helps himself to the butter, nor can one feelr harshly toward the raucous Steller’s jay as he boldly snatches a piece of bread and eatsr it out of reach but in full view of camp.r

r As with many of the animals in Yosemite, birds have come to regard man as ar relatively harmless feature of their environment and therefore go about seeking theirr food, building nests and rearing their young with a minimum of diversion due to hisr presence. This results in a most favorable situation for one who would study ther birds, for it often allows close approach and detailed observation of birds with littler alteration of their behavior. Indeed, in Yosemite the birds will force your attentionr upon them whether you are a bird lover or not, for who can fail to be interested inr the bird that joins the family circle at mealtime or feeds its young within a few feetr of one’s tent?r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

INTRODUCTION

r r r

r r r r PARTS OF A BIRDr

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

r Illustrationsr have been designed to emphasize the more conspicuous field marksr which serve as clues to recognition. An effort has been made to place the birds inr characteristic poses, and a suggestion of habitat has been included. The figures afterr the name of the bird in each description are a measure of total length—beak to tailr —in inches.r

Descriptionsr are in semi-scientific terms with distinctive features emphasized inr italic type. Ther diagram opposite showing the parts of a birdr will help to clarifyr certain of these terms. Statements in the descriptions that have bearing on the ranger or habitat of a species apply to the Yosemite region or the Sierra Nevada and are notr to be applied more broadly.r

Key to the Yosemite Birdsr will be found on pages 70-74. The birds are segregated,r first, on the basis of some conspicuous color or other characteristic and, second,r on the basis of size, comparing with certain well-known birds. Hawks, eagles, owls,r and hummingbirds are not included since most people recognize these birds as tor group. The many pictures including ther plate (see page 17)r showing the hawks, vultures, and eaglesr in flight should suffice for identification.r

Seasonal status.r —Throughout the descriptive accounts the status of each speciesr is given for the Yosemite region. Status refers to the time and duration of occupancyr of an area—whether the bird is present throughout the year (R.—resident), duringr the winter period only (W.V.—winter visitant), during the summer only (S.V.—r summer visitant), or sporadically for brief periods (C.V.—casual visitant). In ther latter category are birds that pass through the area only in fall and spring migrationr or enter it during postbreeding upmountain movements (M.—migrant). To shortenr the text the abbreviations have been used.r

Area covered.r —The Yosemite region, as referred to in this book, is the area ofr Yosemite National Park, the foothills immediately west of the park, and the sloper from the Sierran crest to the shores of Mono Lake east of the park. At the presentr time 221 species have been reported within the park boundaries. Most of these haver been described in the following pages. Species not described are those that have beenr seen only once or but a few times or about which there is doubt as to accuracy ofr identification. These undescribed forms are listed on page 63. Ther California thrasher,r seen at lower elevations outside the park but not recorded within the park boundaries,r is also described.r

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

r First learn this quotation: “A bird in the heart is worth more than a hundred inr a notebook.” Second, learn repose. Third, learn to listen. Fourth, learn to seer accurately.r

r To study birds most successfully, proceed with your notebook and, if possible,r a good pair of binoculars, with six- or eight-power magnification, to a place frequentedr by birds. Choose bright mornings or late afternoons for your study. Sitr quietly and patiently and you may be rewarded. When a bird comes into view taker a detailed description, noting size, colors, type of beak, and other characteristics.r Walk slowly and quietly through the region selected for field study, stopping nowr and then. Birds are frightened by quick movements. Try imitating the call of ar bird in distress by sucking the back of your wrist. Birds may appear.r

r One of the greatest pleasures the birds may offer you is through their songs;r learn to listen and to recognize the birds’ voices, whether bird hunting or not. Wheneverr a new note is heard, if possible, trace it to its maker. Accurate recognition isr often dependent upon the bird’s song or call.r

r Learn to see correctly and to interpret wisely.r

SOME BIRD GROUPS

r Characteristicsr of some of the bird groups may aid identification. These arer pictured on pages 64-69 and briefly described below:r

r Hawks, eagles, and owlsr are usually of large size, have powerful hooked bills,r usually stout legs, and long talons. Some hawks soar when foraging, others dartr through thickets to pounce on their prey.r

r Owlsr are large-headed birds with broad, rounded wings; they usually forage atr night.r

r Thrushesr are brown above, sometimes spotted below. They are trim, timid birdsr that forage near the ground.r

r Vireosr are small, active birds frequently with short, slender bills. There is a predominancer of gray in the plumage.r

r Flycatchersr range in size from 5 1/2 to 9 inches. They may be dull or bright inr plumage, sometimes have wing-bars, an eye-ring, or white outer tail feathers. Theyr have a marked habit of taking flight from a perch to return to the starting point onr capturing an insect in the air. This act is often repeated. Raised feathers on the headr often give the effect of a crest.r

r Wrens,r with few exceptions, are small, brown birds usually with dark bars on tailr and wings and in some species a whitish line over the eye. As a rule, wrens, whenr foraging, hold the tail upward at a sharp angle to the body. They forage near ther ground.r

r Woodpeckersr have stout, chisel-like bills, two toes in front and two behind (oner exception), and stiff, pointed tail feathers. Black, white, and red are dominant colors.r These birds forage around trunks and large branches of trees, bracing themselves withr the tail as food is sought.r

r Sparrowsr are generally grayish or brownish with rather short, conical bills andr they forage close to the ground.r

r Warblers,r as a rule, are small, active, brightly colored birds with short, slender bills.r The line over the eye, characteristic of vireos, usually is wanting on warblers; theirr relatively bright colors aid one in distinguishing them from vireos.r

CONSERVATION OF BIRDS

r Why birds are protected.r —Ignorance of the value of our birds is common. Inaccurater observation condemns many birds unjustly. The farmer sees the meadowlarkr gather a few grains during the time of planting but fails to see the same bird eatr grasshopper after grasshopper at other seasons and so the birds are hunted. The selfishr eye of a fruit grower may see a woodpecker peck a hole in the barn but fails to see ther bird eat harmful insects in the orchard.r

r Bird authorities of Massachusetts estimate one day’s work by the birds in that stater to be the destruction of at least 20,000 bushels of insects. In every state, millions ofr insects are destroyed each day. While great numbers are destroyed through otherr natural agencies, just think, for a moment, of the number of insects the birds in ther whole United States destroy in one day and in one year.r

r Hawks and owls have an undeserved bad reputation, due largely to the fact thatr the hawks are known as flesh eaters and the owls are abroad at night. Owls generallyr are beneficial, and the great horned owl is a destroyer of such pests as jackrabbits,r cottontails, and pocket gophers. Analyses of the stomachs of hawks and owls has givenr evidence that they eat a variety of ground squirrels, rabbits, and mice.r

r Some bird laws.r —Federal laws prohibit the importation of the English sparrowr and other injurious birds and make it illegal to hunt or kill any wildlife in the nationalr parks. Among many other birds protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treatyr Act are blackbirds, house finches, and shrikes.r

r California state law provides that all wild birds, excepting the house sparrow,r crow, yellow-billed and black-billed magpie, scrub jay, Steller’s jay and starling, arer protected. Similar laws protect the birds in other states. Where a species is not protectedr by state law but is protected by federal law, federal law holds.r

r Game birds which are hunted for food and sport may be killed only during ther open season established by law. Of course, in national parks, birds and other animalsr are protected from hunting.r

MIGRATION OF BIRDS

r With seasonal changes, many birds move southward or northward, mountainwardr or valleyward as the case may be. They travel singly or in small or large groups.r

r During migration, birds take certain general directions to their destinations,r guided by celestial cues and topographical features. Much remains to be learned regardingr the forces which guide them in their migratory flight.r

r During migrations many birds die or are killed. Thousands of weaklings dropr from exhaustion when long flights are taken without a stop. Storms often carry greatr flocks out of their courses. High buildings take their toll. Dead birds are found oftenr at the base of the Washington Monument. Thus, in a way, migration strengthensr the race of birds. The weak die. The strong survive. It is a form of natural selection.r

r At least nineteen species of shore birds breed near the Artic Circle and visit Southr America in the winter. More than a hundred species leave the United States to spendr the winter from Mexico to South America.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

DISTRIBUTION OF BIRDS IN YOSEMITE

r Habitats.r —Birds have adapted themselves to many different environments, usuallyr called habitats. This helps alleviate the competition between different species for foodr and nesting sites. To cite a few examples—ducks feed in open water and nest inr marshes, swifts feed in the air and nest on the cliffs, kingfishers dive for fish in streamsr and nest in the banks, sandpipers feed on the shores and nest on the ground, woodpeckersr frequent forests and feed on wood-inhabiting insects and nest in tree trunks,r kinglets feed and nest among the boughs of coniferous trees, and rock wrens feed andr nest among the rocks. Knowing the habitats frequented by birds often helps to corroborater an identification, for you learn to look for certain species of birds in particularr habitats.r

r Life zones r —The variety of living conditions available to birds in the Yosemiter region is reflected in the richness of its birdlife. In an airline distance of 70 miles,r between the western edge of the foothills and the Sierran crest, changes in kinds ofr plants and animals occur that are similar to those found over the vast area betweenr southern United States and the Arctic tundra, a distance of about 2,000 miles. Withr changes in either altitude or latitude, from regions of high to those of low temperature,r the character of the native plant and animal life varies. For convenience inr biological study, characteristic forms of life have been grouped into belts calledr life zones, in accordance with changes in climate. In California, made possible byr its varied topography and climate, there are six such zones—the Lower Sonoran,r Upper Sonoran, Transition, Canadian, Hudsonian, and Arctic-alpine. In this bookr the last three are sometimes jointly referred to as the Boreal zone. The intermediater region, the Transition life zone, often contains considerable numbers of plants andr animals from the adjacent zones and is thus appropriately named. Except for thisr zone, each zone has been named for a latitudinal region with a characteristic type ofr vegetation and animal life. For example, the Canadian life zone, in a latitudinal sense,r consists of a broad strip of coniferous forest with its associated fauna, that extendsr across much of southern Canada.r

r The visitor to Yosemite, coming to the park from the Great Valley of California,r starts his journey in the Lower Sonoran life zone and can go by automobile to Tiogar Pass in the Hudsonian zone having passed through the Upper Sonoran, Transition,r and Canadian life zones enroute. By walking up the slope of Mount Dana, less thanr 2 miles by trail from the pass, he reaches the coldest zone, the Arctic-alpine whichr encompasses the summits of the highest peaks in the park. There, above timberliner is to be found the dwarf willow, short dense grasses and sedges, lichens and other lowr growth, like that of the Arctic tundra. Thus within an airline distance of 50-70r miles, one can traverse all 6 life zones in the western United States.r

r To aid in the search for birds and in developing an understanding of their occurrence,r the life zone range is given for all species except those frequenting Yosemiter only casually. Determination of the zone depends upon recognition of certain “indicator”r species of plants and animals. Trees, where present, are the most conspicuousr indicators of a zone. The best “indicators” are confined to the zone in question, or inr the case of animals, are those chiefly resident (especially as breeding) within it andr which therefore serve as good landmarks. It must be kept in mind, however, that ther lines between zones are seldom sharp and that local effects of slope exposure, airr r r r currents, precipitation, etc. may modify the local temperature and consequently ther details of the zonal picture. Furthermore, animals (especially birds and certain mammals)r that have good powers of locomotion—and even those regarded as good indicators—may sometimes transgress zonal boundaries. Keeping in mind the foregoingr reservations, we may list indicators for the life zones beginning with the Lowerr Sonoran zone of the Great Valley and extending to the Arctic-alpine zone of ther Sierran crest, an altitudinal range from 200 to over 13,000 feet. Altitudes given arer for the western slope of the Sierra and are approximate. All zones tend to be higherr on the east side of the Sierra.r

r r r r LIFE ZONES OF THE YOSEMITE REGIONr

r ALTITUDES OF LIFE ZONES IN THE YOSEMITE REGIONr
r WITH PLANT AND BIRD INDICATORSr

r LOWER SONORAN — Sea level to 500 feet. Grassland with scattered valley oaks; otherwiser largely treeless except along streams. Confined to the lowlands of the Greatr Valley Birds—Red-tailed hawk, barn owl, burrowing owl, common nighthawk, horned lark,r brown-headed cowbird, American goldfinch, blue grosbeak, least vireo, yellowthroat,r mockingbird.r

r UPPER SONORAN — 500 to 3,000-4,000 feet. Digger pine, blue oak, interior live oak, scrubr oak, mountain mahogany, toyon and other chaparral plants. The brushland or chaparralr zone of the foothills. Birds—Nuttall’s woodpecker, scrub jay, sage sparrow, brown towhee,r Hutton’s vireo, California thrasher, Bewick’s wren, plain titmouse, wrentit,r western bluebird.r

r TRANSITION — 3,000-4,000 to 6,000-7,000 feet. Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense-cedar,r white fir, Douglas-fir, black oak, canyon live oak, bigleaf maple, dogwood. Birds— Pygmyr owl, band-tailed pigeon, Caifornia purple finch, solitary vireo, Nashville warbler,r black-throated gray warbler, Macgillivray’s warbler, winter wren.r

r CANADIAN — 6,000-7,000 to 8,000-9,000 feet. Red fir, Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine, whiter pine, quaking aspen, chinquapin. Birds—Blue grouse, goshawk, calliope hummingbird,r Williamson’s sapsucker, Hammond’s flycatcher, Cassin’s purple finch, Townsend’s solitaire,r Lincoln’s sparrowr

r HUDSONIAN — 8,000-9,000 to 11,000-11,500 feet. Whitebark pine, mountain hemlock.r Birds—Black-backed three-toed woodpecker, mountain bluebird, pine grosbeak, Clark’sr nutcracker, white-crowned sparrow.r

r ARCTIC-ALPINE—11,000-11,500 feet and above. Dwarf willow, various dwarf or matted floweringr plants, and turf-forming grasses and sedges—the area above timberline. Birds—Gray-crownedr rosy finch.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

BIRD DESCRIPTIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

r (Common and scientific names in accord withr The A.O.U. Checklist of North American Birds, 1957.)r

r
• r Abbreviations for Life Zones and Statusr
r
• r Parts of a Birdr
r

r
• Grebes
r
• Pelican-like Birds
r
• Stork-like Birds
r
• Goose-like Birds
r
• Hawk-like Birds
r
• Fowl-like Birds
r
• Crane-like Birds
r
• Plover-like Birds
r
• Pigeon-like Birds
r
• Cuckoo-like Birds
r
• Owls
r
• Goatsucker-like Birds
r
• Swifts and Hummingbirds
r
• Roller-like Birds
r
• Woodpecker-like Birds
r
• Perching Birdsr r
  r
  • Tyrant Flycatchers, Family Tyrannidae
  r
  • Larks, Family Alaudidae
  r
  • Swallows, Family Hirundinidae
  r
  • Jays, Magpies, and Crows, Family Corvidae
  r
  • Tits, Family Paridae
  r
  • Nuthatches, Family Sittidae
  r
  • Creepers, Family Certhiidae
  r
  • Wrentits, Family Chamaeidae
  r
  • Dippers, Family Cincilidae
  r
  • Wrens, Family Troglodytidae
  r
  • Mockingbirds and Thrashers, Familyr Mimidae
  r
  • Thrushes, Family Turdidae
  r
  • Gnatcatchers, Kinglets, and Old-world Warblers, Family Sylviidae
  r
  • Wagtails, Family Motacillidae
  r
  • Waxwings, Family Bombycillidae
  r
  • Silky Flycatchers, Family Ptilogonatidae
  r
  • Shrikes, Family Laniidae
  r
  • Vireos, Family Vireonidae
  r
  • Wood Warblers, Family Parulidae
  r
  • Weaver Finches, Family Ploceidae
  r
  • Orioles and Blackbirds, Family Icteridae
  r
  • Tanagers, Family Thraupidae
  r
  • Finches, Sparrows, etc., Familyr Fringillidae
  r
  r
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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

GREBES:r Order Podicipediformes

GREBES: Family Podicipedidae

r r

r r r r EARED GREBEr

r Breeds in summer on bodies of freshr water. East of the Sierra breeds southr to Mono Lake. W.V. along the coastr and on inland bodies of water. Widelyr distributed in the fall. R. in some areas.r C.V. to lakes in Yosemite region. Occasionallyr on Mirror Lake in Yosemiter Valley but more frequent on higherr lakes up to 12,000 feet.r

r r

r r r r PIED_BILLED GREBEr

r Widely R. on bays and estuaries alongr the coast and on inland ponds, sloughs,r and lakes. The principal breeding arear is the Great Valley of California. Widelyr distributed in winter. In the Yosemiter region most likely to be seen in winterr along the lower course of the Mercedr River below Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

PELICAN-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Pelecaniformes

r PELICANS: Family Pelecanidaer

r r WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos):r r 55-70 in. Plumage generallyr white, except for brownish-whiter primaries and tuft of yellowish feathersr at top of head; pouch largely yellow,r orange at base; bill and feet orange;r protuberance on upper mandible andr yellow on head absent in winter. Immature:r Bill yellow; top of head brownish-gray.r Flies with head back on shouldersr and long bill resting on neck. Flockr flies in “follow-the-leader” fashion inr column or V, each bird, in turn, doingr same maneuvers as leader.r

r Breeds principally on interior freshwaterr lakes, especially those with islets.r In winter, ranges widely over southernr and west central parts reaching baysr along the coast. May be seen flying atr considerable height almost anywherer during migration. C.V. to Yosemiter Valley.r

r CORMORANTS: Family Phalacrocoracidaer

r r

r r r r DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTr

r R. and breeding along the coast as wellr as on larger inland bodies of water. C.V.r to the Yosemite region.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

