BREWSTER : BIRDS OF THE CAPE REGION, LOWER CAXIFORNIA. 49 



Tantalus loculator Linn. 



Wood Ibis. 



Tantalus loculator Beldikg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., V. 1883, 545 (Cape Region), 548 

 (San Jose). Bryant, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 2d ser., II. 1889, 268 (San Jose' 

 del Cabo; La Paz). 



The Wood Ibis was found near La Paz by both Mr. Belding and Mr. Frazar. 

 The latter met with it frequently in September and October at San Josd del 

 Cabo, where Mr. Belding also notes "a pair seen in April and May." 



As Mr. Bryant gives no original records, it is to be inferred that he failed to 

 detect the Wood Ibis in the central and upper portions of the Peninsula, but 

 Mr. Anthony states that in autumn a few "are to be found in all of the 

 marshes and streams from Ensenada to Santa Maria." ^ It ranges even further 

 to the northward, for it is not uncommon in Ventura county, California.^ 

 Whether any nest in Lower California is a matter of grave doubt, — not that 

 the climatic conditions are unfavorable, but because of the apparent lack of 

 suitable breeding grounds. To the southward the Wood Ibis is found in 

 Mexico, Central America, and many parts of South America. 



Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). 



American Bittern. 



Botaurus lentiginosus Eidgwat, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., V. 1883, 533, footnote (Cape 

 St. Lucas; San Jose del Cabo). Belding, Ibid., VI. 1883, 351 (s. of lat. 24° 

 30'). Bryant, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 2d ser., II. 1889, 268 (Cape St. Lucas ; 

 San Jose' del Cabo ; s. of lat. 24° 30'). 



The Xantus collection contains specimens of the Bittern taken at Cape St. 

 Lucas on November 4, and at San Jose del Cabo on November 29 and 30. At 

 the latter place Mr. Frazar found it common during September and the first week 

 of October, after which it was seen only occasionally, the last individual being 

 observed on November 11. Mr. Belding mentions it as "moderately com- 

 mon " south of latitude 24° 30' in the winter and early spring of 1882-83. 



The Bittern was not observed by Mr. Bryant in the central or northern 

 parts of the Peninsula, but Mr. Anthony says that it is " common in the 

 marshes at Colnett and San Ramon, where it doubtless nests." ^ There is 

 no apparent reason why a few pairs may not breed at such places as Santiago 

 and San Josd del Cabo, but the present indications are that the bird is merely 

 a winter visitor to the Cape Region. It has occurred as far south as Guatemala. 



1 Zoe, IV. 1893, 231. 2 Cooper, Auk, IV. 1887, 90. 



3 Zoe, IV. 1893, 231. 



