26 MR. GAMBEL ON THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA. 



ness in riddino- the neiofhborhood of the towns and farm houses of the refuse of the 

 cattle, which are slaughtered in such great numbers. 



The Carrion Crow ( C. atratus, Wils.) is very common about the Gulf of California, 

 and at Mazatlan, particularly, may be seen around the town in large gangs. In 

 company with them I think I have also seen that distinct species intermediate between 

 the two, detected in the collection of the Academy, and described by my friend Mr, 

 Cassin.* Probably both may be found in Upper California. 



HALIAETUS, Sav. 



3. H. LEUcocEPHALUs, (Liuu.) Sav. Bald Eagle. 



Abundant ; in winter feeding on the ducks and geese which cover the plains in 

 immense flocks. 



I have found the nest on high isolated rocks along the coast, containing eggs as 

 early as the middle of February. 



An interesting circumstance connected with this noble eagle, as the emblem of our 

 country, is, that it was held sacred by the native tribes of Indians of the coast and 

 interior of California. 



Another large brown Eagle, the Aguila real, is said by the Indians and others to 

 be occasionally observed here. 



PANDION, Sav. 



4. P. CAROLiNENSis, (Gmel.) Bonap. Fish Hawk. 



Common along the coast, particularly the rocky islands, where they breed. At 

 Santa Catalina I found them nesting on the precipitous cliffs, in February, along 

 with the bald eagles. 



ARCHIBUTEO, Brehm. 



5. A. SANCTi JOHANNis, (Gmel.) Gray. Rough-legged Buzzard. 



Common in the prairie-valleys during winter, keeping much on the ground. The 

 adult in his dark livery, although frequently seen, is much less common than the 

 young. 



BUTEO, Beclist. 



6. B. BOREALis, (Gmel.) Swains. Red-tailed Buzzard. 



Very abundant ; as also in the interior in the ranges of the Rocky mountains. 



7. B. LiNEATus, (Gmel.) Jard. Red-shouldered Buzzard. 



The shrill kee ou of this handsome species may be heard at all times around the 

 vineyards and farms of the lower portions of Upper California, where it is more 

 abundant than about Monterey. 



* Cathartes Burrovianus, Cassin, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. II., p. 212, 