STORK-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Ciconiiformes

r HERONS AND BITTERNS:r Family Ardeidaer

r r

r r r r GREAT BLUE HERONr

r Frequents sloughs, marshes, meadows,r lake margins, and tideflats. Widespreadr R. In the Yosemite region occasionallyr seen along the lower Tuolumne River,r Merced River in Yosemite Valley andr below, and at Merced Lake, Glen Aulin,r and Tuolumne Meadows.r

r r

r r r r GREEN HERONr

r r

r r r r COMMON EGRETr

r Frequents marshes, wet meadows, laker margins, and tideflats. Wanders extensively.r C.V. in Yosemite region; occasionallyr seen in Yosemite Valley.r

r r SNOWY EGRET (Leucophoyx Chula):r r 20-27 in. Similar to common egret exceptr smaller; plumes on back recurved;r legs and bill black; webs of feet yellow.r Nests in dense tules.r

r C.V. in Yosemite region.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

GOOSE-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Anseriformesr

r r

r DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS:r Family Anatidaer

r r

r r r r CANADA GOOSEr

r Frequents lakes, reservoirs, quiet waterr of larger streams, marshes, and wetr grassland. C.V. to Yosemite region. Hasr been seen on Mirror Lake and the Mercedr River.r

r r

r r r r MALLARDr

r Frequents tule - bordered freshwaterr ponds, rivers, and marshes. Has beenr noted as a C.V. on the Merced Riverr in Yosemite Valley and in little Yosemiter Valley. Recorded nesting to an elevationr of about 7,500 feet.r

r r CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera):r r 15 1/2-17 in. Head and neck darkr cinnamon; brown wings with large arear of blue; green speculum, bordered byr white; upper back chestnut, grading intor brown; under surface of wings white;r under parts cinnamon changing to blackr on belly; iris red. Female: Above darkr brown, marked with gray; below grayish;r breast spotted with brown; large bluer patch on forepart of wing.r

r S.V. on freshwater lakes and ponds.r Widespread in spring and fall migration.r C.V. to Yosemite region, most likely tor be seen in spring.r

r r BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors):r r 14-16 in. Head gray with a larger white crescent between eye and bill; larger blue patch in wing which may appearr whitish; below dark gray, spotted withr black; bill black; feet yellowish. Female:r Mottled brown with blue patch on forepartr of wing; not as rusty or as coarselyr mottled as female cinnamon teal.r

r Frequents freshwater ponds and slowlyr moving streams. C.V. to Yosemite region.r Has been observed in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Anasr carolinensis):r r 12 1/2-1 S Y2 in. Generallyr gray; head brown with iridescent greenr patch showing in bright sunlight onr side of head; conspicuous white mark inr front of wing; speculum green; upperr breast reddish-brown, spotted with black;r remaining under parts white; under tailr coverts black with creamy areas laterally;r bill lead-colored; feet bluish-gray.r Female: No white in wing; speculumr green.r

r C.V. to the Yosemite region.r

r r PINTAIL (Anas acute):r r 26-30 in.r Head and portion of fore-neck darkr brown; hind-neck dark; rest of neck,r breast, and belly white; white line onr side of neck extending well up ontor side of head; long, black, middle tailr feathers; area under tail black, borderedr laterally by white. Female: Head, neck,r and back generally brown; back streakedr with buff and black; no blue speculum;r below whitish; bill blue-gray; white borderr on rear of wings, seen in flight.r Usually nests on dry ground near pondsr or lakes.r

r C. V. to the Yosemite region.r

r r

r r r r AMERICAN WIDGEONr

r W.V. or M. throughout California,r chiefly on freshwater marshes, lakes,r and streams. C.V. on lakes and slowerr streams of Yosemite region.r

r r SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata):r r 17-20 in. Head and upper neck greenishblack;r back whitish with dark area downr middle; wing grayish-blue at bend; whiter of breast and flanks separated by reddish-brownr on sides; black region under tail;r belly chestnut; long shovel-shaped blackr bill, wider at tip than at base, givingr bird front-heavy appearance in flight;r sits low in water. Female: Plumage generallyr brown, mottled; large blue wingpatchr and large bill as in male.r

r

r r

r r r r WOOD DUCKr

r Frequents slowly flowing rivers,r sloughs, and ponds of fresh water, especiallyr where bordered by deciduousr woods. R. principally in Sacramentor and San Joaquin Valleys. C.V. in Yosemiter region. Seen at all months inr Yosemite Valley, occasionally nestingr there.r

r r

r r r r CANVASBACKr

r Common W.V., chiefly along the coastr but also to larger inland bodies of water.r C.V. in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r RING-NECKED DUCKr

r C.V. to Merced River and Mirrorr Lake in Yosemite Valley, December tor March.r

r r

r r r r LESSER SCAUPr

r On fresh or salt water, chiefly alongr the coast in winter. C.V. to Yosemiter region.r

r r BARROW’S GOLDENEYE (Bucephalar islandica):r r 21-23 in. Head glossyr black with purplish iridescence; whiter triangular or crescent-shaped spot betweenr eye and bill; back of neck white;r middle of back and tail black; larger amount of white in wing seen both whenr wing extended and closed; white ofr closed wing crossed by black bar; rowr of white spots on black scapulars; belowr r r r white; bill blackish; iris yellow. Female:r Head brown; white collar; remainingr upper parts generally gray; white patchr in wing.r

r Frequents small lakes in timberedr areas of higher mountains in summer;r in winter chiefly in coastal waters. S.V.r to Sierra. In Yosemite region recordedr as nesting at Smedberg Lake, 9,223 feet,r and at Table Lake, 7,000 feet; oner record for Pleasant Valley.r

r r

r r r r RUDDY DUCKr

r Occurs principally on fresh water.r C.V. to Yosemite region.r

r r HARLEQUIN DUCK (Histrionicus histrionicus):r r 15-17 in. General colorationr dark with slaty blue, appears nearlyr black at a distance; conspicuous whiter markings on head and neck; long whiter crescent in front of eye, extending wellr back over eye; several white marks onr side of face; narrow white neck-ring;r white bar in front of bend of wing;r flanks reddish-brown. Female: Darkr brown with two or three white patchesr on side of head, one or two in frontr of eye, and one in ear region; no whiter patch in wing.r

r Frequents swift-flowing streams inr summer and rough water of the exposedr coast in winter. Uncommon R. Breedsr on the western slope of the centralr Sierra. Breeding record for the Mercedr River in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r BUFFLEHEADr

r Frequents bays and saltwater sloughsr and, interiorly, fresh and alkaline lakesr and ponds. C.V. to Yosemite region.r

r r HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus):r r 16-19 in. Head, neck,r and anterior part of back black; broadr white bar from behind eye to near rearr margin of head; white patch extendsr into fan-shaped area when crest elevated;r breast white; two black bars inr front of wing; flanks reddish-brown;r wings with white area, barred withr black; iris yellow. Female: Dark headr and neck; pale reddish - brown crest;r white patch in wing. Entire body heldr level in flight. Nests in tree hollows.r

r Frequents ponds and slowly flowingr streams bordered by willows; occursr on sloughs in marshlands. Several winterr and spring records for Yosemite.r

r r

r r r r COMMON MERGANSERr

r W.V. coastwise and interiorly. Breedsr on forest-bordered lakes and streams inr the Sierra Nevada. In Yosemite breedingr records for Hetch Hetchy Reservoirr and Yosemite Valley; C.V. in winter.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

HAWK-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Falconiformesr

r AMERICAN VULTURES:r Family Cathartidaer

r r TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartesr aura):r r 2-2 1/2 ft. Upper parts blackish;r under parts blackish-brown; under sider of wings in area of primary and secondaryr feathers ash-gray; red, bare head;r bill whitish; feet flesh-colored. Voice ar low hiss, seldom uttered. Carrion feeder.r Nests in cavities in cliffs or in hollowr trees.r

r Uncommon R. in the Sierra Nevada,r moving to foothills in winter. Has beenr observed as high as 10,000 feet on Mountr Dana but more commonly seen at lowerr elevations.r

r KITES, HAWKS, AND EAGLES:r Family Accipitridaer

r r GOSHAWK (Accipiter gentilis):r r 20-26r in. Above bluish-gray; top of headr blackish; white line over eye; belowr white, streaked and waved with dusky;r at a distance under parts appear lightr gray; black bars across tail; tip of tailr edged with white. Female: Larger thanr male. Immature: Above brown; belowr streaked with brown on whitish; tailr with dark crossbars and broadly tippedr with white.r

r Nests from 5,000 to 9,000 feet inr well-forested mountains. In summer associatedr with coniferous forests butr when in the lowlands usually frequentsr broken woodland. R, in the Sierrta Nevadar but often moves to lower elevationsr in winter. Recorded as nesting nearr Yosemite Valley.r

r SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiterr striatus): 10-15 in. Resembles Cooper’sr hawk but tail square-tipped, notr rounded as in Cooper’s hawk. Female:r Larger than male, resembling in size ar male Cooper’s hawk from which it isr distinguished with difficulty. Feedsr largely on other birds.r

r Frequents deciduous or coniferousr woodland in summer. Widespread W.V.r at lower elevations. R. in Yosemite region,r occasionally nesting in Yosemiter Valley.r r r r

r r

r r r r COOPER’S HAWKr

r Frequents wooded streams and canyonsr both in mountains and lowlands.r Permanent R. Nests in Yosemite region,r including Yosemite Valley.r

r r SWAINSON’S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni):r r 19-22 in, Light phase: Above darkr brown; chin and throat whitish; breastr often with broad band of reddish-brown;r belly white; under parts of wings buffr anteriorly; from above, tail gray, oftenr with whitish base. Dark phase: Generalr coloration dark brown, almost black,r lighter on flight feathers and some reddish-brownr on under parts; no rust inr tail as in adult black phase of redtail.r Female: Larger than male. In spring andr fall migration may be seen in flocks,r differing thus from most other hawks.r

r Frequents dry plains and woodlandr of foothills and valleys; occasionallyr in high mountains. An occasional S. V.r to high elevations in Yosemite region.r

r r

r r r r RED-TAILED HAWKr

r Widespread R. occurring from ther lowlands to the mountains. Most commonr large soaring hawk in the Yosemiter region; observed as high as 12,000 feet,r at the summit of Parsons Peak.r

r r

r r r r MARSH HAWK (Female)r

r Frequents salt and freshwater marshesr and grassland from the lowlands to ther Canadian life zone; chiefly W. V. and C.r V. to Yosemite region.r

r r BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus):r r 30-36 in. Head and tail white;r remaining plumage dark brown. Immaturer entirely dusky brown except sometimesr for touches of whitish on wingr lining (not at bases of primaries as inr immature golden eagle) and, when approachingr adult plumage, whitish at baser of tail feathers; no well-defined darkr band at tip of tail. To a considerabler extent scavenging in habit, feeding onr carrion and dead fish but also capturesr rabbits and rodents. Occasionally frightensr the osprey into dropping its fish preyr which is then taken by the eagle.r

r Frequents ocean shores, lake margins,r and rivers for foraging and nesting butr ranges widely over diverse terrain. Mostr likely to be seen at lower elevations inr the Yosemite region. Reported as nestingr at Bower Cave, Mariposa County.r

r r GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos):r r 30-40 in. Largest land bird ofr Yosemite region. Generally dark brown;r head and neck tinged with, golden brown;r when seen in flight from below, nearlyr uniformly dark brown; white at base ofr tail; tarsi fully feathered; feet greenish-yellow;r bill bluish. Female: Larger thanr male. Immature: Ash-gray patch towardr wingtip; tail white with tip broadlyr bordered with black. Feeds commonly onr ground squirrels and rabbits.r

r R. throughout the Sierra Nevada.r Commonly breeds in the Upper Sonoranr and Transition life zones butr occasionally to above timberline. Oftenr seen soaring near rim of Yosemite Valley.r

r OSPREYS: Family Pandionidaer

r r

r r r r OSPREYr

r Summer R., principally along the coastr and on larger lakes. C. V. to Yosemiter region; most likely to be seen at Hetchr Hetchy and Lake Eleanor.r

r FALCONS: Family Falconidaer

r r

r r r r PRAIRIE FALCONr

r Widely distributed R. but nowherer common. Frequents dry, open terrainr end rocky ledges. Nests at lower elevationsr but wanders to above timberliner in summer. C. V. to Yosemite region;r observed at Yosemite Valley and in ther high Sierra.r

r r

r r r r PEREGRINE FALCONr

r Frequents cliffs. Widespread R. exceptr in southeastern deserts. C. V. in Yosemiter region. Sometimes seen near brink ofr Upper Yosemite Fall.r

r r

r r r r SPARROW HAWKr

r Frequents open country such as plains,r deserts, fields, and unforested hillsides.r Uses dead trees, rocks, fence posts, telephoner poles and wires as perches. R. atr lower elevations; often ranges higher inr mountains in summer. R. in Yosemiter region where in summer it ranges as highr as the Hudsonian life zone. To be seenr about meadows in Yosemite Valley.r

r VULTURES, HAWKS and EAGLESr r r r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

FOWL-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Galliformesr

r GROUSE: Family Tetraonidaer

r r

r r r r BLUE GROUSEr

r R. in coniferous forests (chiefly ofr Douglas-fir and white and red firs) ofr r r the Sierra up to an elevation of 11,000r feet. Fairly common R. in Yosemite regionr in Canadian and upper Transitionr life zones; ranges into the Hudsonianr zone in late summer.r

r r SAGE GROUSE (Centrocercus urophasianus):r r 22-30 in. Above variegatedr brown, black, gray, and buff; belowr whitish, marked on throat and breastr with black; belly black; tail long withr stiff, pointed feathers; bill and feetr blackish. Female: Smaller, with shorterr tail. Resembles small turkey. Whirringr sound produced in flight.r

r Inhabits sagebrush flats, dependingr upon this plant for food. C. V. to Yosemiter region east of Sierran crest. Reportedr from near Granite Lake andr Mount Conness.r

r QUAIL AND PHEASANTS:r Family Phasianidaer

r r

r r r r MOUNTAIN QUAILr

r R. on mountain slopes covered withr brush (manzanita, chinquapin, snowbush,r etc.) and broken forest. In higherr mountains migrates on foot to lowerr elevation in winter. In Yosemite R. inr the Canadian and Transition life zones.r Occurs with the California quail in ther lower Transition zone, as in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r CALIFORNIA QUAILr

r Favors brushland broken by tracts ofr grass or weedy ground. Found at lowerr elevations in the Yosemite region, inr the Upper Sonoran life zone and occasionallyr in the lower Transition life zone,r as in Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

CRANE-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Gruiformesr

r RAILS: Family Rallidaer

r r

r r r r VIRGINIA RAILr

r Frequents freshwater marshes andr sometimes salt marshes. C. V. to Yosemiter region in summer. Has been seenr in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r AMERICAN COOTr

r R. on lakes and marshes. In winterr withdraws from higher altitudes to lowlands.r C. V. to Yosemite region; onr Merced River, Mirror Lake, and highr Sierran lakes.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

PLOVER-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Charadriiformesr

r PLOVERS: Family Charadriidaer

r r

r r r r KILLDEERr

r Frequents meadows, cultivated lands,r and shores of lakes, ponds, and streams.r Widespread, abundant R., withdrawingr from higher elevations and more northerlyr areas in winter. S.V. to wet meadowsr in Yosemite region such as Tuolumner Meadows and parts of Yosemite Valley.r

r SNIPE, SANDPIPERS, ETC.:r Family Scolopacidaer

r r

r r r r SPOTTED SANDPIPERr

r Frequents rocky ocean shores in winter.r Summers in mountains, frequentingr sand- and gravelbars along streams andr lake shores. S. V. to Yosemite region.r Seen along the Merced River in Yosemiter Valley (where it nests) or in Tuolumner Meadows.r

r r

r r r r COMMON SNIPEr

r Breeds chiefly east of the Sierra andr to the north. C. V. to Yosemite region,r having been observed in Yosemite Valleyr and on the Tuolumne River at 9,000r feet.r

r AVOCETS AND STILTS:r Family Recurvirostridaer

r r

r r r r AMERICAN AVOCETr

r Frequents expanses of shallow waterr as in marshes or grazing lands; inhabitsr coastal shores. C. V. to Yosemite region.r A single record for Yosemite Valley,r several for Tenaya Lake and Tuolumner meadows. Often seen at Mono Lake inr summer.r

r PHALAROPES:r Family Phalaropodidaer

r r WILSON’S PHALAROPE (Steganopus tricolor):r r 8 1/2-10 in. Female: Topr of head, stripe down back of neck, andr upper back ash-gray; black stripe backr of eye extends down side of neck andr blends with rich chestnut on lower neck;r base of tail and under parts white; feetr black; no light-colored wing stripe. Male:r Similar to female but duller; top of head,r wings, and back brown; sides of neckr dull reddish-brown. Adult and immaturer in fall: Above ash-gray; white line overr eye; under parts white; line back of eye,r dusky.r

r The phalaropes show a reversal of ther usual situation among birds. The femaler is the brighter and is the aggressor inr courtship. The male incubates the eggsr and cares for the young.r

r Frequents marshes and wet meadowsr where there is open shallow water. C. V.r to Yosemite region where it has beenr observed in Yosemite Valley. Commonr S. V. on Mono Lake.r

r r

r r r r NORTHERN PHALAROPEr

r Often seen in flocks. Head is movedr back and forth when swimming. As withr other phalaropes, a whirling motion ofr the body is often employed in feeding.r This may stir up small aquatic animalsr that are common in their diet.r

r Most common along the coast but alsor on sloughs and ponds inland. C. V. tor Yosemite region; observed in Yosemiter Valley. Large numbers in spring and later summer on Mono Lake.r

r GULLS AND TERNS:r Family Laridaer

r r

r r r r CALIFORNIA GULLr

r Along the coast and about inlandr bodies of water. C. V. to the Yosemiter region. Observed on Tenaya Lake (8,141r feet) and Young Lake (10,000 feet) andr on other lakes of the high Sierra. Abundantr at Mono Lake.r

r r

r r r r RING-BILLED GULLr

r C. V. on interior bodies of water.r Occasionally seen in Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

PIGEON-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Columbiformesr

r PIGEONS AND DOVES:r Family Columbidaer

r r

r r r r BAND-TAILED PIGEONr

r Frequents oak woods, often wherer mixed with conifers. Permanent R.r largely west of the Sierran divides. Considerabler shifting about of flocks inr winter. Occurs in mountains (Transitionr life zone) in summer and in or nearr foothills (Upper Sonoran life zone) inr winter. S. V. to the Yosemite region butr some birds to be seen in Yosemite Valleyr almost any season.r

r r MOURNING DOVE (Zenaidura macroura):r r 11-13 in. Above soft olive-brown;r wings marked with oval blackr spots; top of head gray; below pinkish-brown;r central tail feathers long, outerr ones tipped with white; tail long andr pointed. Whistling noise made by wingsr when bird takes flight. Voice a plaintive,r mellow coo-ah, coo, coo, the secondr syllable higher than the rest.r

r Frequents chiefly open deciduousr woodland or grassland and chaparral butr also ranges onto the open ground ofr plains and deserts. R. in the Sierran foothillsr and San Joaquin Valley. C. V. tor Yosemite region, in Yosemite Valley andr at higher elevations to 10,300 feet, asr near Vogelsang Lake.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

