Western Bird Guide

PACIFIC FULMAR

In markings these birds closely resemble the Gulls. Bill is shorter and stouter, strongly hooked at the tip, and with the nostrils opening out of a single tube, prominently located on top of the bill. Their flight is graceful like that of the Gulls.

Nest.– On the islands and cliffs of the mainland of the Northern Pacific they nest in large colonies. Every crevice in the rocks having its tenant. They lay but a single white egg on the bare rocks (2.90 × 2.00).

Range.– Northern Pacific, southerly to Lower California.

SLENDER-BILLED FULMAR

This species has a paler mantle than others of the family, and the primaries are black.

Range.– Southern seas, appearing on the Pacific coast of the United States in the summer. They probably breed in the far south during our winter, although we have no definite record relative to their nesting habits.

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER

Very little is known of the breeding habits of this bird. Upper parts and under-tail coverts are a pale brownish color, darkest on the wings; top of head dark, with throat and breast white, with yellowish bill and pink colored feet.

Range.– From Monterey, California, to South America.

BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER

Similar to the previous, only smaller and somewhat lighter in color. Quite common in southern California and much more so in Lower California.

Range.– From northern United States to Lower California. A single white egg is laid (2.00 × 1.30).

TOWNSEND SHEARWATER

A more southern species; occurs occasionally on the lower California coast and islands.

DARK-BODIED SHEARWATER

This is a southern species which, after nesting on the islands in the far south during our winter months, comes north and appears off the Pacific coast of the United States during our summer months, as far north as Alaska. They are a dark sooty gray, except for the under-coverts, which are whitish.

Nest.– Habits are the same as the others of the family. The single white egg is laid at the end of the burrows or in crevices under rocks (2.40 × 1.65).

SLENDER-BILLED SHEARWATER

This is much smaller than the preceding, otherwise resembling it in color and markings, being a little lighter under the throat, and the bill more slender in proportion to the size of the bird. Bill and feet nearly black, as is also the one above.

Nest.– Nesting habits and range of the bird are the same as the Dark-bodied Shearwater; it is not found on the N. A. coast as commonly as the other.

FISHER PETREL

This is a handsome bird known only from the type specimen taken off Kadiak Island, Alaska, by Mr. Fisher.

LEAST PETREL

This is the smallest of the family. Their plumage is entirely dark sooty.

Nest.– They have been found breeding on the islands of Lower California, and they probably do on others farther south. The single egg of this bird is white with a wreath of tiny brown specks about the larger end.

FORK-TAILED PETREL

These birds have a plumage of bluish gray, the wings being darker and the under parts lightest.

Nest.– Single egg is laid at the end of a burrow on the ground. Egg white with a fine wreath of purplish black specks about the larger end. Found breeding on the islands of Alaska.

KAEDING PETREL

This bird is similar to the following, but a trifle smaller and the tail less deeply forked. Its range is from northern California to Mexico, breeding in the southern part of its range.

LEACH PETREL

These are quite common on both the eastern and western coasts, breeding from the Farallones northward to the Aleutians. They are of a sooty brown color, upper tail-coverts and side of under-coverts white. They burrow in the ground for two or three feet, but make no attempt at nest building; placing their single white egg on the bare ground at end of burrow. These birds generally take turns in the task of incubation, one remaining at sea during the day and returning at night. They are rarely seen in the vicinity of their nests during the day.

GUADALUPE PETREL

Very similar to the preceding, having more of a forked tail and somewhat longer. Breed on the islands of Lower California.

Nest.– Same as above with one white egg, usually much nest stained.

BLACK PETREL

These birds are sooty black all over, lacking the white rump of the two or three preceding. All of the Petrels have a very offensive musky odor, which is always noticeable about an island inhabited by them. The skins and eggs of the birds always retain this odor.

Nest.– Made in burrows similar to the others, but sometimes containing a small amount of nesting material; grass and roots.

Range.– Southern California southward to Mexico.

ASHY PETREL

This species breeds most abundantly on the Farallone Islands, sooty gray in color, their plumage matching their surroundings so closely that, unless one is looking for them, they will easily be overlooked.

They sit very close when nesting, and will even allow themselves to be removed from the nest by hand, so tame are they. They build in burrows or in any crevice of the rocks, laying their single white egg on the ground or rock without much, if any, lining to the nest.

