Hypothetical List 



The sequence of species is substantially that followed in the body of the work. 



Foreword 



In submitting a list of species of presumptive or alleged occurrence within the limits of 

 California, care has been taken to exclude: 



ist. Those whose alleged occurrence has been based upon a manifestly imperfect under- 

 standing of taxonomic relationships now made clear; e. g., the White-cheeked Goose, Branla 

 canadensis occidentalis (Baird). 



and. Manifestly erroneous ascriptions which lack a sufficient color of probability to entitle 

 them to continued notice; e. g., the Woodcock, Philohela minor (Gmelin). 



3rd. Those whose occurrence has been loosely ascribed to "California" by early voyageurs 

 who were at no pains to specify localities or exact circumstances. Ornithological literature has 

 long borne the burden of such "records," made for the most part by collectors or collectors' 

 friends who touched indiscriminately at many Pacific ports, including those of South America, 

 or who crossed distant waters; and who yet mentioned "California" as being the place most likely 

 to secure them ready recognition. 



The remaining "hypotheticals" arrange themselves chiefly in the following classes: 



1st. Birds whose presumed occurrence in California is based upon insufficient or uncon- 

 firmed evidence; e. g., Snow Bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnaeus). 



2nd. Birds whose occurrence is indisputable, but whose presence is presumed to have been 

 due to artificial agencies; e. g., Gray's Tanager, Piranga rubriceps Gray. 



3rd. Birds whose taxonomic status is still in doubt; e. g., Craveri's Murrelet, Brachyra m pints 

 craverii (Salvadori). 



4th. Birds of unique appearance whose validity as species is not exactly determinable; 

 e. g., Cooper's Hen-hawk, Buteo cooperi Cassin. 



5th. Hybrids. 



6th. Introduced species which have either failed to establish themselves, or whose ability 

 to do so is in doubt. 



In the preparation of this list the author has been closely dependent upon the data laboriously 

 prepared by Dr. Grinnell and published in his "Distributional List" (Hollywood, Oct. 21, 1915). 

 Only two additional species {Motacilla ocularis and Branta ruficollis) receive consideration here; 

 but many cases reported adversely by Dr. Grinnell have been dismissed from attention. Whereas 

 the Grinnell list has 61 titles, we are content with 33, as follows: 



1. Corvus cryptoleucus Couch. White-necked Raven. 



Authority: Bendire, Life Hist. N. A. Birds, vol. ii., 1895, p. 402, records nesting at Fort 

 Tejon. Normal Range: Southeastern Arizona east to western Texas and south in Mexico to 

 Michoacan. Opinion. — Records dubious but not impossible, as bird is known to have enjoyed, 

 formerly, a much wider range. 



2. Icterus icterus (Linnaeus). Troupial. 



Authority: Bowles, Condor, xiii., 191 1, p. 109, reports taking of male at Santa Barbara. 

 April 30, 191 1. Specimen extant. Normal Range: Colombia and Venezuela. Opinion. — A 

 rather challenging occurrence, supported apparently by the synchronous appearance of two other 

 birds of the same species at a point several miles distant. These may all have been escaped cage- 

 birds, but evidence to the contrary is about as strong as that of such an utterly anomalous case 

 could be. 



3. Fringilla coelebs Linnasus. European Chaffinch. 



Two occurrences: Specimen shot by Joseph Clemens at Monterey, March 4, 1905 (Aitct. 

 J. Grinnell, Condor, viii., 1906, p. 58); and one seen in Berkeley, May 14, 1908 (And. T. S. Palmer. 

 Condor, x., 1908, p. 238). Range: Europe. Opinion. — Unquestionably escaped cage-birds. 



4. Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnaeus). Snow Bunting. 



Authority: Belding, Condor, v., 1903, p. 19, claims that a flock visited Marysville. in 

 Yuba County, in the winter of 1872-73. Normal Range: Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, south 



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