CUCKOO-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Cuculiformesr

r CUCKOOS, ROADRUNNERS,r ETC.: Family Cuculidaer

r r

r r r r ROADRUNNERr

r Found chiefly in the Lower and Upperr Sonoran life zones, most commonlyr in the former. Frequents open groundr interspersed with brush and scatteredr larger bushes or small trees. Sparse R.r in foothills near western edge of park.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

OWLS:r Order Strigiformes

r TYPICAL OWLS:r Family Strigidaer

r r

r r r r SCREECH OWLr

r Frequents oak woodland, broken coniferousr forest, and willow and cottonwoodr stream-borders. R. below aboutr 5,000 feet elevation in the western partr of the Yosemite region. Found in Yosemiter Valley, especially among canyonr live oaks.r

r r

r r r r GREAT HORNED OWLr

r R. in a variety of habitats fromr wooded areas to desert cliffs, occurringr from sea level to timberline. Widelyr distributed in the Yosemite region,r largely below the Hudsonian life zoner but occasionally in this zone. Observedr at Ten Lakes and at 10,700 feet on ther Lyell Fork.r

r r

r r r r PYGMY OWLr

r Frequents open coniferous and deciduousr woods chiefly in the Transition andr occasionally in the Canadian life zone inr the mountains where it is a permanent R.r Common in the Yosemite region.r

r r

r r r r LONG-EARED OWLr

r Frequents thick foliage, particularlyr willow thickets, groves of aspen or cottonwoods,r or dense stands of youngr conifers. R. in the Yosemite region belowr the Canadian life zone. Observed in Yosemiter Valley and at Swamp Lake.r

r r GREAT GRAY OWL (Strix nebulosa):r r 24-33 in. Large, light gray facialr discs marked faintly with dusky concentricr rings; eyes yellow; no “ear” tufts;r above dark brown with light grayishr mottling; under parts light gray streakedr lengthwise with dark brown. Voice ar deep reverberating whoo given at itr regular intervals. Yosemite nesting recordsr near Glacier Point and at Craner Flat. Largest owl in Yosemite region.r

r R. with some wandering in winter.r Chiefly in coniferous forests of the Sierrar Nevada from Madera County northward.r Probably permanent R. in Yosemite regionr where it has been observed in firr and pine woods in the Canadian zone.r

r r

r r r r SHORT-EARED OWLr

r Usually occurs in marshy land andr open fields. Rare C. V. to Yosemiter region. Has been seen at 11,000 feetr on Mount Clark.r

r r SPOTTED OWL (Stria occidentalis):r r 18-19 in. Upper parts rich brown,r spotted with white; eye discs lightr brown, tinged with yellow, borderedr with dark brown; no “ear” tufts; underr parts yellow brown, heavily barred andr spotted with white; tail barred and tippedr with whitish; eyes dark. Call resemblesr the barking of a dog.r

r R. in dense forests of the Transitionr life zone of the Sierra to about 7,000r feet. Has been observed in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r SAW-WHET OWL (Aegolius acadicus):r r 7-8 in. Above brown, spottedr with white; “ear” tufts. absent; top ofr head and neck with fine white streaksr on brown; white over eyes; under partsr with strong, reddish-brown bars onr whitish; white spots on wing; tail inconspicuous,r with white bars. Immature:r Chocolate brown above; tawny below,r with dark streaks; sooty face with whiter “eyebrows.” Call a long series of staccator notes, near one pitch but varying inr volume.r

r Frequents woodland and coniferousr forests of the Transition and Canadianr life zones. Sparse R. in Yosemite region.r Recorded as nesting in Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

GOATSUCKER-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Caprimulgiformesr

r GOATSUCKERS:r Family Caprimulgidaer

r r

r r r r COMMON NIGHTHAWKr

r Frequents open coniferous forests ofr high mountains in summer, usuallyr where there is open rocky ground forr nesting. S. V. in the Transition, Canadian,r and Hudsonian life zones in ther Yosemite region. Seen chiefly in highr mountain areas such as Tuolumne Meadows,r at Merced and Vogelsang Lakes,r and occasionally in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r POOR-WILLr

r Frequents rocky, gravelly terrain orr bare soil, grown scatteringly to bushesr and trees. Frequents the Lower Sonoranr to the Transition life zone, from Sanr Joaquin Valley to Yosemite Valley. S. V.r at lower elevations in Yosemite.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

SWIFTS AND HUMMINGBIRDS:r Order Apodiformesr

r SWIFTS: Family Apodidaer

r r

r r r r VAUX’S SWIFTr

r In summer found along the coast fromr Santa Cruz Co. northward and occasionallyr in the Sierra. M. throughout, includingr Sierra. C. V. to Yosemite region.r Recorded in Yosemite Valley.r

r r BLACK SWIFT (Cypseloides niger):r r 7 in. General coloration black; at closer range small amount of white may ber seen about face; undersides of wings mayr appear silvery at certain angles; slenderr curving wings; tail slightly forked. Voicer a high-pitched twitter. Nests in cliffsr near waterfalls or in sea-bluffs.r

r S. V., breeding in the Transition lifer zone of the central coast of California,r and the central and southern Sierrar Nevada. Seen in Yosemite Valley andr found nesting in Tenaya Canyon.r r r
r

r r

r r r r WHITE-THROATED SWIFTr

r Frequents the vicinity of cliffs (oftenr of granite) where it roosts and nests.r Breeds chiefly in the Lower and Upperr Sonoran life zones and into the Transitionr zone. S. V. in the Yosemite region,r usually near sheer cliffs. Common aboutr Yosemite Valley.r

r HUMMINGBIRDS:r Family Trochilidaer

r r

r r r r BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDr

r Inhabits mountains, foothills, canyons,r and gardens in lowlands during ther summer. Nests chiefly in deciduous treesr along stream bottoms in the Upper Sonoranr life zone. In Yosemite region,r S. V. at lower elevations, higher in later summer. Observed at El Portal, Yosemiter Valley, and Mono Lake.r

r r ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus sasin):r r 3 1/2 in. Back metallicr green; tail reddish-brown; throat copperyr red; below rich brown except white onr breast. Female: Essentially like femaler rufous hummingbird.r S. V. in Transition and Canadian lifer zones of Sierra during post breedingr southward migration, when it rangesr widely. C. V. to Yosemite region. Hasr been observed in Yosemite Valley andr up to Badger Pass and Gin Flat.r

r r

r r r r ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRDr

r Frequents broken chaparral and woodland.r Breeds chiefly in the Upper Sonoranr life zone but widely distributed whenr not breeding. In the Yosemite region R.r in the foothills and a S. V. to the Transitionr life zone.r

r r RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorusr rufus):r r 3 1/2-4 in. Above rufousr with faint greenish tinge to head andr sometimes back; throat iridescent copperyr red or brilliant crimson borderedr below with white band; below richr brown; rufous on sides. Female: Abover green, tinged with rufous; throat sometimesr with some red; faint rufous onr sides; white thumb-marks on outer tailr feathers.r

r M. chiefly in lowlands and foothillsr when moving north, and along the mountainsr when returning south. M. in ther Yosemite region. Most likely to be seenr at higher elevations in July and Augustr when in southbound migration. Seenr above 12,000 feet, Parsons Peak.r

r r

r r r r CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDr

r S. V. in the Transition and Canadianr life zones in the Yosemite region. Seenr from March to September in Yosemiter Valley where it breeds.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

ROLLER-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Coraciiformesr

r KINGFISHERS: Family Alcedinidaer

r r

r r r r BELTED KINGFISHERr

r Attracted to both salt and fresh waterr where it feeds on small fishes. Frequentsr lakes, ponds, larger streams, and the seacoast.r Widespread R. chiefly west of ther deserts. Frequently seen along streams inr the Yosemite region to an elevation ofr about 8,600 feet in Tuolumne Meadows.r Nests in the banks of the Merced Riverr in Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WOODPECKER-LIKE BIRDS:r Order Piciformesr

r WOODPECKERS: Family Picidaer

r r PILEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopusr pileatus):r r 17-18 in. Top of headr including crest and bar on cheek brightr red; red on head reduced and red cheekr absent in female; white line above andr below eye; long, wide stripe of white onr neck; otherwise generally black exceptr white patches in wings, more extensiver on under side. Immature: Crest salmon.r Feeds on beetle larvae, ants, and occasionallyr plant materials. Nests in deadr conifers and large aspens.r

r Inhabits coniferous forests, especiallyr of white and red firs and Douglas-fir.r R. in the Yosemite region in the Transitionr and Canadian life zones. To be seenr in Yosemite Valley at all seasons of ther year.r

r r

r r r r RED-SHAFTED FLICKERr

r Widespread R. in Yosemite region. Inr late summer and fall may be seen nearlyr to timberline. Observed at 10,200 feetr near Parsons Peak.r

r r

r r r r ACORN WOODPECKER (Female)r

r Frequents woodland areas chiefly inr the Upper Sonoran life zone but also inr the Transition life zone. Attracted to oakr trees upon which it depends to a larger extent for food and sites for nestingr holes. Often stores acorns in dead trees,r the bark of trees, fence posts, etc. Widespreadr common R. largely west of ther Sierran divides, as at lower elevations inr the Yosemite region. A conspicuous birdr on the floor of Yosemite Valley where itr is found associated with the black andr canyon live oaks. Sometimes seen flyr atching.r

r r

r r r r LEWIS’ WOODPECKERr

r Erratic occurrence as R. from year tor year. Frequents broken deciduous woodlandr or coniferous forest. Breeds chieflyr in the Upper Sonoran and Transition lifer zones. Likely to be seen almost anywherer in the Yosemite region except in ther denser forests. Has been seen at 9,500 feetr above Ten Lakes.r

r r

r r r r YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERr

r Red-breasted sapsucker, subspeciesr daggetti: Head, neck, and breast darkr red; back black, mottled with white;r distinctive white stripe along bend ofr wing, prominent even on immature birdsr which lack reddish of head and breast;r white stripe from bill to under eyes.r

r Sapsuckers circle trunks and larger branches of trees with small holes whenr foraging for sap and the tender growthr layer (cambium) beneath the bark. Theyr are especially fond of willows.r

r The red-naped sapsucker breeds in ther northeastern part of California and wintersr in the south. Occasional W. V. tor the Yosemite region. The red-breastedr sapsucker breeds in northern Californiar south through the Cascade-Sicrran mountainr system to certain of the higher mountainsr of southern California, dispersingr in winter to lower elevations. It is R. inr the Transition and Canadian life zones inr the Yosemite region. Seen in Yosemiter Valley all year.r

r r

r r r r WILLIAMSON’S SAPSUCKERr

r Breeds chiefly in the coniferous forestsr of the Canadian life zone. Often associatedr with lodgepole pine and red fir. Inhabitsr high mountains in summer andr and slightly lower levels in winter. R. inr the Canadian and Hudsonian life zonesr in the Yosemite region; occasional on ther floor of Yosemite Valley in winter.r

r r

r r r r HAIRY WOODPECKERr

r Frequents broken or open mixed deciduousr and coniferous forest, especiallyr where there are dead snags. R. in foothillsr and mountains. Breeds chiefly in ther Transition and Canadian life zones. Widespreadr R. in the Yosemite region exceptr in the Lower Sonoran life zone and abover timberline.r

r r

r r r r NUTTALL’S WOODPECKERr

r Often associated with oaks. R. chieflyr in the Upper Sonoran life zone. Frequentsr foothills and canyons west of ther Sierran crest. C. V. to lower elevationsr in the Yosemite region. Occasionallyr seen in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERr

r R. in coniferous forests, chiefly in ther Transition and lower Canadian life zones.r Present in considerable numbers in ther Yosemite region in the zones mentioned;r common at Mariposa Grove, Glacierr Point, and in Yosemite Valley.r

r r BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOEDr WOODPECKER (Picoides arcticus):r r 9-10 in. Above black, except golden yellowr on crown, wanting in female; wingsr barred with white spots; outer tail feathersr white; black stripe from bill alongr side of head, bordered above by white liner that passes below eye; under parts largelyr white; sides barred strongly with black;r two toes in front, one behind (two toesr behind in other woodpeckers in Yosemiter region).r

r Usually associated with red fir, lodgepoler pine, or hemlock. Found chiefly inr the Canadian and Hudsonian life zones.r Sparse R. in the Yosemite region. Observedr near Mono Meadow, Siesta Lake,r Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, andr McGee Lake at an altitude of 8,600 feet.r

r r DOWNY WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos pubescens):r r 6-7 in. Resembles hairyr woodpecker but much smaller and whiter outer tail feathers barred inconspicuouslyr with black.r

r Frequents chiefly stream-border growthr of willows, cottonwoods, and alders. Inr the Sierra Nevada it breeds most commonlyr in the Upper Sonoran and Transitionr life zones. R. in the Yosemite regionr up to an elevation of 5,750 feet, as onr the Yosemite Falls Trail.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

PERCHING BIRDS:r Order Passeriformesr

r
• Tyrant Flycatchers, Family Tyrannidae
r
• Larks, Family Alaudidae
r
• Swallows, Family Hirundinidae
r
• Jays, Magpies, and Crows, Family Corvidae
r
• Tits, Family Paridae
r
• Nuthatches, Family Sittidae
r
• Creepers, Family Certhiidae
r
• Wrentits, Family Chamaeidae
r
• Dippers, Family Cincilidae
r
• Wrens, Family Troglodytidae
r
• Mockingbirds and Thrashers, Familyr Mimidae
r
• Thrushes, Family Turdidae
r
• Gnatcatchers, Kinglets, and Old-world Warblers, Family Sylviidae
r
• Wagtails, Family Motacillidae
r
• Waxwings, Family Bombycillidae
r
• Silky Flycatchers, Family Ptilogonatidae
r
• Shrikes, Family Laniidae
r
• Vireos, Family Vireonidae
r
• Wood Warblers, Family Parulidae
r
• Weaver Finches, Family Ploceidae
r
• Orioles and Blackbirds, Family Icteridae
r
• Tanagers, Family Thraupidae
r
• Finches, Sparrows, etc., Familyr Fringillidae
r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: Family Tyrannidae

r r

r r r r WESTERN KINGBIRDr

r Frequents dry open terrain usuallyr with few widely spaced trees. Breedsr chiefly in the Lower and Upper Sonoranr life zones. Found usually below 5,000r feet in the Yosemite region. Occasionallyr seen in Yosemite Valley in the summerr and fall, and at Mono Lake.r

r r

r r r r ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERr

r S. V. in brushlands, usually wherer there are a few trees. Breeds in the Lowerr and Upper Sonoran life zones. C. V. atr lower elevations in the Yosemite region.r Occasionally seen in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r BLACK PHOEBEr

r Closely associated with water, runningr or quiet, often where there are trees,r cliffs, or high banks. Widespread R.r breeding chiefly in the Upper Sonoranr life zone. S. V. to lower elevations in ther Yosemite region; breeds in Yosemiter Valley, along Merced River.r

r r TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER (Empidonaaer traillii):r r 5-6 in. Above gray-brownr or olive-gray; head slaty; under partsr light gray, tinged with yellow posteriorly;r two light-colored, inconspicuousr wing-bars; eye-ring whitish. Song psit-tweerr given repeatedly; also a soft staccator whit given two or three times.r

r In the breeding season, closely restrictedr to willows. Widespread S. V.r ranging from the Lower Sonoran to ther Canadian life zone. Widespread at lowerr elevations in winter. Common S. V. tor Yosemite region; present in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r SAY’S PHOEBEr

r Frequents open arid terrain. Breedsr chiefly in the Lower and Upper Sonoranr life zones. C. V. at low elevations in ther Yosemite region. Observed in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii):r r 5 in. Abover brownish- or olive-gray, darker on head;r two whitish wing-bars; breast dark gray,r otherwise under parts pale yellowish.r Song, see’wit, pseet, swerz, etc., the threer notes emphatic and often repeated. Callr a weak pit.r

r Summers in the Sierra Nevada, breedingr in the Canadian life zone where it isr frequently found high (often 20 to overr 100 feet) in coniferous trees, particularlyr red firs and dense stands of lodgepoler pine. In migration far less restricted,r frequenting deciduous woods, chaparral,r and conifers. Has been seen as high asr 10,500 feet on Mount Clark in the Yosemiter region.r

r r DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax oberholseri):r r S’ 4-6 in. Resembles Hammond’sr flycatcher but lighter and withr broader bill. The two flycatchers are distinguishedr with difficulty. Song a groupr of three or more lisping notes, se-peet,r wurt’zel, see’-pit, the middle note not asr low or monosyllabic as the Hammond’s.r The song is generally more vigorous andr varied than the latter’s. Call note pit orr see’pit.r

r Frequents mixed brushland (manzanita,r snow-brush, etc.) and deciduousr or coniferous trees. Forages and nests inr low growth. Breeds chiefly in the Canadianr life zone where S. V. in Yosemiter region. M. through lowlands in springr and fall.r

r r

r r r r WESTERN FLYCATCHERr

r Frequents shaded stream and lake borders.r Partial to wooded canyon bottoms.r Breeds chiefly west of the main Sierranr axis in the Upper Sonoran and Transitionr life zones. S. V. in Yosemite region;r present in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r WESTERN WOOD PEWEEr

r Frequents broken deciduous or coniferousr woods or a mixture of the two. Tendsr to avoid densely foliaged trees. S. V.r from the Upper Sonoran to the Hudsonianr life zone. Widespread during migration,r reaching desert areas. Commonr species in the Yosemite region. Its monotonousr pee-ur may be heard throughoutr Yosemite Valley in summer.r

r r

r r r r OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERr

r Breeds in broken coniferous forests,r chiefly in the Transition and Canadianr life zones. Seeks high perches, often deadr stubs of coniferous trees. S. V. to Yosemiter region. Present but not common inr Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