FARALLONE CORMORANT

Plumage glossy greenish black, with back and wings slaty. These birds breed in large numbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and also in the trees on some of the inland islands, or near large ponds or lakes. They build large nests of sticks and roots, lined with grass, seaweed and moss.

Nest.– Three to five chalky, greenish white eggs are laid (2.40 × 1.50).

BRANDT CORMORANT

Plumage, under parts are same as above. Bill more slender and nearly straight. The young are hatched without feathers or down and the skin is nearly black. The young for two or three months are the food supply for the larger Gulls. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, they stay closely by their nests to protect them from the Gulls that are always on the watch for either the eggs or young.

Range.– Pacific coast, breeding along the whole coast of the United States.

BAIRD CORMORANTS

This smaller Cormorant breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south to Mexico. It is not nearly as common as the former species and not inclined to breed in colonies with the others, but is more secluded.

Nest.– Their nest building is very similar, using the rocks and cliffs on which to place their nests mostly, and very seldom building in trees. Their eggs are much smaller, averaging 2.20 × 1.40.

RED-FACED CORMORANT

The plumage of this species differs from the above chiefly in having the forehead bare. Their breeding habits are the same as other members of the family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the Chinese tame them to catch fish for them, placing a ring about their necks to prevent their swallowing the fish.

Nest.– The nesting places of these as well as other members of this family are very filthy, being covered with excrement and the remains of fish that are strewn about their nests (2.50 × 1.50).

WHITE PELICAN

Plumage mostly white, with black primaries; eyes white; bill and feet yellow, the former in the breeding season having a thin upright knob about midway on the top of the upper mandible. They get their food by approaching a school of small fish and suddenly dipping their head beneath the surface, sometimes scooping a large number of fish at a time; they contract the pouch, allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, and then swallow the fish.

Nest.– On the ground made of sticks and weeds, generally only a lining about the outer edge; the eggs being placed upon the ground. Two or three eggs are laid, pure chalky white (3.45 × 2.30).

CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN

Upper parts gray; lower brownish streaked with white; back of neck rich velvety brown; head and throat white.

Nest.– On the ground or in small trees, composed of sticks and weeds. Three or four chalky white eggs (3.10 × 1.95).

FRIGATE BIRD

In comparison with their weight, these birds have the largest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about four pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet. The length of the bird is about 40 inches, of which the tail comprises about 18, more than half of this being forked. They can walk only with difficulty and are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and long tail, but they are complete masters of the air and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of small fish is secured by plunging, or preying upon other sea birds.

Nest.– A frail platform of sticks in the tops of bushes or low trees. A single white egg (2.80 × 1.90).

AMERICAN MERGANSER. ORDER ANSERES

These birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a great extent.

Nest.– In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or on the ground; 6 to 9 creamy buff eggs are laid (2.70 × 1.75).

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER

This species is more abundant than the preceding, and is found commonly on our large ponds, lakes and rivers, more than on the coast. The male has the head, neck, and crest iridescent greenish black, breast brownish with black spots. The female has the head, neck and crown a deep chestnut color and the upper parts and tail a gray in place of the black found on the males.

Nest.– They lay from seven to ten eggs of a creamy buff color, making their nest of moss and grasses, placed under or in tufts of grass or in crevices of rocks; usually lining the nest with feathers (2.50 × 1.70).

Range.– Whole of North America, breeding from central United States to British America.

HOODED MERGANSER

Bill short, compared with the preceding. The large crest with which both sexes are adorned will easily distinguish this from the others. The male having the crest black with a large white patch, and that of the female plain brown.

Nest.– In holes of trees; 8 to 12 eggs, grayish white (2.15 × 1.70).

GADWALL

Male with chestnut wing coverts and white speculum; the female is similar but the back and wings are brownish-gray. As is usual with many of the ducks these do most of their feeding early in the morning or after dusk, and spend the greater part of the day in sleeping. They are one of the most noisy and active of the ducks.

Nest.– They nest on the ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of bordering fields. They lay from 7 to 12 eggs of a creamy buff color (2.10 × 1.60).

Range.– Includes the whole of North America, breeds from British Columbia to southern California.

MALLARD

These are regarded as one of the best table birds. They feed on mollusks and marine insects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water.

