270 HEERMANN'S NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA. 



Picus Harrisii, Aud. Net a common bird, although it is occasionally met witli. 

 It is easily discovered by its clear trumpet like notes, which it repeats at short 

 intervals as it climbs up the trees in search of food. 



Pious Gairdnerii, Aud. Abundant. All the specimens that I have, were obtained 

 in the mountains. 



Pious Nuttallii, Gambel. Abundant in the valleys, and occasionally found in 

 the mountainous districts. 



Pious ruber, Gmel. Very abundant in the mountains, where I have often 

 procured five or six specimens in a day. The notes of this bird are very disagreeable, 

 resembling the cry of a child in pain. It is a resident, as I have procured it at all 

 seasons of the year. 



Melanerpes torquatus, (Wils.) This beautiful species is very abundant, having 

 found it in all parts of California tliat I have visited. Its spends a great part of its 

 time on the wing, catching insects. The only note I heard it utter, was a feeble oft- 

 repeated twitter, as it flew or as it alighted, on which occasions it makes a tremulous 

 motion of the wings, and especially if in company with one or several others. It 

 appears to be a gay, sociable and frolicsome bird in its disposition. 



Melanerpes formicivorus, (Sw.) Tliis is the noisiest and the most abundant of 

 the wood -peckers of California. Perched on the topmost point of a tree, it darts 

 suddenly into the air in pursuit of insects, and, having secured its object, soon again 

 returns to the same place, only to repeat this manoeuvre in a few moments. In the 

 fall season this species is busily engaged in digging small holes in the bark of the 

 pine and oak, to receive acorns, one of which is placed in each hole, and is so tightly 

 fitted, or driven in, that it is with difficulty extracted. Thus, the bark of a large pine, 

 forty or fifty feet high, will present the appearance of being closely studded with 

 brass nails, the heads only being visible. These acorns are thus stored in large 

 quantities, and serve not only the wood-pecker, during the winter season, but are 

 trespassed on by the jays, mice and squirrels. The nest of this bird is dug out in the 

 body of a tree, varying from six inches to two feet in depth. The eggs, four to five 

 in number, are pure white. 



Picus thyroideus, Cassin. I found this bird in the southern mines, where it 

 seemed by preference to frequent the pine trees in search of food, as I never saw it 

 alight on the oak, although that tree was quite abundant. I do not consider it a 

 common species, as I procured but few specimens. 



Colaptes Mexicanus, Swains, Abundant. 



Colaptes ayresii, Aud. Rare ; having met with but two specimens, which were 

 killed in the mountains, on the Consumnes river. 



Geococcyx viATicus, Wagler. This bird is quite abundant in the southern por- 

 tions of California, but is rare in the northern parts, or at least is not as often seen. 

 It frequents the chapparel growing on the mountain sides and on the borders of the 