LARKS: Family Alaudidae

r r

r r r r HORNED LARKr

r Frequents open level or gently rollingr country where there may be few or nor trees, such as short-grass prairies, desertr flats, mountain meadows, and fallowr fields. R. in the Lower and Upper Sonoranr life zones. In the Yosemite regionr may be seen at lower elevations to ther west and in summer on high mountainr meadows. Occasionally seen in Yosemiter Valley. Seen on fenceposts in the foothillr grasslands along State Highway 140.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

SWALLOWS: Family Hirundinidae

r r

r r r r ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWr

r Frequents low earthen banks alongr slowly flowing streams or even along dryr gullies. Breeds chiefly in the Lower andr Upper Sonoran life zones. Of local occurrencer as S. V. in the lower, western partr of the Yosemite region. Occasional inr Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r CLIFF SWALLOWr

r Attracted to cliffs, high banks, andr the walls of buildings, usually not farr from a source of mud for nest buildingr and quiet water for drinking. Nestsr chiefly from the Lower Sonoran to ther Transition life zone. S. V. to the westernr part of the Yosemite region. Has beenr observed in the Hetch Hetchy area.r

r r TREE SWALLOW (Iridoprocne bicolor):r r 5-6 in. Above bluish tinged withr green, or black with steel-blue iridescence;r below white. Nests in abandonedr woodpecker holes in trees near water.r

r Frequents streams, sloughs, ponds,r lakes, and wet meadows where it foragesr chiefly above water. Breeds chiefly in ther Upper Sonoran and Transition life zones.r C. V. to lower elevations in the Yosemiter region. Has nested in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWr

r Frequents the vicinity of cliffs andr rocky canyon walls and broken woodsr and forest margins. Breeds chiefly in ther Upper Sonoran and Transition life zones.r S. V. in the Yosemite region in the zonesr mentioned; most common swallow inr Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

JAYS, MAGPIES, AND CROWS

r JAYS, MAGPIES, AND CROWS:r Family Corvidaer

r r

r r r r STELLER’S JAYr

r Inhabits chiefly coniferous forests ofr the Transition and Canadian life zones,r occasionally invading the lowlands inr winter. Essentially R. with some down-mountainr movement in winter. Abundantr in the Yosemite region. One of ther boldest and most conspicuous birds ofr the floor of Yosemite Valley.r

r r PIÑON JAY (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus):r r 10-12 in. Whole body dullr blue, more vivid on head; streaks ofr whitish on throat; tail relatively short;r bill long and slender. Crow-like in flight.r Often seen in flocks. Omnivorous butr feeds to a considerable extent on piñonr nuts.r

r Frequently associated with piñon andr juniper but ranges into grasslands andr open forests of other types. Breeds inr the arid Upper Sonoran and Transitionr life zones. R. east of the Cascade-Sierranr divides, but in fall and winter may wanderr far to the west. C. V. to Yosemiter region where occasionally seen in Tuolumner Meadows and above the rim ofr Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r SCRUB JAYr

r Frequents chiefly the broken woodlandr and chaparral of the Upper Sonoranr life zone. Widespread R. in the westernr foothills of the Sierra, including ther Yosemite region, but absent from higherr elevations. Occasional in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIEr

r Frequents broad expanses of openr ground where there is a scattering ofr oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, or otherr trees. Found in the Lower and Upperr Sonoran life zones, usually near water.r R. in the Great Valley and western foothillsr of the Sierra as in the western partr of the Yosemite region. Rarely observedr in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r CLARK’S NUTCRACKERr

r R. chiefly in the Canadian and Hudsonianr life zones in areas usually characterizedr by meadows, rocky slopes, andr trees of relatively small stature. Frequentsr most of the higher mountainr masses, generally from 8,000 feet up tor timberline. In the Yosemite region commonr in the Hudsonian zone but may ber seen at lower elevations as at Glacierr Point and at other localities on the rimr of Yosemite Valley, especially in later summer and fall.r

r r BLACK - BILLED MAGPIE (Pica pica):r r 17-22 in. Bill black, otherwiser resembles yellow-billed magpie, but isr slightly larger.r

r Frequents chiefly open terrain withr clumps of willows, aspens, cottonwoods,r or other trees with nesting sites andr shelter. Water in the form of a stream,r wet meadow, or lake is often not farr removed. Breeds in the Upper Sonoranr and Transition life zones. R. east of ther Cascade-Sierran divides south to ther upper part of the Owens Valley. Occasionallyr enters the eastern part of ther Yosemite region. Has been seen in Lyellr Canyon.r

r r COMMON CROW (Corvus brachyrhynchos):r r 17-21 in. Whole bird glossyr black; tip of tail rounded when spread.r Often seen in flocks. Call, familiar caw,r caw. Omnivorous.r

r Frequents areas with a broad expanser of open ground, in valleys and in rollingr hills, but trees are requisite for nestingr and roosting. Breeds in the Lower Sonoranr to the Transition life zones. R.r throughout the Great Valley. Absent orr C. V. in heavily forested or mountainousr country and in the deserts. Occasionalr at lower elevations in the western partr of the Yosemite region. C. V. to Yosemiter Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

TITS: Family Paridae

r r

r r r r MOUNTAIN CHICKADEEr

r Frequents chiefly open coniferous forestsr or the margins of dense stands, inr the high Upper Sonoran to the Hudsonianr life zones. R. chiefly in the Canadianr and Hudsonian life zones in the Yosemiter region but also in the Transitionr zone. Seen in Yosemite Valley and occasionallyr nests there.r

r r

r r r r PLAIN TITMOUSEr

r Frequents open woodland, chiefly ofr oaks or piñon and juniper. R. largely inr the Upper Sonoran life zone. Occurs atr low elevation in the western part of ther Yosemite region. Rare in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r COMMON BUSHTITr

r Frequents areas of chaparral or mixedr brush and small trees chiefly in the Upperr Sonoran life zone. Widespread R. butr absent from higher mountains, deserts.r R. at lower elevations in the westernr part of the Yosemite region. Has beenr seen near Glacier Point and commonlyr in Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

NUTHATCHES

r NUTHATCHES: Family Sittidaer

r r

r r r r WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHr

r Frequents chiefly rough-barked treesr such as oaks and conifers. R. from ther Upper Sonoran to the Hudsonian lifer zone, concentrating in the lower zonesr in winter. Occasionally seen in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHr

r Frequents chiefly conifers in the Canadianr life zone. It especially favors firsr in which it often forages at considerabler heights. Partially R., many individualsr descending in winter to lower levels andr to the south. In the Yosemite regionr common in summer in the Canadianr zone but also found in the Transitionr and Hudsonian zones. To be seen in Yosemiter Valley almost all year.r

r r PYGMY NUTHATCH (Sitta pygmaea):r r 4-4 1/2 in. Above light bluish-gray;r head darker or brownish with darkr line through eye; white on nape inconspicuous;r under parts white or buffy;r tail short, outer tail feathers with blackr and white. Inhabits the trunks and mainr branches of trees. Often seen feeding inr pine-needle clusters. Usually travels inr small flocks.r

r Frequents pine trees and other conifersr in the Transition life zone, often foragingr at high levels in trees. Uncommonr R. in the Yosemite region in the Transitionr and Canadian life zones. Occasionallyr seen in late summer and fall aroundr the rim of Yosemite Valley. Rare inr Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

CREEPERS: Family Certhiidae

r r

r r r r BROWN CREEPERr

r Frequents trunks and larger branchesr chiefly of coniferous trees, usually wherer in dense mature stands. Redwoods, incense-cedars,r and pines are frequented.r R. in the Transition and Canadian lifer zones, dispersing irregularly to lowerr elevations in winter. Common in Yosemiter Valley, especially in dense standsr of incense-cedar and ponderosa pine.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WRENTITS: Family Chamaeidae

r r

r r r r WRENTITr

r Seeks broken or continuous tracts ofr brush where it is more often heard thanr seen. Usually travels in pairs. An inhabitantr of the Upper Sonoran and Transitionr life zones west of the Sierran divide.r In the Yosemite region to be found chieflyr at low elevation in the western part butr in late summer and fall ranges up intor Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

DIPPERS: Family Cinclidae

r r

r r r r DIPPERr

r Frequents cool, shaded, clear, swift-flowingr mountain streams, especiallyr where there are rock walls or cliffs thatr provide nesting sites. Sometimes placesr nest behind a waterfall. R. in the Transitionr to the Hudsonian life zone. Mayr be seen in Yosemite Valley, where it isr one of the most interesting and bestr loved birds.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WRENS: Family Troglodytidaer

r r

r r r r HOUSE WRENr

r Frequents bushes, chaparral, andr chiefly deciduous trees, the latter especiallyr for nesting. S. V. largely in ther Upper Sonoran to the Transition lifer zone. Upmountain movement afterr breeding carries some birds to high elevationsr as to 9,200 feet at the head ofr Lyell Canyon in the Yosemite region.r

r r WINTER WREN (Troglodytes troglodytes):r r 4 in. Resembles house wren butr is darker, smaller, and has shorter tail;r inconspicuous line over eye; belly brownishr and heavily barred. Bobs when excited.r Our smallest wren. Song a prolongedr series of thin high notes suggestiver of a squeaky wheel. Often nests inr cavities in or beneath logs.r

r Frequents the damp, shady forest floorr where there are tangles of roots, ferns,r and matted vegetation (often includingr moss) chiefly in the Transition and Canadianr life zones. Of local occurrence inr summer in the Yosemite region as at ther Merced Grove of Big Trees, foot ofr Vernal Fall, and near Happy Isles, butr chiefly a W. V.r

r r

r r r r BELWICK’S WRENr

r Frequents continuous or broken chaparralr and tracts of woodland with brushr clumps, chiefly in the Upper Sonoranr life zone. There is shifting or some birdsr up- or downmountain, depending uponr locality, in late summer, fall, and winter.r R. at lower elevations in the extremer western part of the Yosemite region.r C. V. to Yosemite Valley.r

r r ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsolettts):r r 5-6 in. Above with often indistinctr sprinkling of dusky and white on lightr brown; tail tipped with buffy; outer tailr feathers black near tip; body and headr somewhat flattened; bill long and slender;r toes long. Bobs.r

r Found especially in rugged, rocky locations,r where it forages in crevices orr in the open; also may enter fissures inr logs and holes in the ground. More independentr of water than the canyon wren.r Found chiefly in the Lower and Upperr Sonoran life zones but also on up to ther Hudsonian zone. R. at lower elevationsr and S. V. in the higher mountains.r Widespread in the Yosemite regionr having been seen at 10,500 feet inr Mono Pass.r

r r LONG-BILLED MARSH WRENr (Telmatodytes palustris):r r 4 1/2-5 1/2 in.r Above brownish; patch of black onr back crossed by longitudinal white lines;r white line over eye; rump brown; belowr whitish, brownish on sides; tail feathersr brown, barred with dusky.r

r Frequents marshlands, especially wherer tules grow. Usually nests over water.r Ranges from the Lower Sonoran to ther Transition life zone. Sparse C. V. andr W. V. to lower elevations in westernr part of Yosemite region. Has been seenr in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r CANYON WRENr

r Frequents rocky, often shaded areasr in canyons. R. chiefly in the Upperr Sonoran life zone but also in the Lowerr Sonoran and Transition zones. Largelyr in the western part of the Yosemiter region in the zones mentioned but hasr been observed as far east as Mercedr Lake: Often heard and sometimes seenr about sheer cliffs and talus slopes ofr Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS: Family Mimidae

r r CALIFORNIA THRASHER (Toxostoma redivivum):r r 11 1/2-13 in. Abover brown; throat grayish-white; breastr light brown grading to buff on belly;r tail long, rusty beneath at its base; long,r curved bill; relatively short wings.r

r Frequents chaparral, staying in orr near cover and foraging on the groundr in the leaf litter and soft earth wherer plant food, insects, and spiders arer found by digging with the bill. Alsor forages in the upper story of plantr growth for fruits and berries. R. in ther Lower and Upper Sonoran life zones onr the lower brushy slopes in the westernr part of the Yosemite region to El Portal.r

r r SAGE THRASHER (Orcoscoptes montanus):r r 8 - 9 in. Above grayish-brown;r below whitish faintly tingedr with buffy, streaked with rows of darkr brown wedge-shaped spots; outer tailr feathers edged and tipped with white;r straight, slender bill shorter than head;r iris yellow. When perched frequentlyr jerks its tail.r

r Frequents flats and gentle slopes coveredr with sagebrush and in winter otherr types of brushland. S. V. chiefly in ther sagebrush country east of the Sierra.r W. V. in the San Joaquin Valley. C. V.r to Yosemite region. Frequents area nearr Mono Lake.r

r r

r r r r MOCKINGBIRDr

r Frequents nearly level terrain andr foothills where there are scattered bushesr and small trees. R. chiefly in the Lowerr and Upper Sonoran life zones. To ber seen at lower elevations in the westernr part of the Yosemite region. C. V. tor Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

THRUSHES: Family Turdidaer

r r

r r r r ROBINr

r Frequents meadows, stream borders,r and lawns where there are scatteredr trees. Common S. V. in the Transitionr life zone but also in the Canadian andr Hudsonian life zones. Common at lowerr levels in winter. Abundant in Yosemiter Valley where it nests. May be sparselyr present there in winter but more commonr at lower elevations.r

r r

r r r r VARIED THRUSHr

r Frequents dense growth of conifersr oaks, or high chaparral, often in canyons.r Prefers shaded locations. In ther Transition and Canadian zones in summerr and ranges into the Upper Sonoranr zone in winter. W. V. to the westernr slope of the Yosemite region below ther level of the heavy snows. Occurs in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r HERMIT THRUSHr

r Frequents chiefly dense well-shadedr forests where the ground is leaf-litteredr but largely unobstructed by close growthr of bushes. S. V. in the Sierra chiefly inr the Transition and Canadian life zones,r but also in the lower Hudsonian lifer zone. W. V. below the level of heavyr snows. Occasionally nests on the floorr of Yosemite Valley but more commonr at higher elevations as at Mariposar Grove, Glacier Point, and Tuolumner Meadows.r

r r

r r r r WESTERN BLUEBIRDr

r Frequents broken well-spaced timber,r open woodland, or brushland. Whenr breeding found chiefly in the Upperr Sonoran and Transition life zones butr enters adjacent zones. Spreads to lowlandsr in winter. Likely to be seen atr any time of the year in the westernr foothills in the Yosemite region. In fallr seen at higher altitudes as in Yosemiter Valley and in higher locations.r

r r MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialiar currucoides):r r 6 1/2-7 3/4 in. Almost entirelyr blue, lighter below, grading tor whitish on belly; tail forked. Female:r Soft gray-brown above, tinged withr blue; rump, tail, and wings bluish.r

r Frequents chiefly open terrain of shortr grass or turf where rocks, scatteredr bushes, or small trees provide perches.r In the Sierra, S. V. in high Transition tor the Hudsonian life zone, especially ther latter. Of irregular occurrence in ther lowlands in winter. In Yosemite region,r frequent in high Sierra, occasional inr Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIREr

r Frequents mountain slopes where atr least partly forested, often with pine orr fir. Of irregular occurrence in the lowlandsr in winter. In the Sierra S. V. or R.r in the high Transition to the Hudsonianr life zone. In Yosemite Valley occasionallyr seen in winter and may nestr there in spring.r

r r SWAINSON’S THRUSH (Hylocichlar ustulata):r r 6 1/2-7 1/2 in. Above gray orr olive-brown; wings and tail somewhatr darker; no rust in tail; belly white; sidesr tinged with brown; upper breast lightr buff spotted with wedge-shaped marks;r eye-ring and cheeks buffy.r

r Frequents willows, aspens, alders, andr other dense growth along streams andr about damp meadows. Enters the dampr understory vegetation of dense forests.r Chiefly in the Upper Sonoran, Transition,r and Canadian life zones. Commonr S. V. largely throughout, west of ther desert divides. Widespread M. S. V.r chiefly in the Transition zone in ther Yosemite region. Has nested in Yosemiter Valley; often seen near Mirror Lake.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

GNATCATCHERS, KINGLETS, AND OLD-WORLD WARBLERS: Family Sylviidae

r r

r r r r BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERr

r Frequents brush and oak-coveredr slopes. Common S. V. in the Lower andr Upper Sonoran life zones. Breeds in ther foothills of the Sierra. Winters in ther lowlands. In the Yosemite region in ther Upper Sonoran zone and after the nestingr season at higher elevations, includingr Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point.r

r r GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETr (Regulus satrapa):r r 3 1/2 - 4 in. Upperr parts olive-gray to olive-green; conspicuousr orange crown bordered by yellowr and black, wholly yellow in female;r under parts whitish, tinged with brownr especially on sides; white line over eye.r Forages out on small branches andr among needles chiefly in coniferous trees.r Often travels in small groups.r

r S. V. largely in the Canadian andr Transition life zones. W. V. to lowlandsr west of the Sierra. In the Yosemite regionr present in summer chiefly in ther Canadian zone. Recorded to 8,700 feetr elevation on the slopes of Mount Hoffmann.r Usually in Yosemite Valleyr throughout the year.r

r r

r r r r RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETr

r In summer frequents continuous orr broken stands of coniferous forest chieflyr in the Canadian life zone; less restrictedr in winter. Disperses widely to the lowlandsr in winter. In the Yosemite regionr during the breeding season, altitudes ofr occurrence are chiefly between 5,500r and 9,000 feet. Passes through Yosemiter Valley, occasionally nesting there.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WAGTAILS: Family Motacillidae

r r

r r r r WATER PIPITr

r Frequents fields, beaches, or otherr open ground. Common W. V. at lowr elevations in the western part of ther Yosemite region. Has been observed inr the fall on Mount Lyell at an elevationr of 12,000 feet.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WAXWINGS: Family Bombycillidae

r r

r r r r CEDAR WAXWINGr

r When breeding frequents willows,r alders, and other streamside growth orr cutover forests in the Transition lifer zone of the humid coast. An irregularr M. and widespread W. V. Occasionalr in fall, winter, and spring at lower elevationsr in the Yosemite region. Flocksr have been seen in Yosemite Valley inr some years.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

