84 



BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA AFFECTING FRUIT INDUSTRY. 



food consists so largely of insects and as these include so small a per- 

 centage of useful kinds, the kinglet must be classed as one of the 

 most beneficial of birds. To the horticulturist it is especially valu- 

 able, as nearly all of its food is obtained from trees. With respect to 

 the persistency with which it forages among trees, it differs conspicu- 

 ously from such aboreal species as leave the trees in midsummer to 

 feed upon grasshoppers. 



WESTERN GOLDEX-CROWX KIXGLET. 



(Regulus satrapa olivaceus.) 



Another kinglet, the western golden-crown, occurs sparingly in 

 winter in some parts of California. Only 9 stomachs have been 

 examined, but these in the nature of their contents are so similar to 

 those of the ruby-crown that statements applicable to the latter are 

 almost certain to apply as well to this species. No vegetable matter 

 was found in any of the 9 stomachs, and the insects belong to the 

 same orders and were taken in essentially the same proportions as by 

 the other species. 



Following is a list of beetles which were identified in the stomachs 

 of the two kinglets : 



Coccinella t. calif arnica. 

 Adalia frigida. 

 Scyifinus pallens. 

 Scymnus ncbulosus. 

 Hcspcrolxrn us abbreviatus. 

 Corticaria fcrruginea. 

 Throscus sc rice us. 

 Listrus interrupt us. 



Aphodius nif/ifrons. 

 Diachus an rat us. 

 Crepidodera helxines. 

 Epitri.r parrula. 

 Notoxus alamedw. 

 Anthicus nitidulus. 

 Apion vcspertinuin. 

 Pityophthorus puMpennis. 



Beetles were identified as belonging to the following families 



Staphylinithp. 



Coeciuellida^. 



Monotomidae. 



Lathridiidse. 



Elateridse. 



Throscida?. 



Lampyridse. 



Malachiidse. 



Scarabseidse. 



Chrysornelidse. 



Tenebrionidse. 



Anthicidse. 



Curculionid??. 



Scolytida?. 



Other Rlrynehophora. 



GNATCATCHERS. 



(Polioptila spp.) 



Gnatcatchers are small, active birds of modest colors and unob- 

 trusive notes. While not conspicuous, they are none the less' deserv- 

 ing of respect and consideration. No complaints have been made 

 that these busy creatures ever injure fruit or other crops. Their food 



