196. Larus (Blasipus) keermannii, { Cass.)—Heermann’s Gull. 
A very large flock of these Gulls was seen pursuing their way along the shore near 
Santa Barbara, and two or three hours later I came upon them where they had settled 
upon a rocky point which jutted out into the water. Many were eugaged fishiug, 
hovering over the half-submerged kelp-covered rocks, the shallow water surrounding 
which evidently harbored the smaller kinds of fish. In three or four discharges of my 
gun I obtained a dozen specimens, when the whole mass flew wildly about as though 
fascinated by the sight of their dead comrades, and it was some time ere they left the 
place, which they did in a long straggling flock. The whole flock was composed of old 
males, and from their long and direct flight it seemed pretty evident that the journey 
was one between their breeding-grounds and this fishing-placu, where wuis had an 
abundance of some food, perhaps peculiarly fitted for the young. The species is a 
common one all along the coast, and breeds upon many of the s.ui-islands. 
Several other species of Gulls and at least one species of Jaeger were observed along 
the coast; but my acquaintance with them was altogether of too unsatisfactory a 
nature to warrant any mention of them here. 
No. 
Sex. 
Locality. 
39 
cf ad. 
Santa Barbara, Cal. 
40 
cf ad. 
.do. 
41 
cf ad. 
.do. 
42 
cf ad. 
.do. 
44 
cf ad. 
.do. 
Date. 
June 24 
June 24 
June 24 
June 24 
June 24 
Collector. 
Wing. 
Tail. 
Bill. 
Tarsus. 
H. TV. Hensliaw... 
13. 25 
G. 00 
1. 70 
1. 98 
-do. 
13. 90 
6 . 20 
1.83 
1. 98 
-do. 
13. 70 
6 . 00 
1.77 
2. 03 
-do. 
13. 25 
5. 75 
1.75 
1. 90 
_do. 
14.25 
6 . 00 
1. 85 
2. 09 
197. Sterna regia, (Gamb.)—Royal Tern. 
This Tern probably reaches no farther to the north than the coast of California, 
where it appears to be of rather common occurrence. I saw it up as far as San Fran¬ 
cisco. A specimen obtained on San Miguel was presented by Captain Forney, to whom 
I am under obligation for other similar kindnesses. Upon this and perhaps others of 
the Santa Barbara group, the species breeds. At least one other of the small Terns 
was seen about San Francisco, but its identity could not be established. 
198. Hydrochelidon lariformis , (Linn.).—Black Tern. 
Saw this species but once, in the interior, north of Los Angeles ; according to other 
observers, the bird is numerous ou the inland waters. 
Procellariidve.—Petrels. 
199. Cymochorca liomochroa, (Coves.)—Lesser Black Petrel. 
Petrels are quite numerous along the coast of California. A specimen of the above 
species, so identified by Dr. Coves, was given me by Captain Forney, who found these 
birds breeding in great numbers ou San Miguel. As usual, they were nesting in bur¬ 
rows. The relationship of this bird with the C. melania is somewhat obscure, and a 
good series to confirm this supposed distinctness is greatly to be desired. 
No. 
| 
Sex. Season. 
Locality. 
Collector. 
Wing. Tail. 
I 
Bill. 
Ad. Summer. 
San Miguel Island, Cal. 
Captain Forney. 
5.35 8.35 
0. GO 
Colymbidje.—Loons. 
200. Cohymbus torquatus, (Briinn.)—Great Northern Diver. 
Numerous on the California coast in fall. The C. arcticus var. pacificus is also known 
to be common in winter. 
PodicipidjE.—Grebes. 
201. Podiceps auritus, (Linn.), var. californicus, Heerm.—Eared Grebe. 
Coincident with its general dispersion in the West, this Grebe appears to be distrib¬ 
uted over California. We only saw it in the fresh-water ponds, though it also occurs 
along the shore. 
No. 
Sex. 
Locality. 
Date. 
Collector. 
298 
cf ad. 
Near Fort Tejon, Cal. 
July 24 
H. W. Hensliaw. 
AP. J J—18 