SILKY FLYCATCHERS: Family Ptilogonatidae

r r PHAINOPEPLA (Phainopepla nitens):r r 7-7 3/4 in. Slender, glossy, blackr bird with conspicuous white wing-patches;r r prominent loose crest. Femaler dark gray; patches in wings light gray.r Feeds on mistletoe berries and otherr fruits and occasionally engages in flycatching,r at which it is expert in allr seasons. When bird alights, the tail isr jerked.r

r Most likely to be seen in summer inr the blue oak belt of the western partr of the Yosemite region where it is especiallyr attracted to trees with mistletoer clumps. Inhabits the Lower andr Upper Sonoran life zones.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

SHRIKES: Family Laniidae

r r

r r r r LOGGERHEAD SHRIKEr

r Frequents terrain providing areas ofr bare ground or that grown sparsely tor grass or other low growth, where visibilityr is good and where nest sites andr perches are provided by scattered treesr or large bushes. Not uncommon aboutr human habitations. Inhabits chiefly ther Lower and Upper Sonoran life zones.r Some wandering. Several records forr Yosemite Valley. Often seen at lowerr elevations in the Yosemite region, as inr the western foothills.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

VIREOS: Family Vireonidaer

r r

r r r r HUTTON’S VIREOr

r Frequents chiefly non-deciduous oaksr in the Upper Sonoran and Transitionr life zones. R. on the western slope of ther Sierra. Has been observed in the Yosemiter region up to 5,800 feet.r

r r

r r r r SOLITARY VIREOr

r Frequents oak and coniferous forestsr chiefly in the Transition life zone butr also in adjacent zones. S. V. in the Sierra;r in lower, warmer areas in winter. Inr the Yosemite region has been recordedr as far east as Indian Canyon and Mercedr Lake. Fairly common on the floor ofr Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r WARBLING VIREOr

r Frequents deciduous trees such asr willows, cottonwoods, and alders. Seeksr higher levels in trees than the otherr vireos. In the Sierra S. V. chiefly in ther Upper Sonoran to the Canadian lifer zone. Found on both slopes of the Yosemiter region but most common on ther western slope.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WOOD WARBLERS: Family Parulidaer

r r ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERr (Vermivora celata):r r 4 1/4-5 in. Top ofr head with orange, usually obscure; indistinctr yellowish line over eye to bill;r upper parts olive-green, brightest onr rump; wings darker, without bars; underr parts dull yellow to whitish.r

r Frequents underbrush in areas ofr mixed woodland; in summer chiefly inr the Upper Sonoran to the Canadian lifer zone. More widely distributed duringr migration. In the Yosemite region S. V.r on both slopes of the Sierra. Not commonr in Yosemite Valley. Upmountain movementsr may occur after breeding. Individualsr have been seen at 10,500 feet onr Mount Clark.r

r r NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla):r r 4-4 3/4 in. Top and sidesr of head ash-gray with indistinct chestnutr patch on crown; back olive-green;r white eye-ring; below yellow; lower bellyr whitish. Female: All plumage reduced inr color.r

r Frequents open forests with an understoryr of bushes. Forages well up in treesr but nests on or near the ground. S. V.r chiefly in the Transition and lower Canadianr life zones along the west sloper of the Sierra. Widespread M. In ther Yosemite region, as at Yosemite Valley,r to be found among the black oaks andr maples.r

r r

r r r r YELLOW WARBLERr

r Frequents canyons and streambanksr especially where grown to broadleaf treesr such as willows, cottonwoods, aspens,r alders, etc. S. V. in the Lower Sonoranr to the Transition life zone on bothr slopes of the Sierra. Common in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERr

r In many areas attracted to oaks, especiallyr canyon live oaks, but also frequentsr conifers and chaparral. S. V. tor the lower western slopes of the Sierra,r in the Upper Sonoran and Transitionr life zones. To be found among the canyonr live oaks of the talus slopes alongr the base of the north and south wallsr of Yosemite Valley.r

r r HERMIT WARBLER (Dendroica occidentalis):r r 4 1/2-5 in. Head brilliantr yellow; throat black; back gray withr black streaks; few or no streaks on whiter under parts; white wing-bars; whiter outer tail feathers. Female: Head dullr yellow, mottled on top with blackish;r throat with dusky spots on white. Commonlyr forages and nests 20 feet or morer above the ground.r

r Frequents conifers. S. V. in the Sierra,r chiefly in the Transition and Canadianr life zones. Widespread M. Seen in ther Mariposa Grove, along the Pohono Trail,r and commonly in Yosemite Valley.r

r r TOWNSEND’S WARBLER (Dendroicar townsendi):r r 4 1/2-5 in. Abover olive-green marked with black; whiter wing-bars; top of head and throat blackr with ring of yellow around black cheek-patch;r breast and sides yellow; bellyr white; sides streaked with black; whiter in tail. Female: Throat largely yellow.r

r Frequents upper foliage of live oaks,r laurels, and conifers. M. along the westr slope and eastern base of the Sierra. C. V.r to the Yosemite region. Has been seenr frequently in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r AUDUBON’S WARBLERr

r In summer frequents chiefly conifersr in the Transition to the Hudsonian lifer zone but habitat more varied in winter.r Widespread in summer in the Yosemiter region in the zones mentioned. In winterr common visitant to the Upper Sonoranr zone. Often to be seen throughout ther year in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r MacGILLIVRAY’S WARBLERr

r Frequents thickets, “soft” chaparral,r and heavy understory usually nearr streams or damp places chiefly in ther Transition and lower Canadian lifer zones. S. V. in the Yosemite region inr the zones mentioned and as M. alongr both the east and west sides of the Sierra.r To be found in thickets of thimbleberry,r ceanothus, and ferns on the floorr of Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r WILSON’S WARBLERr

r Frequents low, often shaded plantr growth in -moist areas. Breeds in ther mountains and foothills; widespread duringr migration. S. V. to the Sierra fromr the Upper Sonoran through the Canadianr life zone, chiefly in Transition andr Canadian. In Yosemite region frequentsr boggy meadows bordered by willow andr dogwood. Also found in spring alongr the eastern base of the Sierra and as ar M. in the western foothills.r

r r

r r r r YELLOWTHROATr

r When breeding frequents thick tanglesr of plant growth such as tules, sedges,r blackberry vines, and willow thicketsr near fresh or brackish water, chiefly ofr marshes and sloughs. Widespread S. V.r largely in the Lower and Upper Sonoranr life zones. Widespread common M. C. V.r to the Yosemite region. Has been recordedr in Yosemite Valley.r

r r YELLOW BREASTED CHAT (Icteriar virens):r r 6 1/2-7 1/2 in. Upper partsr olive-brown; head darker with whiter eye-ring and line between eye and bill;r throat, breast, and upper belly yellow;r tail long; lower belly white. Song highlyr varied, suggestive of a mockingbird orr thrasher rather than a warbler.r

r Frequents willow clumps and otherr dense growth chiefly in the Lower Sonoranr to the lower Transition life zone.r S. V. in the lowlands to the west of ther Yosemite region. C. V. to the Yosemiter region.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

WEAVER FINCHES: Family Ploceidae

r r HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus):r r 5 1/2-6 1/4 in. Throat and upperr breast black; crown gray; band behindr eye and on nape brown; under partsr dirty white; back, wings, and rumpr chestnut-brown, streaked with dusky.r Female: Upper parts and sides brown,r chestnut wanting; back, tail, and wingsr blackish; breast not streaked; nor throat-patch.r

r Widespread introduced exotic, commonr on streets and near buildings inr most towns and about farms. Highlyr adaptable with respect to environmentr and foraging method, but prefers associationr with civilization. Occasionallyr wanders into Yosemite region in summer.r Has been observed at El Portal and Yosemiter Valley in vicinity of buildings.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

ORIOLES and BLACKBIRDS: Family Icteridae

r r YELLOW - HEADED BLACKBIRDr (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus):r r 8-11 in. Head, neck, and breast yellow; restr of plumage black except large white patchr on black wing. Female: Smaller thanr male; grayish-brown, faintly streakedr below; throat, upper chest, and line overr eye yellowish; no wing-patch.r Frequents tule marshes and adjacentr meadows or cultivated ground chieflyr in the Lower Sonoran to the Transitionr life zone. C. V. to the Yosemite region.r Has been recorded occasionally in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r WESTERN MEADOWLARKr

r R. in open grasslands, breeding in ther Lower Sonoran to the Transition lifer zone. Seen in the San Joaquin Valleyr into the Sierran foothills. In the Yosemiter region after the breeding seasonr may be found to high altitudes as on topr of Half Dome and near Ten Lakes, 9,700r feet. Occasionally seen in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r REDWINGED BLACKBIRDr

r Frequents marshes, moist fields, andr margins of ponds, lakes, and slowlyr r r r flowing streams where grown to tules,r sedges, and willows. Inhabits the Lowerr Sonoran to the Transition life zone duringr the breeding season. Found locallyr in the Yosemite region below the Canadianr life zone. Common in open wetr meadows of Yosemite Valley in springr and early summer, where they nest, ther males to be seen conspicuously guardingr the nests.r

r r

r r r r BULLOCK’S ORIOLEr

r Frequents streamside and oak woodlandr in the Lower Sonoran to the Transitionr life zone. Common S. V. at lowerr elevations on the west side of the Sierra.r C. V. to Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r BREWER’S BLACKBIRDr

r Frequents grasslands meadows, streamr and lake borders, lawns, and cultivatedr fields, usually where there are scatteredr trees for roosting and nesting. Inhabitsr the Lower Sonoran to the Canadian lifer zone. In the Yosemite region nests asr high as the floor of Yosemite Valley andr in summer and fall ranges upward nearlyr to timberline. Migrates to lowlands inr winter. One of the most abundant birdsr in Yosemite Valley in spring andr summer.r

r r

r r r r BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDr

r Frequents lowlands where meadowsr and pastures are situated near tracts ofr willows and cottonwoods. Inhabits chieflyr the Lower and Upper Sonoran life zonesr but occasionally enters the Transitionr zone. C. V. to the Yosemite region.r Commonly seen in Yosemite Valley.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

TANAGERS: Family Thraupidae

r r

r r r r WESTERN TANAGERr

r Frequents fairly open coniferous forestsr with associated broad-leaved trees.r Principally in the Transition and Canadianr life zones in summer. Widespreadr M. S. V. in the Yosemite region, observedr as far east as Merced Lake. Commonr on the floor of Yosemite Valleyr and at Mariposa Grove.r (See cover.)r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.: Family Fringillidae

r r

r r r r BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKr

r Frequents chiefly oak woodland, willow-cottonwoodr association, and openr coniferous forests, often near a stream.r Inhabits the Lower Sonoran to ther Transition life zone in summer. Commonr S. V. in the Yosemite region. Oftenr seen about habitations in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena):r r 5-5 1/2 in. Head, neck, lower back,r and rump bright blue; blue of upperr back tinged with brown; black line extendsr from eye to bill; wings and tailr dusky; tail with bluish cast; white wing-bar;r breast rusty; remainder of underr parts whitish. Female: Upper partsr brown; under parts lighter; two buffyr wing-bars.r

r Frequents areas with scattered clumpsr of brush, weed thickets, or other lowr vegetation on hillsides, often near streams.r S. V. in the Lower Sonoran to the Transitionr life zone. On both slopes of ther Sierra in the Yosemite region. On ther west slope ranges as high as Yosemiter Valley.r

r r PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus):r r 5 1/4-6 in. Rosy red on head,r nape, throat, upper belly, and rump;r lower belly whitish with vague darkr streaking; brown wings and tail; tailr quite deeply forked. Female: Grayish-brown,r streaked; brown patch back ofr eye bordered above and below by broadr pale stripes. Song resembles that of ther house finch, lively and rollicking, notr abruptly ended after a few notes as inr Cassin’s finch.r

r In summer in the high Upper Sonoranr and Transition life zones, frequentingr oak woodland and coniferous forest.r Favors rather moist, shaded localities.r In the Yosemite region in the zonesr mentioned. Occasional in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r EVENING GROSBEAKr

r Breeds in coniferous forests of ther Transition and Canadian life zones, especiallyr where there are firs. S. V.r throughout the Sierra. Occasional inr Yosemite Valley.r

r r CASSIN’S FINCH (Carpodacus cassinii):r r 6-6 1/2 in. Resembles purple finchr but distinct crimson crown clearly setr off from brown of neck and back andr less intense red on breast. Female: Abover olive-gray, streaked with sooty or brown;r below whitish narrowly streaked withr dusky; faint light streak over eye. Song,r similar to that of the house finch butr abruptly terminated after a few rollickingr notes.r

r Frequents open semiarid coniferousr forests, chiefly of the Canadian and Hudsonianr life zones but also in the Transitionr zone and occasionally lower. Sparinglyr to lowlands in winter. In ther Yosemite region R. in forested areasr mostly between 6,000 and 10,000 feet.r Occasionally observed in Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r HOUSE FINCHr

r Frequents a great variety of situationsr chiefly in the Lower and Upper Sonoranr life zones. Inhabits woodland, forestr and chaparral borders, deserts, and cultivatedr lands. R. at lower elevations inr the Yosemite region. C. V. to Yosemiter Valley.r

r r PINE GROSBEAK (Pinicola enucleator):r r 8-9 1/2 in. Head, neck, breast, andr rump rose-red; back gray tinged withr rosy; wings dark brown with two whiter wing-bars; large beak; forked tail. Female:r Plumage generally gray with hintr of red on head and rump. Feeds on berriesr and needle buds and seeds of coniferousr trees.r

r Frequents chiefly broken coniferousr forest often near meadows or a streamr in the high Canadian and Hudsonianr life zones. Sparse R. in the high Sierrar Nevada. In the Yosemite region has beenr observed at elevations from 8,500 feetr up to timberline.r

r r GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHr (Leucosticte tephrocotis):r r 5 1/2-6 1/2 in.r Black head-cap, bordered with ash-gray;r above grayish-brown; middle area ofr wings, rump, and belly with varyingr amounts of rose-red; throat and breastr rich brown, darkest on chin; bill andr feet black; bill yellow in fall and winter,r in male. Female: Resembles male,r but colors duller, less rosy; bill lighter.r Feeds on insects frozen in the snow orr taken on the wing; also eats the seedsr of sedges and other plants.r

r Closely restricted to the Arctic-alpiner and high Hudsonian life zones where itr frequents alpine turf, snowfields, talus,r and cliffs. R. and breeding in the highr Sierra, including the Yosemite region.r

r r PINE SISKIN (Spinus pinus):r r 4 1/2-5 in. Above grayish-brown, streaked withr dusky; below lighter, streaked; yellowr area in wing and at base of tail; tailr short, emarginate. Often seen in flocks,r flying in jerky, undulating fashion. Foragesr for seeds and buds in conifers andr other trees and in flower heads aboutr meadows.r

r Frequents chiefly coniferous trees inr the Transition to the Hudsonian lifer zone. R. in the Yosemite region; seenr in Yosemite Valley in summer.r

r r RED CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra):r r 5 1/2-6 1/2 in. Body generally brickr red, brightest on head and rump; wingsr and tail dusky; tips of bill crossed; tailr forked. Immature males often withr orange, instead of red, and patches ofr olive and gray. Female: Dull olive-grayr with yellowish on under parts and rump;r wings and tail dusky. May be seen inr small groups high in trees. Beak adaptedr for prying apart scales of pine and firr cones to obtain seeds.r

r Frequents coniferous forests of ther Transition to the Hudsonian life zone.r In the Yosemite region, R. in the Canadianr and especially the Hudsonian lifer zones. Reported as nesting in Tuolumner Meadows.r

r r

r r r r LESSER GOLDFINCHr

r Frequents open terrain with scatteredr trees and bushes. R. in the Lower Sonoranr to the Transition life zone. C. V.r to Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r GREEN-TAILED TOWHEEr

r Inhabits chiefly chaparral growth ofr the Transition, Canadian, and Hudsonianr life zones. Scattered trees may be presentr but forests are largely avoided. Thicketsr of ceanothus, manzanita, and sagebrushr are frequented. S. V. in the Yosemiter region; often seen in the Mariposa Grove,r along the Pohono Trail, and occasionallyr in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEEr

r Frequents chaparral, streamside thickets,r and understory brush of open forests.r In summer inhabits chiefly ther Upper Sonoran and Transition life zones.r In Yosemite region has been recorded asr high as 7,700 feet, at Glen Aulin. R. inr Yosemite Valley and western foothills.r

r r

r r r r BROWN TOWHEEr

r Frequents open brushland, mixedr woodland and underbrush, streamsider growth, hedges, and shrubbery aboutr homes. Inhabits the Lower and Upperr Sonoran life zones, and sparingly entersr the Transition zone. R. in the westernr foothills. C. V. at lower elevations ofr the park as at El Portal.r

r r

r r r r VESPER SPARROWr

r Frequents open grassland or areas withr low annuals and scattered low bushes.r In summer inhabits chiefly the Upperr Sonoran and Transition life zones butr locally enters the Canadian life zone.r S. V. on the east side of the Sierra. W. V.r to the western part of the Yosemite region.r Several records for Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r SAVANNAH SPARROWr

r Frequents sagebrush, grassland, andr marshes. In winter may be seen in cultivatedr or fallow fields. S. V. in ther Lower Sonoran to the Transition lifer zone. Ranges sporadically into the Yosemiter region, largely from the east side,r in later summer and fall. Has been recordedr at 9,700 feet above Ten Lakesr and in Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r LARK SPARROWr

r Frequents open woodland, brokenr brushland, orchards, or other open terrainr with scattered trees or bushes,r chiefly in the Lower and Upper Sonoranr life zones. R. in the western foothillsr in the Yosemite region. C. V. to Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWr

r Frequents sparse low brush of grassyr hillsides in the Upper Sonoran life zone.r Especially attracted to sagebrush. R. inr the western foothills of the Yosemiter region. C. V. to Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r SAGE SPARROWr

r Frequents arid to semiarid lowlandsr with chaparral or sagebrush and otherr bushes of desert type. Inhabits chieflyr the Upper Sonoran life zone. Frequentsr the foothills of the Yosemite region onr the east and west sides of the Sierra.r C. V. to Yosemite Valley.r

r r SLATE-COLORED JUNCO (Junco hyemalis):r r 5 1/2-6 1/2 in. Head, breast,r and back slate-gray, contrasting withr white belly; two outer tail feathers completelyr white, third partly so; no reddishr or brown coloration in adult male. Female:r Browner above; below pale. Immature:r Often with faint brownish orr buff on sides.r

