190 _ Jfirst annual Report _ 



Falco sparverius deserticola Mearns. Desert Sparrow Hawk. 

 Abundant through the hills and canyons. Usually seen hunting 

 in pairs. A pair of this species appeared to have a nest in a crevice 

 on ;i rocky cliff, judging from the sound which frequently came from 

 that point. Infested by Ninutis fuscus. 



Strix pratincola Ilnnap. I'.arn Owl. 



In the eucalyptus grove mentioned above as a buzzard roost, one 

 Barn Owl was taken. 



Geococcyx californianus (Less.) I'.aird. RoadRunner. 

 Quite common, all through the hills. One was seen on the beach, 

 feeding at the water's edge. When frightened, they usually do not 

 fly, but make for the nearest cactus patch or chapparal, at top speed, 

 and their speed on foot is altogether remarkable. In a stomach 

 examined were the remains of several cicadas, grasshoppers, and 

 smaller insects. Infested by X inn UK x/> 



Dryobates nuttallii ((land).) Ridgw. Xuttall Woodpecker. 

 Owing to the general absence of trees, very few woodpeckers 

 were seen. One was taken in Aliso Canyon and proved to be this 

 species. 



Colaptes cafer collaris (Vigurs). Red-shafted Flicker. 

 Uncommon here, and shy, only one or two being seen, and several 

 heard. 



Calypte anna (Less.) Gould. Anna Hummingbird. 

 Very common wherever flowering plants occurred. Undoubtedly 

 ('. I'usttir occurs with this species. 



Tyrannus verticalis Say. Arkansas Kino-bird. 



( 'onimon everywhere. They were especially frequent about euca- 

 lyptus groves. In the town they kept up a continual noise, and seemed 

 to be very quarrelsome. Two of them easily drove away a sparrow 

 hawk that seemed to be trespassing on their domain. Infested by 

 Nlrnnis food its. 



Tyrannus vociferans Swains. Cassin Kingbird. 



More retiring than T. r<'iiic/ilis. Far up Aliso Canyon one speci- 

 men was taken. Far inland, others also were seen. I did not notice 

 them in company with T. vciiicttlis. 



Myriarchus cinerascens (Lawr.) Sel. and Salv. Ash-throated Flycatcher. 



Often in the company of the noisy kingbirds. Many times single 



specimens were noted sitting quietly on some stump or wire waiting 



.for a meal. They occasionally give a plaintive call that is very char- 



acteristic. 



