280 Clark, Characteristic Kamchatkan Birds. [julv 



genus has been erected for its reception. In full breeding plumage 

 this bird is almost entirely clear slaty gray, and bears a most striking 

 resemblance to two widely different species, Phrygilus unicolor 

 of western South America, and J unco vulcani of Costa Rica. 



Of the larger species the Slaty-backed Gull (Lams schistasagus) 

 is the most abundant, occurring everywhere about the sea-coast, 

 with the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus), a close second, 

 although much more restricted in general distribution. The 

 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is very common about here, and the 

 large Kamchatkan Sea Eagle (Thallassaetus pelagicus) is fre- 

 quently seen. The Raven (Corvus corax kamtschaticus) occurs 

 here, and is not uncommon, although I saw but one or two. The 

 eastern Carrion Crow (Corvus corone orientalis) is numerous, and 

 was breeding at the time of my visit. I found a number of nests, 

 none of them, however, accessible. One of the handsomest birds 

 of the region, and certainly the most conspicuous, is the large 

 Kamchatkan Magpie (Pica pica kamtschatica), which is common 

 everywhere, although it is very wary, and manages to keep well 

 out of gunshot. 



Whenever I went near any groves of tall trees, I was sure to hear 

 a continuous hooting, somewhat resembling that of the Barred 

 Owl; but when I tried to get close enough to find out what was 

 doing the hooting, it would invariably cease long before I was 

 within range, to be immediately resumed from some distant grove. 

 I suppose the bird was the Siberian Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula 

 doliata) which is the only owl known from the country. 



About the taller trees also, the eastern Tree Pipit (Pipastes 

 maculatus) was common, its song and actions instantly calling to 

 mind our common Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapiUus). I met with 

 a number of other species of birds here, but all of much less interest 

 than those mentioned. A word must be said in closing about 

 the pretty Kamchatkan Wagtail, which is very common here, 

 especially about the rocky beaches. It is rather shy and hard to 

 approach, resembling in this, as in its general appearance at a 

 distance, the common Snowflake (Passerina nivalis). 



I was forced to leave Petropaulski early on the morning of the 

 20th, for Hakodate, which I did with great regret, as few places 

 which I have visited have so appealed to me from an ornithological 

 point of view as this pretty little Kamchatkan town. 