r Frequents a great variety of habitatsr but often found where there is forest orr brush cover of open type. Rare M. andr W. V. throughout California except ther Colorado Desert. Regular W. V. in ther Yosemite region. Has been observed inr Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r OREGON JUNCOr

r Frequents a wide variety of habitatsr in the mountains but seems to preferr fairly moist woodland or forests withr a broken understory. Abundant S. V.r in the Yosemite region from the Transitionr zone to timberline. In winter descendsr to the foothills. Some remain inr Yosemite Valley in winter.r

r r

r r r r CHIPPING SPARROWr

r Frequents open woodland or coniferousr forests with little understory vege-tation.r Inhabits the Lower Sonoran upr through the Hudsonian life zone in summer.r S. V. in the Yosemite region, mostr commonly in the Upper Sonoran andr Transition life zones. To be seen inr Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWr

r Frequents grassy areas with scatteredr bushes and trees. In the Sierra seems tor favor willow thickets in mountain meadows.r In winter in shrubbery, brokenr tracts of chaparral, etc. In the Sierra, S.r V. in the Transition to the Hudsonian lifer zone. Widespread in the lowlands in winter.r In the Yosemite region nests chieflyr in the Hudsonian zone but a few nestingr records for Yosemite. Common in Tuolumner Meadows area. Fall and winterr visitant to Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWr

r Frequents broken brushland and tractsr of grassy or weedy ground where therer is a scattering of bushes and trees. W. V.r to western foothills. In the fall in ther Yosemite region from the lowlands upr through the Canadian life zone. C. V.r to Yosemite Valley.r

r r

r r r r FOX SPARROWr

r Frequents chaparral, streamside tangles,r and underbrush of woodland andr forest. In the Yosemite region S. V. tor the Canadian life zone on both slopes ofr the Sierra. Seen along the rim of Yosemiter Valley and in the upper part ofr Mariposa Grove. Some subspecies M. andr W. V. chiefly in the Upper Sonoran zone.r

r r

r r r r LINCOLN’S SPARROWr

r Seeks damp meadows and stream bordersr in mountains in summer, chiefly inr the Canadian life zone but also in adjacentr zones. In the Yosemite region inr summer in the zones mentioned to 9,000r feet at the head of Lyell Canyon. Nestsr regularly in meadows of the upper Mariposar Grove. In winter and fall at lowerr elevations, occasionally including Yosemiter Valley.r

r r

r r r r SONG SPARROWr

r Frequents tangles of brush, weeds,r and other low growth, usually nearr water or over damp ground. Often becomesr established in shrubbery aboutr dwellings. Breeds over a wide zonalr range from the Lower Sonoran to ther Hudsonian life zone. R. at lower elevationsr in the Yosemite region, sparinglyr including Yosemite Valley and Wawona.r W. V. largely below 4,500 feet on ther west slope of the Sierra. In the fallr stragglers may reach 9,000 feet on ther east slope.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

SPECIES RECORDED IN THE YOSEMITE REGIONr
r BUT OF INFREQUENT OCCURRENCE

r _________________________________________r
r ^*Of more common occurrence than the remainder of the birds in this list.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

r American Ornithologists’ Union,r Check-List of North American Birds, Fifthr Edition. The Lord Baltimore Press, Inc., Boston, 1957.r

r Hoffman, Ralph,r Birds of the Pacific States. Houghton-Mifflin, Boston, 1927.r

r Grinnell, Joseph, and Alden H. Miller,r “The Distribution of the Birds ofr California.” Pacific Coast Avifauna, Vol. 27 (1944).r

r ____________ , and Tracy I. Storer,r Animal Life in the Yosemite. Universityr of California Press, Berkeley, 1924.r

r Peterson, Roger Tory,r A Field Guide to Western Birds. Houghton-Mifflin,r Boston, 1961.r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

APPENDIX I: FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS OF BIRDS

r The character of the bill and feet of a bird often may serve as ar guide to its habits and an indication of its relationship to other birds.r For example, seed-eating species have short stout bills that are used inr cracking seeds, woodpeckers have long chisel-like bills for drilling intor wood, and owls have hooked beaks for tearing apart animals theyr capture with their long curved talons. Often all the members of a birdr family have similar beak and foot structure but this is not invariablyr true because the members of a family may have become adapted to differentr modes of life.r

r The illustrations (pages 65-69, figures 1-45) depict variation in beak and footr structure. The families shown with the species representing them are as follows:r

r r Grebes: Order Podicipediformesr
r     1. Grebes: Family Podicipedidae—Western Greber

r r Pelican-like birds: Order Pelecaniformesr
r     2. Pelicans: Family Pelecanidae—White pelican (Foot as in figure 3)r
r     3. Cormorants: Family Phalacrocoracidae—Double-crested cormorantr

r r Stork-like birds: Order Ciconiiformesr
r     4. Herons and Bitterns: Family Ardeidae— Green heron (note comb onr middle toenail)r

r r Goose-like birds: Order Anseriformesr
r     5. Ducks, Geese, and Swans: Family Anatidae—Buffleheadr

r r Hawk-like birds: Order Falconiformesr
r     6. American Vultures: Family Cathartidae—Turkey vulturer
r     7. Kites, Hawks, and Eagles: Family Accipitridae—Red-tailed hawkr

r r Fowl-like birds: Order Galliformesr
r     8. Quail and Pheasants: Family Phasianidae—Gambel’S quailr

r r Crane-like birds: Order Gruiformesr
r     9. Rails: Family Rallidae—American cootr

r r Plover-like birds: Order Charadriiformesr
r     10. Plovers: Family Charadriidae—Killdeerr
r     11. Snipe, Sandpipers, etc.: Family Scolopacidae—Least sandpiperr
r     12. Avocets and Stilts: Family Recurvirostiudae—American avocetr
r     13. Phalaropes: Family Phalaropodidae—Northern phalaroper
r     14. Gulls and Terns: Family Laridae—Ring-billed gull (immature)r

r r Pigeon-like birds: Order Columbiformesr
r     15. Pigeons and Doves: Family Columbidae—Mourning dover

r r r

r r Cuckoo-like birds: Order Cuculiformesr
r     16. Cuckoos, Roadrunners, etc.: Family Cuculidae—Roadrunnerr

r r Owls: Order Strigiformesr
r     17. Barn Owls: Family Tytonidae—Barn owl (Note comb on front toenail)r
r     18. Typical Owls: Family Strigidae—Screech owl (Foot similar to Tytonidaer but no comb on nail)r

r r Goatsucker-like birds: Order Caprimulgiformesr
r     19. Goatsuckers: Family Caprimulgidae—Common nighthawk (Note comb onr middle toenail)r

r r Swifts and Hummingbirds: Order Apodiformesr
r     20. Swifts: Family Apodidae—Vaux’s swift (Note bare spine-like shafts of tipsr of tail feathers)r
    21. Hummingbirds: Family Trochilidae—Allen’s Hummingbird (female)r

r r Roller-like birds: Order Coraciiformesr
r     22. Kingfishers: Family Alcedinidae—Belted kingfisherr

r r Woodpecker-like birds: Order Piciformesr
r     23. Woodpeckers: Family Picidae—Yellow-bellied sapsuckerr (Note the zygodactyl foot—two toes in front, two behind)r

r r Perching birds: Order Passeriformesr
r     *24.r Tyrant Flycatchers: Family Tyrannidae—Say’S phoeber
r     25.r Larks: Family Alaudidae—Horned larkr
r     26.r Swallows: Family Hirundinidae—Violet-green swallowr
r     27.r Jays, Magpies, and Crows: Family Corvidae—Scrub jayr

r ___________________________________r
r ^*The species representing these families have a foot structure similar to that shown in figure 27.r

r r r

r r r

r Perching birds: Order Passeriformes (Cont’d.)r
r     *28.r Tits: Family Paridae—Plain titmouser
r     *29.r Nuthatches: Family Sittidae—White-breasted nuthatchr
r     *30.r Creepers: Family Certhrdae—Brown creeper (The tail feathers are stiffenedr and pointed)r
r     *31.r Wrentits: Family Chamaeidae—Wrentitr
r     *32.r r Dippers: Family Cinclidae—Dipperr
r     *33.r r Wrens: Family Troglodytidae—Bewick’s wrenr
r     *34.r r Mockingbirds and Thrashers: Family Mimidae—California thrasherr
r     35.r r Thrushes: Family Turdidae—Hermit thrushr
r     *36.r r Old-World Warblers, Gnatcatchers.r Kinglets: Family Sylviidae—Golden-crownedr kingletr
r     37.r r Wagtails: Family Motacillidae—Water pipitr
r     *38.r r Waxwings: Family Bombycillidae—Cedar waxwingr
r r r     [--. Silky Flycatchers:r Family Ptilogonatidae]r
r r     *39.r r Shrikes: Family Laniidae—Loggerhead shriker
r     *40.r r Vireos: Family Vireonidae—Solitary vireor
r     *41.r r Wood Warblers: Family Parulidae—Yellow-throatr
r     *42.r r Weaver Finches: Family Ploceidae—-House sparrowr
r     *43.r r Orioles and Blackbirds: Family Icteridae—Scott’s orioler
r     *44.r r Tanagers: Family Thraupidae—Western tanagerr
r     *45.r r Finches, Sparrows, etc.: Family Fringillidae—White-crowned sparrowr

r ___________________________________r
r ^*r The species representing these families have a foot structure similar to that shown in figure 35.r

r r r

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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

APPENDIX II: KEY TO THE YOSEMITE BIRDS

I. CATEGORIES BASED ON COLOR (INCLUDING BLACK AND WHITE)

r   (1) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS REDDISH OR SCARLET MARKINGSr
r   (2) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS ORANGE, CHESTNUT, OR RUSTY MARKINGSr
r   (3) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS YELLOW OR GREENISH-YELLOW MARKINGSr
r   (4) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS BLUE MARKINGSr
r   (5) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS BLACK MARKINGSr
r   (6) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS WHITE IN TAIL, WINGS, OR BOTHr

II. CATEGORIES BASED ON CHARACTERISTICS OTHER THAN COLOR

r   (7) BIRDS WITH LINE OVER, UNDER, THROUGH, OR NEAR THE EYEr
r   (8) BIRDS WITH COLLAR-BAND OR BREAST-PATCHr
r   (9) BIRDS WITH EYE-RINGr
r (10) BIRDS WITH FORKED TAILr
r (11) BIRDS WITH CREST OR PLUMEr
r (12) WOODPECKERS AND OTHER CLIMBERSr
r (13) BIRDS THAT HOLD THE TAIL ERECTr
r (14) BIRDS THAT BOB OR TEETERr
r (15) DUCKS AND DUCK-LIKE BIRDSr

I. CATEGORIES BASED ON COLOR (INCLUDING BLACK AND WHITE)

r r (1) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS REDDISH OR SCARLET MARKINGSr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.) or smallerr r

r Body reddish; tail slightly forked; tips of bill crossed; chunky—r RED CROSSBILLr (p. 57)r
r Head, rump, breast red; tail forked—r PURPLEr (p. 56),r HOUSEr (p. 57), orr CASSIN’S FINCHr (p. 56)r
r Body dark brown; back of head light gray; wings and rump pinkish; high Sierra—r GRAY CROWNED ROSY FINCHr (p. 57)r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Head reddish; body yellow; wings and tail black—r WESTERN TANAGERr (p. 55)r
r Head, throat, breast reds woodpecker—r YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERr (p. 31)r
r Red patch on wing-bend, otherwise black—r REDWINGED BLACKBIRDr (pp. 53, 54)r
r Foreparts and rump rose-red; white wing-bars; tail forked; high Sierra—r PINE GROSBEAKr (p. 57)r

r r (2) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS ORANGE, CHESTNUT, OR RUSTY MARKINGSr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r Crown rusty; black line through eye; breast not streaked—r CHIPPING SPARROWr (p. 61)r
r Tail rusty; long, slender, slightly curved bill; white breast—r CANYON WRENr (p. 44)r
r Tail rusty; slender legs and beak; nervous twitching of wings; breast spotted—r HERMIT THRUSHr (p. 45)r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Crown reddish-brown; tail yellowish-green; threat and belly white—r GREEN-TAILED TOWHEEr (p. 58)r
r Under parts orange except yellow belly; head black; white in black wings and tail; bill thick—r BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKr (p. 55)r
r Sides reddish-brown; head black; below white; eye orange—r RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEEr (p. 58)r
r Tail rusty; bill thick; breast spotted—r FOX SPARROWr (p. 62)r

r r About size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Chestnut patch in middle of belly; plume tipped forward—r CALIFORNIA QUAILr (p. 19)r
r Throat and sides with chestnut; long, slender plume tipped backward or upright; mountains—r MOUNTAIN QUAILr (p. 18)r
r Rusty toward base of tail; white tips to tail feathers; white in slender wings; vociferous—r KILLDEERr (p. 20)r
r Tail orange-brown; wings bluish in malty; black lines on face—r SPARROW HAWKr (p. 16)r
r Breast orange; above dark brown; hill yellow—r ROBINr (p. 45)r
r Breast brownish-orange with black band—r VARIED THRUSHr (p. 45)r

r r Intermediate between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 In.)r r

r Lining of wings and under -surface of tail orange; rump white—r RED-SHAFTED FLICKERr (p. 30)r
r Tail rusty; soaring flight—r RED-TAILED HAWKr (p. 14)r

r r (3) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS YELLOW OR GREENISH-YELLOW MARKINGSr

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r r A. With Conspicuous Black Markingsr r

r r

r Head-cap black; no white in wings and tail; generally yellow—r WILSON’S WARBLERr (p. 52)r
r Throat black; head yellow; belly white; wing-bars—r HERMIT WARBLERr (p. 51)r
r Crown black; back grayish-green; below yellow—r LESSER GOLDFINCHr (p. 58)r
r Yellow spot on rump, head, sides; gray above, streaked with black; white thumb-marks on tail—r AUDUBON’S WARBLERr (p. 51)r

r r

r r B. Without Black Markingsr r

r r

r Above yellowish-green; under parts bright yellow; conspicuous black eyes; very active; spreadsr tail—r IMMATURE or FEMALE WILSON’S WARBLERr (p. 52)r
r Almost entirely yellow; wings and tail dusky—r YELLOW WARBLERr (p. 50)r
r Rusty crown-patch; head gray; eye-ring; below yellow—r NASHVILLE WARBLERr (p. 50)r
r Below greenish-yellow; above olive-green; obscure orange patch on crown—r ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERr (p. 50)r
r Head and neck slaty; below yellow—r MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLERr (p. 52)r
r Below faint yellow; above olive or gray; eye-ring—r HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHERr (p. 34)r

r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Crown golden; generally brown above and light below—r GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWr (p. 62)r
r Above greenish-yellow; below yellow; wings and tail dusky—r FEMALE WESTERN TANAGERr (p. 55)r
r Forehead and line over eye yellow; white patch on black wing; thick bill—r EVENING GROSBEAKr (p. 56)r
r Belly yellow; tail black with white outer feathers—r WESTERN KINGBIRDr (p. 33)r

r r About size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Below yellow; black crescent on breast; white outer tail feathers—r WESTERN MEADOWLARKr (p. 53)r

r r (4) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS BLUE MARKINGSr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.) or smallerr r

r Head, neck, and back blue; white wing-bar; breast chestnut—r LAZULI BUNTINGr (p. 56)r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Generally blue; tail forked—r MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDr (p. 46)r
r Above blue; breast rusty—r WESTERN BLUEBIRDr (p. 46)r

r r Intermediate between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 in.)r r

r Generally blue; head and neck black; crested—r STELLER’S JAYr (pp. 36, 37)r
r Generally blue; brown patch on back; not crested—r SCRUB JAYr (p. 38)r
r Above blue; blue band on breast; crested—r BELTED KINGFISHERr (p. 29)r
r Similar to preceding but sides rusty and two bands on breast—r FEMALE BELTED KINGFISHERr (p. 29)r

r r Larger than Crow (18 in.)r r

r Above slaty blue but tips of wings darker; long legs and neck (42-50 in.)—r GREAT BLUE HERONr (p. 7)r

r r (5) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS BLACK MARKINGSr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.) or smallerr r

r Head, neck, and throat black; white outer tail feathers—r JUNCOr (pp. 60, 61)r
r Crown and nape black; under parts white; climber—r WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHr (p. 40)r
r Head black with two white stripes, one above, other below eye; black cheeks—r BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERr (p. 51)r
r Throat and head black; cheeks white—r MOUNTAIN CHICKADEEr (p. 39)r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Conspicuous white stripe along bend of wing; back and wing black with white spotting; head, neck,r and breast red—r YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERr (p. 31)r
r Wings with large white patch; red streak on chin and throat; rump white; belly yellow—r WILLIAMSON’S SAPSUCKERr (p. 31)r
r White bars across black back; nape red—r NUTTALL’S WOODPECKERr (p. 32)r
r Similar to above but without red—r FEMALE NUTTALL’S WOODPECKERr (p. 32)r
r Body black; head white; white on wings; nape red—r WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERr (p. 32)r
r White patch down black back; white outer tail feathers with black markings—r DOWNY WOODPECKERr (p. 33)r
r Head and breast black; below white; inconspicuous crest—r BLACK PHOEBEr (p. 34)r
r Head, neck, throat black; white thumb-marks on tips of outer tail feathers; sides reddish-brown—r RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEEr (p. 58)r

r r About size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Back, wings, and tail black; rump and patch in wing white; crown red; throat, forehead, and sidesr of head white—r ACORN WOODPECKERr (p. 30)r
r Entirely iridescent black; iris white; gregarious—r MALE BREWER’S BLACKBIRDr (p. 54)r
r Body blackish; eye dark brown; head’ and neck brownish—r FEMALE BREWER’S BLACKBIRDr (p. 54)r
r Wings black with white patch; slack bar through eye; hooked beak—r SHRIKEr (pp. 49, 63)r

r r Intermediate between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 in.)r r

r Black crescent on breast; red line on side of head; rump white; wing lining orange—r RED-SHAFTED FLICKERr (p. 30)r
r Upper parts black; forehead and side of head dull red; breast gray passing to rose on belly—r LEWIS’ WOODPECKERr (p. 30)r
r Wings and tail black, marked with white; rest of body gray—r CLARK’S NUTCRACKERr (p. 39)r