Nest.– In close proximity to ponds or lakes, placing their nests in the tall grasses of which it is made and lined with feathers. Breed from Alaska to southern California (2.25 × 1.25).

BALDPATE – AMERICAN WIDGEON

These are common and well-known birds throughout North America, where they are called by a great variety of names, most of which refer to the bald appearance of the top of the head, owing to the white feathers. They can usually be identified at a distance by the absence of any dark markings, and when in flight by the whiteness of the under parts.

Nest.– Made of grass and weeds neatly lined with feathers, on the ground or in marshes. 6 to 12 cream colored eggs are laid (2.15 × 1.20).

GREEN-WINGED TEAL

These are the smallest of the Duck family, and are eagerly sought for by sportsmen, both for their beauty and the excellence of their flesh. The male may be easily identified by the reddish brown head and neck, with the large green patch behind each ear.

Nest.– On the ground under the shelter of tall grasses, it is made of weeds and grass and lined with feathers. 5 to 9 buffy eggs are laid (1.85 × 1.25). Breeds abundantly in California and Oregon.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

Male has the head a dark gray with white crescent in front of the eye; under parts chestnut heavily spotted with black; wing coverts bright blue. Female similar to female Green-wing, but has the blue wing coverts. In flight can be easily separated from the Green-wing by its darker under parts. Their flight is very rapid, and usually in compact lines. This is more common east of the Rockies than the other.

Nest.– Made of grass and nicely lined with feathers placed in the reeds bordering marshes. 8 to 12 creamy colored eggs are laid.

Range.– North America, breeding more abundantly than the former farther north in its range.

CINNAMON TEAL

This is the most abundant of the Teal family west of the Rockies. It is on the male a bright cinnamon color on the under parts; also the head and neck, being darkest near the bill and lightest on the back. Wing coverts blue; speculum green, divided by a line of white.

Nest.– Made same as above with 6 to 14 eggs (1.85 × 1.35).

SHOVELLER

Easily recognized in any plumage by the large broad bill, which is out of all proportion to the size of the bird. Head, neck and speculum dark green, under parts reddish brown, breast and back white, wing coverts blue. If it were not for the large ungainly bill, this duck would be classed as one of our most beautiful during the breeding season.

Nest.– It makes its nest on the ground in marshy places of grass, weeds and lined with feathers; laying from 6 to 10 grayish white eggs (2.10 × 1.50).

Range.– North America; breeding most abundant on the western coast from southern California to northwest Alaska.

PINTAIL

A long-necked duck and with a long pointed tail. Male with head and stripe down the back of neck, brownish; back and sides barred with white and black wavy lines.

Nest.– On the ground like the other ducks, well-lined with feathers generally placed near the water, laying from 6 to 12 eggs of a dull olive color (2.20 × 1.50).

Range.– North America.

WOOD DUCK

This bird, without doubt, is by far the most beautiful of any of the duck family. Both the male and female have a long crest; that of the male of the most beautiful shades of blue and iridescent green colors, with stripes of white, the throat and under parts also white, breast chestnut with white arrow head marking, sides buff with black and white line markings.

Nest.– In the hollow of a tree, usually near the water. The birds are said to carry the young from the nest to the water in their bills. 6 to 10 eggs, buffy in color (2.25 × 1.60).

Range.– Temperate North America, breeding from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

REDHEAD

This bird, the preceding and the one following are considered as the best table birds of the duck family.

Nest.– Placed on the ground in marshes. Eggs 6 to 14 in number, buffy white in color (2.40 × 1.70).

Range.– North America, breeding from Minnesota northward.

CANVAS-BACK

Differs from the Redhead in the shape of its black bill, its blackish forehead, very light colored back and red eyes, the Redhead having yellow eyes. Like the last species, these birds are excellent swimmers and divers, and secure their food from deeper water than many of the ducks. Their food consists of various fresh water plants and small fish; shell fish and frogs. These usually command the highest market price, and are much sought after by gunners.

Nest.– On the ground in marshes or sloughs, lined with grass and feathers. 6 to 10 eggs of a pale olive (2.40 × 1.70).

Range.– North America; breeding from central British Columbia south to Oregon and Minnesota.

SCAUP DUCK OR BLUE-BILL

This and the following are widely known as Blue-bills owing to the slaty blue color of that member. Head, neck and breast are black; speculum and under parts white, and eyes yellow.