r r About Size of Crow (18 in.) or Largerr r

r Entirely iridescent black; often in flocks; cultivated land—r COMMON CROWr (p. 39)r
r Generally black; crest red—r PILEATED WOODPECKERr (p. 29)r

r r (6) BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS WHITE IN TAIL, WINGS, OR BOTHr

r r WHITE IN BOTH WING AND TAILr r

r r

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r r

r Crown black; below yellow; above olive-gray—r LESSER GOLDFINCHr (p. 58)r
r Yellowish patch on chin, crown, rump, and on each side; under parts whitish; above bluish-gray—r AUDUBON’S WARBLERr (p. 51)r

r r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r r

r Head black; bill thick; throat and breast orange—r BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKr (p. 55)r
r Head black; eyes red; sides reddish-brown—r RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEEr (p. 58)r
r Long, slender-winged, erratic flyer, active at dusk—r COMMON NIGHTHAWKr (p. 26)r

r r

r r About size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r r

r Black mask; beak hooked—r SHRIKEr (pp. 49, 63)r
r Body generally gray; wings and tail black—r MOCKINGBIRDr (p. 44)r
r Generally gray; wings and tail with black; high mountains; nasal call—r CLARK’S NUTCRACKERr (p. 39)r
r Wings slender; tail rusty; above dark brown; black bands on breast; below white—r KILLDEERr (p. 20)r

r r

r r Intermediate between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 in.)r r

r r

r Upper parts brown; yellow below; black crescent on breast—r WESTERN MEADOWLARKr (p. 53)r

r r

r r WHITE IN TAILr r

r r

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r r

r Yellow patch on rump; white thumb-marks on tips of tail feathers—r FEMALE or IMMATURE AUDUBON’S WARBLERr (p. 51)r
r Head, neck, and breast black; back brown; bill yellow—r JUNCOr (pp. 60, 61)r
r Head, neck, and breast gray; back brown; bill yellowish—r FEMALE JUNCOr (pp. 60, 61)r
r Top of head and nape black; long, slender bill—r WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHr (p. 40)r

r r

r r Intermediate between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r r

r Tail-wagging habit; breast streaked—r WATER PIPITr (p. 48)r
r Generally gray; buffy bar in wing—r TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIREr (p. 46)r
r Intermediate between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 in.)r
r Central tail feathers long; tail wedge-shaped when spread; pinkish throat and breast—r MOURNING DOVEr (p. 23)r

r r

r r WHITE IN WINGr r

r r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r r

r Generally brownish-yellow; bill short, thick; tail forked—r EVENING GROSBEAKr (p. 56)r
r Wings swallow-like; tail forked; under parts barred—r COMMON NIGHTHAWKr (p. 26)r
r Head white; nape red (not in female); generally black—r WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERr (p. 32)r
r Generally black; rump and belly white; crown red—r ACORN WOODPECKERr (p. 30)r

r r

II. CATEGORIES BASED ON CHARACTERISTICS OTHER THAN COLOR

r r (7) BIRDS WITH LINE OVER, UNDER, THROUGH, OR NEAR THE EYEr

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r r

r r A. One or More Wing-Barsr r

r r

r Above grayish; white line over eye; crown orange, margined by yellow and black—r GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETr (p. 47)r
r Grayish-brown; white line over eye; yellow tinge on sides—r WARBLING VIREOr (p. 50)r
r Above olive-gray; white line from bill to eye-ring—r SOLITARY VIREOr (p. 49)r
r Above gray; inconspicuous wing-bars and white line over eye; willows, usually—r WARBLING VIREOr (p. 50)r
r Top of head, cheeks, throat black; back slaty gray—r BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERr (p. 51)r
r Throat and cheeks black; yellow stripe above and below eye—r TOWNSEND’S WARBLERr (p. 51)r

r r

r r B. Without Wing-Barsr r

r r

r Black line through eye; crown reddish-brown; tail forked—r CHIPPING SPARROWr (p. 61)r
r Throat and head black; cheeks white—r MOUNTAIN CHICKADEEr (p. 39)r
r Above grayish-brown, speckled; tail barred; rocky areas; bobs—r ROCK WRENr (p. 43)r
r Above speckled, reddish-brown, brightest on tail; throat white; abdomen reddish-brown; billr curved—r CANYON WRENr (p. 44)r
r Above brown; tail comparatively long, barred, rounded; tail feathers white-tipped; white liner over eye; slander, slightly curved bill—r BEWICK’S WRENr (p. 43)r
r Above dark brown; tail very short, barred; bill short—r WINTER WRENr (p. 43)r
r Tiny, grayish-brown bird; inconspicuous white nape; short tail—r PYGMY NUTHATCHr (p. 41)r
r Above bluish-gray; below reddish-brown—r RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHr (p. 41)r

r r

r r About Size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r r

r Dusky line through eye; broad, buffy breast-band streaked narrowly with black; damp meadowsr —r LINCOLN’S SPARROWr (p. 62)r
r Crown black, broken by three white bands; a white band on each side of head above eye—r WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWr (p. 61)r
r Arrangement of bands similar to preceding but white replaced by grayish-brown and black byr rusty brown—r IMMATURE WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWr (p. 61)r

r r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r r

r Head dark brown with white streak over eye; orange line through crown; below pale orange;r white in wings and tail—r FEMALE BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKr (p. 55)r

r r

r r (8) BIRDS WITH COLLAR-BAND OR BREAST-PATCHr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r Dark spot on breast; tail held erect; above brown, streaked below—r SONG SPARROWr (p. 63)r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Two black breast-bands; above brown; below white—r KILLDEERr (p. 20)r

r r About size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Black collar; above slaty brown; orange stripe behind eye—r VARIED THRUSHr (p. 45)r

r r Intermediate between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 in.)r r

r Black crescent on breast; back and wings barred; below whitish with black spots; rump white—r RED-SHAFTED FLICKERr (p. 30)r
r Breast band; crested; below white; above slaty blue—r BELTED KINGFISHERr (p. 29)r
r Similar to preceding but an additional chestnut band across belly—r FEMALE BELTED KINGFISHERr (p. 29)r

r r (9) BIRDS WITH EYE-RINGr

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r Nervous twitching of wings; generally gray, above tinged with green; inconspicuous scarlet patch onr top of head; wing-bars—r RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETr (p. 47)r
r Above gray; line from bill to eye-ring; wing-bars; below white—r SOLITARY VIREOr (p. 49)r
r Top and sides of head slaty; faint, chestnut head-cap; above olive-green—r NASHVILLE WARBLERr (p. 50)r
r Eyelids white; foreparts slaty; belly yellow—r MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLERr (p. 52)r

r r About size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r Above brown; wing-bars; breast yellowish—r HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHERr (p. 34)r

r r Larger Than Junco (6 in.)r r

r Eye-ring huffy; breast speckled; above uniformly gray-brown; below whitish except buffy on breast—r SWAINSON’S THRUSHr (p. 47)r
r Above grayish-brown; below pale orange—r FEMALE ROBINr (p. 45)r
r Breast spotted with black; back brown, speckled with whitish—r IMMATURE ROBINr (p. 45)r
r Narrow buffy bar running length of extended wing; generally gray; white on edge of outer tailr feathers—r TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIREr (p. 46)r

r r (10) BIRDS WITH FORKED TAILr

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r Black line through eye; crown reddish-brown—r CHIPPING SPARROWr (p. 61)r
r Streaked above and below; yellow in wings and outspread tail—r PINE SISKINr (p. 57)r

r r About size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r Above brown; dye-ring; under parts yellowish—r HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHERr (p. 34)r
r Body generally reddish; wings and tail dusky; tips of bill crossed—r RED CROSSBILLr (p. 57)r
r Wings slender and pointed; above dark except white patches on rump; below white—r VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWr (p. 37)r
r Above greenish-blue; below white—r TREE SWALLOWr (p. 37)r
r Above brown; chin, throat, and breast grayish-brown—r ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWr (p. 37)r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Above brownish-gray; white rump-tufts—r OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERr (pp. 35, 36)r
r Under parts dull yellow; generally grayish above; wing-bars—r IMMATURE WESTERN TANAGERr (p. 55)r
r Generally brownish-black; throat and stripe along belly white; forages in air—r WHITE-THROATED SWIFTr (p. 27)r
r Entirely blue, lighter beneath—r MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDr (p. 46)r
r Generally brownish; rump, tail, and wings bluish; below tending toward white—r FEMALE MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDr (p. 46)r

r r About size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Above mottled; white band midway between tip and bend in long, slender wings—r COMMON NIGHTHAWKr (p. 26)r

r r (11) BIRDS WITH CREST OR PLUMEr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r Indefinite crest; sits erect with tail on line with back; above grayish-brown; no eye-ring—r WOOD PEWEEr (p. 35)r
r Above brownish-gray; eye-ring; whitish wing-bars; tail droops at rest—r HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHERr (p. 34)r
r Crested; entirely gray—r PLAIN TITMOUSEr (p. 40)r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Inconspicuous crest; head black; belly white; often jerks tail—r BLACK PHOEBEr (p. 34)r
r Generally gray; lighter below; often sits high on coniferous stubs—r OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERr (pp. 35, 36)r
r Suggestion of crest; under parts white; under side of tail rufous—r ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERr (p. 33)r

r r About Size of Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Plume tipped forward—r CALIFORNIA QUAILr (p. 19)r
r Long, slender, erect plume; chestnut on face and sides; mountains—r MOUNTAIN QUAILr (p. 18)r

r r (12) WOODPECKERS AND OTHER CLIMBERSr

r r Smaller than Junco (6 in.)r r

r Long, curved bill; creeps upward on tree trunks—r BROWN CREEPERr (p. 41)r
r White line over eye; top of head black; breast rusty—r RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHr (p. 41)r
r Crown and nape black; sides of head white; creeps both up and down—r WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHr (p. 40)r
r Above bluish-gray; black line through eye; tail very short—r PYGMY NUTHATCHr (p. 41)r

r r About size of Junco (6 in.)r r

r Broad white stripe down back; crown red; inconspicuous black bars on white outer tail feathers—r DOWNY WOODPECKERr (p. 33)r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Head, neck, and breast crimson; white stripe along bend of wing—r YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERr (p. 31)r
r Back barred black and white; crown and nape red, wanting in female—r NUTTALL’S WOODPECKERr (p. 32)r
r Generally black; rump, wing-patch, belly, and about face white; crown red—r ACORN WOODPECKERr (p. 30)r
r Generally black; head white—r WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERr (p. 32)r

r r Intermediate Between Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.) and Crow (18 in.)r r

r Black crescent on breast; white on rump; reddish-orange beneath wings—r RED-SHAFTER FLICKERr (p. 30)r

r r (13) BIRDS THAT HOLD THE TAIL ERECTr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.) or smallerr r

r Beak curved; tending generally toward brown; active—r WRENSr (pp. 43, 44)r
r Brownish on head; eye whitish; relatively long tail; below light gray—r BUSHTITr (p. 40)r
r Below huffy; above brown; guttural, scolding note; relatively long tail—r WRENTITr (p. 42)r

r r Larger than Crow (18 in.)r r

r Tail relatively short; generally gray; chunky; wings short—r BLUE GROUSEr (p. 18)r

r r (14) BIRDS THAT BOB OR TEETERr

r r About size of Junco (6 in.) or smallerr r

r Above dark brown; faint line over eye; tail very short—r WINTER WRENr (p. 43)r
r Tail rich, rusty-brown; throat and breast white; bill slender, curved—r CANYON WRENr (p. 44)r
r Above grayish-brown, speckled; tail barred; rocky areas—r ROCK WRENr (p. 43)r

r r Intermediate Between Junco (6 in.) and Brewer’s Blackbird (10 in.)r r

r Below white, dotted’ with round, dusky spots; pebbly shores—r SPOTTED SANDPIPERr (p. 20)r
r Body slate-gray; tail short; mountain streams—r DIPPERr (p. 42)r

r r (15) DUCKS AND DUCK-LIKE BIRDSr

r These birds are frequently observed at a distance, making it difficult to estimate size; thusr they have been keyed out chiefly on the basis of the distribution of black, white, etc.r

r r GENERALLY BLACK OR WITH CONSPICUOUS BLACK OR DARK MARKINGSr r

r r

r r A. GENERALLY BLACK (DARK)r r

r r

r r

r Flanks brownish-red; yellow “ear” tufts at sides of head; slender bill (12-14 in.)—r EARED GREBEr (pp. 6, 7)r
r White of bill contrasting with black of head; moves head back and forth when swimming (13-16 in.)—r AMERICAN COOTr (pp. 19, 20)r

r r

r r

r r B. NOT GENERALLY BLACK BUT WITH CONSPICUOUS BLACK (DARK) HEAD MARKINGSr r

r r

r r

r r a. Head Solid Black (Real Or Apparent)r r

r r

r White collar; breast chestnut; blue in wing (20-25 in.)—r MALLARDr (pp. 8, 9)r
r Breast pure white; back white with dark area down middle; bill broad at tip (17-21 in.)—r SHOVELERr (p. 10)r
r Bill blue; black head, neck, and upper breast; back whitish (15-16 in.)—r SCAUPr (p. 11)r
r Back and breast black; white mark in front of wing; bill bluish-gray with whitish band at baser and near tip (15-18 in.)—r RING-NECKED DUCKr (pp. 10, 11)r
r Long, slender, hooked, red bill; most of wings and under parts white; upper back black (21-27r in.)—r COMMON MERGANSERr (p. 13)r

r r

r r b. With Black (Dark) Markings But Head Not Solid Blackr r

r r

r Head and neck black; white bib extending up on cheeks; large bird (23-42 in.)—r CANADA GOOSEr (pp. 8, 9)r
r Head dark brown (may appear black); long, slender neck; long, pointed central tail feathersr (26-30 in.)—r PINTAILr (p. 9)r
r Crested; two narrow white lines on side of head; white bib (18-20 in.)—r WOOD DUCKr (pp. 10, 11)r
r Black on throat; arching neck; narrow, snake-like head; expert diver; bill crossed by black bandr (12-15 in.)—r PIED-BILLED GREBEr (pp. 6, 7)r
r Size small (7-8 in.); top of head and bar back of eye dusky; back streaked with black and whiter —r WINTER PLUMAGED ADULT or IMMATURE NORTHERN PHALAROPEr (p. 22)r
r Size small (8-10 in.); top of head and bar back of eye dusky; upper parts ash-gray—r WINTER-PLUMAGED ADULT or IMMATURE WILSON’S PHALAROPEr (p. 21)r

r r

r r

r r GENERALLY WHITE OR WITH CONSPICUOUS WHITE (LIGHT) MARKINGSr r

r r

r r A. GENERALLY WHITE (LIGHT)r r

r r

r Primaries black; large bill with conspicuous yellow pouch, orange at base (5 ft.)—r WHITE PELICANr (p. 6)r

r r

r r B. NOT GENERALLY WHITE BUT WITH CONSPICUOUS WHITE ON HEADr r

r r

r White bib extending up on cheeks; remainder of head and neck black; large bird (23-42 in.)—r CANADA GOOSEr (pp. 8, 9)r
r Broad white crown-patch; white flanks contrasting with black stern (18-22 in.)—r AMERICAN WIDGEONr (p. 10)r
r Broad white crescent in front of eye; large blue area in wing (14-16 in.)—r BLUE-WINGED TEALr (p. 9)r
r Two narrow white lines on side of head; white bib; upper breast reddish-brown (18-20 in.)—r WOOD DUCKr (pp. 10, 11)r
r White cheeks; top of head’ black; general rusty color (13-16 in.)—r RUDDY DUCKr (p. 12)r

r r

r r BIRDS WITH CONSPICUOUS RUSTY, REDDISH-BROWN, OR CINNAMON MARKINGSr r

r r

r r A. ENTIRE BIRD CHIEFLY RUSTY OR REDDISH-BROWNr r

r r

r Bill blue; cheeks white; top of head black; tail often held erect (13-16 in.)—r RUDDY DUCKr (p. 12)r
r Head and neck dark cinnamon; wings brown with large patch of blue (15-17 in.)—r CINNAMON TEALr (p. 9)r

r r

r r B. NOT GENERALLY RUSTY; REDDISH-BROWN COLOR RESTRICTED TO HEAD, NECK, OR BOTHr r

r r

r Head and neck reddish-brown; back and sides apparently white; long sloping foreheadr (20-23 in.)—r CANVASBACKr (pp. 10, 11)r
r Crested; throat white; bill long, slender, hooked (21-27 in.)—r FEMALE or IMMATURE COMMON MERGANSERr (p. 13)r
r Size small (7-8 in.); whirling habit; head sooty; sides of neck rusty; eye-ring white—r FEMALE NORTHERN PHALAROPEr (p. 22)r
r Size small (8-10 in.); top of head and stripe down neck ash-gray; rich chestnut on lower neck;r whirling habit—r FEMALE WILSON’S PHALAROPEr (p. 21)r

r r r

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r Next: Back Coverr •r Contentsr •r Previous: Appendix II: Keyr

Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

INDEX AND CHECK LIST

r (Including summary of occurrence and distribution)r

r The index provides a summary of status and life zone distribution of the birds of Yosemite. Ther abbreviations for statusr are explained onr page 1,r while ther abbreviations for life zonesr are the initials of the zonal names as explained onr pages 4 and 5.r Status is given first. Life zone range is of residentr birds or those spending the summer or winter in the region. Zonal range is not always stated forr casual visitants or transients because it often has little meaning with reference to occurrence inr Yosemite.r

r A space is provided in front of each name to permit checking each species as it is identified. Inr this manner the reader may keep a “life list” for the Yosemite region and may add to it on subsequentr visits. Place a check mark in front of a name only if certain of your identification. Namesr not provided with a check space are synonyms. Numbers indicate pages in this booklet.r

r (Common and scientific names in accord with the 1957 A.O.U. checklistr of North American birds. See bird descriptionsr for scientific names.)r

r
____ AVOCET, American—CV, 21r r
r
____ BLACKBIRD, Brewer’s—SV; LS-C, 54r
____     Redwinged—SV; LS-T, 53, 54r
____     Yellow-headed—CV; LS-T, 53r
____ BLUEBIRD, Mountain—SV; T-H, 46r
____ Western—WV; US-T, 46r
____ BUFFLEHEAD—CV, 12r
____ BUNTING, Lazuli—SV; LS-T, 56r
____ BUSHTIT, Common—R; US, 40r r
r
____ CANVASBACK—CV, 10, 11r
____ CHAT, Yellow-breasted—CV; LS-T, 53r
____ CHICKADEE, Mountain—R; T-H, 39r
____     Chestnut-backed—CV; T. 63r
____ COOT, American—CV, 19, 20r
____ CORMORANT, Double-crested—CV, 6,r
____ COWBIRD, Brown-headed—CV; LS-T,r
____ CREEPER, Brown—R; T-C, 41r
____ CROSSBILL, Red—R; C-H, 57r
____ CROW, Common—CV; LS-T, 39r
____     Clark’s (See Nutcracker)r r
r
____ DIPPER—R; T-H, 42r
____ DOVE, Mourning—CV, 23r
____ DUCK, Harlequin—CV, 12r
____     Ring-necked—CV, 10, 11r
____     Ruddy—CV, 12r
____     Wood—CV, 10, 11r r
r
____ EAGLE, Bald—R; LS-US, 15r
____     Golden—R; US-T, 15r
____ EGRET, Common—CV, 8r
____     Snowy—CV, 8r r
r
____ FALCON, Peregrine—CV, 16r
____     Prairie—CV, 16r
____ FINCH, Cassin’s—R; T-H, 56r
____     Gray-crowned Rosy—R; H-A, 57r
____     House—R LS-US, 57r
____     Purple—CV; US-T, 56r
____ FLICKER, Red-shafted—R; US-C, 30r
____ FLYCATCHER, Ash-throated—CV; LS-US, 33r
____     Dusky—SV; C, 35r
____     Gray—CV, 63r
____     Hammond’s—SV; C, 34r
____     Kiskadee—63r
____     Olive-sided—SV; T-C, 35, 36r
____     Traill’s—SV; LS-C, 34r
____     Western—SV; US-T, 35r r
r
____ GNATCATCHER, Blue-gray—SV; LS-US, 47r
____ GOLDENEYE, Barrow’s—CV, 11r
____     Common—CV, 63r
____ GOLDFINCH, American—CV, 63r
____     Lawrence’s—CV, 63r
____     Lesser—CV; LS-T, 58r
____ GOOSE, Canada—CV, 8, 9r
____ GOSHAWK—R, 13r
____ GREBE, Eared—CV, 6, 7r
____     Pied-billed—WV, 6, 7r
____     Western—CV, 63r
____ GROSBEAK, Black-headed—SV; LS-T, 55r
____     Blue—CV; LS, 63r
____     Evening—SV; T-C, 56r
____     Pine,—R; C-H, 57r
____ GROUSE, Blue—R; T-H, 18r
____     Sage—CV, 18r
____ GULL, Bonaparte’s—CV, 63r
____     California—CV, 22r
____     Herring—63r
____     Ring-billed—CV, 22r r
r
____ HAWK, Cooper’s—R; US-T, 14r
____     Ferruginous—CV, 63r
____     Marsh—CV; LS-C, 15r
____     Pigeon—CV, 63r
____     Red-tailed—R; LS-H, 14r
____     Sharp-shinned—R; LS-T, 13r
____     Sparrow—R; LS-H, 16r
____     Swainson’s—SV, 14r
____ HERON, Black-crowned Night— CV, 63r
____     Great Blue—CV, 7r
____     Green—CV, 8r
____ HUMMINGBIRD, Allen’s—CV, 28r
____     Anna’s—R; US-T, 28r
____     Black-chinned—SV; US-T, 28r
____     Calliope—CV; T-C, 29r
____     Rufous—M; T, 28r r
r
____ JAEGER, Parasitic—CV, 63r
____ JAY, Piñon—CV; US-T, 38r
____     Scrub—R; US, 38r
____     Steller’s—R; T-C, 37, 38r
____ JUNCO, Oregon—SV; T-H, 61r
____     Slate-colored—CV, 60r r
r
____ KILLDEER—SV, 20r
____ KINGBIRD, Western—CV; LS-US, 33r
____ KINGFISHER, Belted—R; LS-T, 29r
____ KINGLET, Golden-crowned—SV; C-T, 47r
____     Ruby-crowned—R and WV; C, 47r
____ KITE, White-tailed—CV, 63r r r r
r
____ LARK, Horned—CV; LS-US, 36r
____ LOON, Arctic, CV, 63r r
r
____ MAGPIE, Black-billed—CV; US-T, 39r
____     Yellow-billed—CV; LS-US, 38r
____ MALLARD—CV, 8, 9r
____ MARTIN, Purple—CV, 63r
____ MEADOWLARK, Western—R; LS-T, 53r
____ MERGANSER, Common—SV and CV, 13r
____     Hooded—CV, 13r
____ MOCKINGBIRD—R; LS-US, 44r r
r
____ NIGHTHAWK, Common—SV; T-C, 26r
____ NUTCRACKER, Clark’s—R; C-H, 39r
____ NUTHATCH, Pygmy—R; T-C, 41r
____     Red-breasted—R; T-H, 41r
____     White-breasted—R; US-H, 40r r
r
____ ORIOLE, Bullock’s—CV, 54r
____ OSPREY—CV, 15r
____ OUZEL (See Dipper)r
____ OWL, Barn—CV, 63r
____     Flammulated—CV, 63r
____     Great Gray—R; C, 25r
____     Great Horned—R; LS-H, 24r
____     Long-eared—R; US-T, 25r
____     Pygmy—R; T-C, 24r
____     Saw-whet—R; T-C, 26r
____     Screech—R; LS-T, 24r
____     Short-eared—CV, 25r
____     Spotted—R; T, 26r r
r
____ PELICAN, White—M, 6r
____ PEWEE, Western Wood—SV; US-H, 35r
____ PHAINOPEPLA—R; LS-US, 48r
____ PHALAROPE, Northern—CV, 22r
____     Red—CV, 63r
____     Wilson’s—CV, 21r
____ PHOEBE, Black—SV; US, 34r
____     Say’s—CV; LS-US, 34r
____ PIGEON, Band-tailed—SV; US-T, 23r
____ PINTAIL—CV, 9r
____ PIPIT, Water—WV, 48r
____ POORWILL—SV; LS-T, 26, 27r r
r
____ QUAIL, California—R; US-T, 19r
____     Mountain—R; T-C, 18r r
r
____ RAIL, Virginia—CV, 19r
____ RAVEN, Common—C, 63r
____ REDHEAD—CV, 63r
____ ROADRUNNER—CV; LS-US, 23r
____ ROBIN—SV; T-H, 45r r
r
____ SANDPIPER, Baird’s—CV, 63r
____     Least—CV, 63r
____     Solitary—CV, 63r
____     Spotted—SV, 20r
____ SAPSUCKER, Red-breasted—63r
____     Yellow-bellied—WV or R; T-C, 31r
____     Williamson’s—R; C-H, 31r
____ SCAUP, Lesser—CV, 11r
____ SHOVELER—CV, 10r
____ SHRIKE, Loggerhead—CV; LS-US, 49r
____     Northern—CV, 63r
____ SISKIN, Pine—R; T-H, 57r
____ SNIPE, Common—CV, 21r
____ SOLITAIRE, Townsend’s—SV or R; T-H, 46r
____ SORA—CV, 63r
____ SPARROW, Brewer’s—CV; US-T, 63r
____     Chipping—SV; US-T, 61r
____     Fox—SV and WV; US-C, 62r
____     Golden-crowned—WV; US-C, 62r
____     Harris’—CV, 63r
____     House—CV, 53r
____     Lark—CV; LS-US, 60r
____     Lincoln’s—SV; C, 62r
____     Rufous-crowned—CV; US, 60r
____     Sage—CV; US, 60r
____     Savannah—CV; LS-T, 59r
____     Song—R; LS-H, 63r
____     Vesper—CV; US-C, 59r
____     White-crowned—SV and WV; T-H, 61r
____     White-throated—CV, 63r
____ STILT, Black-necked—CV, 63r
____ SWALLOW, Barn—CV, 63r
____     Cliff—SV; LS-T, 37r
____     Rough-winged—CV; LS-US, 36, 37r
____     Tree—CV; US-T, 37r
____     Violet-green—SV; US-T, 37r
____ SWIFT, Black—SV; T, 27r
____     Vaux’s—CV, 27r
____     White-throated—SV; LS-T, 27r r
r
____ TANAGER, Western—SV; T-C, 55r
____ TATTLER, Wandering—CV, 63r
____ TEAL, Blue-winged—CV, 9r
____     Cinnamon—CV, 9r
____     Green-winged—CV, 9r
____ THRASHER, California—R; LS-US, 44r
____     Sage—CV, 44r
____ THRUSH, Hermit—SV and WV; T-H, 45r
____     Swainson’s—SV; US-C, 47r
____     Varied—WV; US-C, 45r
____ TITMOUSE, Plain—R; US, 40r
____ TOWHEE, Brown—CV; LS-T, 59r
____     Green-tailed—SV; T-H, 58r
____     Rufous-sided—R; US-T, 58r r
r
____ VIREO, Hutton’s—R; US-T, 49r
____     Solitary—SV; US-C, 49r
____     Warbling—SV; US-C, 50r
____ VULTURE, Turkey—R; LS-H, 13r r
r
____ WARBLER, Audubon’s—SV and WV; US-H, 51r
____     Black-throated Gray—SV; US-T, 51r
____     Hermit—SV; T-C, 51r
____     MacGillivray’s—SV; T-C, 52r
____     Myrtle—CV, 63r
____     Nashville—SV; T-C, 50r
____     Orange-crowned—SV; US-C, 50r
____     Townsend’s—CV and T, 51r
____     Wilson’s—SV; US-C, 52r
____     Yellow—SV; LS-T, 50r
____ WAXWING, Bohemian—CV, 63r
____     Cedar—WV and M, 48r
____ WIDGEON, American—CV, 10r
____ WILLET—CV, 63r
____ WOODPECKER, Acorn—R; US-T, 30r
____     Black-backed Three-toed—R; C-H, 33r
____     Downy—R; US-T, 33r
____     Hairy—R; US-C, 32r
____     Lewis’—R; US-T, 30r
____     Nuttall’s—CV; US, 32r
____     Pileated—R; T-C, 29r
____     Red-headed—63r
____     White-headed—R; T-C, 32r
____ WREN, Bewick’s—R; US, 42,43r
____     Canyon—R; LS-T, 44r
____     House—SV; US-T, 43r
____     Long-billed Marsh—WV; LS-T, 43r
____     Rock—R and SV; LS-H, 43r
____     Winter—R and WV; T-C, 43r
____ WRENTIT—R; US-T, 42r r
r
____ YELLOWLEGS, Lesser—63r
____ YELLOWTHROAT—CV; LS-US, 52r

r r r

ABBREVIATIONS FOR LIFE ZONES

r (See pages 4 and 5 for discussion)r

r L.S. — Lower Sonoran (example: Fresno)r
r U.S. Upper Sonoran (example: El Portal, Arch Rock)r
r   T. — Transition (example: Yosemite Valley)r
r   C. — Canadian (example: Glacier Point)r
r   H. — Hudsonian (example: Dana Meadows)r
r   A. — Arctic Alpine (example: Mount Lyell)r

r r r

r r ABBREVIATIONS FOR STATUS r r r (See page 1 for discussion)r r r   R. — Residentr r W.V. — Winter Visitantr r S.V. — Summer Visitantr r C.V. — Casual Visitantr r   M. — Migrantr r r

r r r

r r r r Published in cooperation with ther r National Park Servicer

r Next: Back Coverr •r Contentsr •r Previous: Appendix II: Keyr

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r http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/birds_of_yosemite/check_list.htmlr

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r Contentsr •r Previous: Check Listr

Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

Back Cover

r r r r [Mirror Lake, Yosemite Valley]r

r to a person uninstructed in natural history,r
r his country or seaside stroll is a walkr
r through a gallery filled with wonderful works of art,r
r nine tenths of which have their faces turned to the wall.r

r —Thomas Henry Huxleyr

r CROWN PRINTING & LITHOGRAPHING CO.r
r FRESNO, CALIFORNIAr

r Contentsr •r Previous: Check Listr

r

r

r http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/birds_of_yosemite/back_cover.htmlr

r

r Yosemite > Library >r Birds of Yosemite >r

r

Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

r r r r Cover: watercolor of Male Western Tanagerr r (by Bob Stebbins)r r

r
• Table of Contents
r
• Preface
r
• Introduction
r
• Distribution of Birds in Yosemite
r
• Bird Descriptions and Illustrationsr r
  r
  • Grebes, Order Podicipediformes
  r
  • Pelican-like Birds, Order Pelecaniformes
  r
  • Stork-like Birds, Order Ciconiiformes
  r
  • Goose-like Birds, Order Anseriformes
  r
  • Hawk-like Birds, Order Falconiformes
  r
  • Fowl-like Birds, Order Galliformes
  r
  • Crane-like Birds, Order Gruiformes
  r
  • Plover-like Birds, Order Charadriiformes
  r
  • Pigeon-like Birds, Order Columbiformes
  r
  • Cuckoo-like Birds, Order Cuculiformes
  r
  • Owls, Order Strigiformes
  r
  • Goatsucker-like Birds, Order Caprimulgiformes
  r
  • Swifts and Hummingbirds, Order Apodiformes
  r
  • Roller-like Birds, Order Coraciiformes
  r
  • Woodpecker-like Birds, Order Piciformes
  r
  • Perching Birds, Order Passeriformesr r
    r
    • Tyrant Flycatchers, Family Tyrannidae
    r
    • Larks, Family Alaudidae
    r
    • Swallows, Family Hirundinidae
    r
    • Jays, Magpies, and Crows, Family Corvidae
    r
    • Tits, Family Paridae
    r
    • Nuthatches, Family Sittidae
    r
    • Creepers, Family Certhiidae
    r
    • Wrentits, Family Chamaeidae
    r
    • Dippers, Family Cincilidae
    r
    • Wrens, Family Troglodytidae
    r
    • Mockingbirds and Thrashers, Familyr Mimidae
    r
    • Thrushes, Family Turdidae
    r
    • Gnatcatchers, Kinglets, and Old-world Warblers, Family Sylviidae
    r
    • Wagtails, Family Motacillidae
    r
    • Waxwings, Family Bombycillidae
    r
    • Silky Flycatchers, Family Ptilogonatidae
    r
    • Shrikes, Family Laniidae
    r
    • Vireos, Family Vireonidae
    r
    • Wood Warblers, Family Parulidae
    r
    • Weaver Finches, Family Ploceidae
    r
    • Orioles and Blackbirds, Family Icteridae
    r
    • Tanagers, Family Thraupidae
    r
    • Finches, Sparrows, etc., Familyr Fringillidae
    r
    r
  r
  r
r r
• Species Recorded in the Yosemite Region But of Infrequent Occurrence
r
• Sources of Information
r
• Appendix I: Family Characteristics of Birds
r
• Appendix II: Key to the Yosemite Birds
r
• Index and Check List
r
• Back Cover
r

About the Authors

r r r r Bob Stebbins, 1951r r (MVZ, UCB)r r

r Cyril Adelbert Stebbins was born June 20, 1878 in Harrisville, Wisconsin.r He married Louise Beck.r He was Instructor with ther Department of Agricultural Education at University of California.r His interests were agriculture,r particularly elementary school gardens for teaching,r and birds.r He died Feb. 26, 1953 in Los Angeles, California.r

r Robert C. “Bob” (Robert Cyril) Stebbins,r son of Cyril Stebbins, was born in Chino, California October 25, 1915.r He grew up in Los Angeles and became interested in Salamanders whiler wandering the foothills of the area.r He married Anna-rose Cooper June 8, 1941 and had 1 son and 2 daughters.r He received his AB, MA, and Ph.D. from UCLA (1940, 1942, and 1943).r His original interest was in birds, with his father.r He served as a Ranger Naturalist at Lassen Volcanic National Parkr in 1941 and 1942.r He joined the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), University of Californiar in 1944, where he became Curator and Professor.r Bob became a Guggenheim Fellow in 1949.r He produced two films for the Sierra Club in the 1960s:r Nature Next Door and No Room for Wilderness?r

r Bob is a leading expert in herpetology, particularly salamanders.r His special interest is in the ecological and behavioral significance of ther pineal gland and the parietal eye in reptiles.r He also has an interest in landscape and wildlife painting.r He retired in 1978 as Professor Emeritus, and is still active inr herpetology fieldwork.r He wrote over a dozen books, including various Peterson field guides,r and over 70 scientific papers.r Two Salamanders are named in his honor,r Ambystoma mavortiumv stebbinsi r andr Batrachoseps stebbinsi. r Bob feels that “education is the only way to solve environmental andr population problems”r (quote from Zoology 131 (UC Press, 2003)).r He lived in Kensington, California, just north of Berkeley,r and in retirement, Gardena, California.r Dr. Stebbins died Dec. 18, 2000.r

r
• For more information seer Louis Sahagun, “Robert Stebbins; Art and Science Illuminate a Naturalist’s Path,” Los Angeles Times April 4, 2005, p. B-2.r
r

Bibliographical Information

r Cyril A. (Cyril Adelbert) Stebbins (1878-1953)r andr Robert C. (Robert Cyril) Stebbins (1915-2000),r Birds of Yosemite National Park. (1963).r Illustrated by Robert C. Stebbins.r 76+4 pp. Illustrated with 142 black & white drawings.r 24 cm.r First published in Yosemite Nature Notes 33(8) (August 1954).r Revised 1963.r Paper wrapper illustrated with a watercolor.r Saddle stitched.r California State Library call number: QL684.C2 S8.r

r Although not credited, two illustrations, on ther title pager andr p. 79,r appear to be by Jane J. Gyer.r The shading and prespective reflect her style.r Jane Gyer illustrated the cover for the revised 1974 editionr of Birds of Yosemite.r

r Digitized by Dan Anderson, April 2005,r from a personal copy.r These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose,r provided this notice is left intact.r
r     —Dan Anderson, www.yosemite.ca.usr

r

r

r http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/birds_of_yosemite/r