Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Special Status Wildlife Updated January 2020

Home , American yellow warbler, Mission blue butterfly, Salamander, Species description

Table of Contents Rufous Hummingbird ...... 20 AMPHIBIANS:...... 4 Allen's Hummingbird ...... 20 California Tiger Salamander ...... 4 Lawrence's Goldfinch ...... 21 Foothill Yellow-legged Frog ...... 4 Least Bell's Vireo ...... 21 California Red-legged Frog ...... 5 BIRDS: WATER ASSOCIATED, i.e. PELICANS, GULLS, TERNS, RAILS, COMORANTS ...... 22 California Giant Salamander ...... 5 Marbled Murrelet ...... 22 Santa Cruz Black Salamander ...... 6 Barrow’s Goldeneye ...... 22 Red-bellied Newt ...... 6 Western Snowy Plover ...... 23 ARTHROPODS ...... 7 Least Bittern ...... 23 Obscure Bumble Bee...... 7 California Gull ...... 24 Crotch’s Bumble Bee ...... 7 California Black Rail ...... 24 Western Bumble Bee...... 8 Long Billed Curlew ...... 24 Monarch Butterfly ...... 8 American White Pelican ...... 25 Smith’s Blue Butterfly ...... 9 California Brown Pelican ...... 25 Bay Checkerspot Butterfly ...... 9 Double-Crested Cormorant ...... 26 Mission Blue Butterfly ...... 10 California Ridgeway’s Rail ...... 26 Callippe Silverspot Butterfly ...... 10 California Least Tern ...... 27 Myrtle’s Silverspot Butterfly ...... 11 Elegant Tern ...... 27 Zayante Band-Winged Grasshopper...... 11 BIRDS: OWLS AND RAPTORS ...... 28 BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS,SWIFTS, and PERCHING BIRDS Cooper’s Hawk ...... 28 ...... 12 Northern Goshawk...... 28 Tri Colored Blackbird ...... 12 Sharp-shinned Hawk ...... 29 Grasshopper Sparrow ...... 12 Golden Eagle...... 29 Vaux's Swift ...... 13 Short-eared Owl ...... 30 Olive-sided Flycatcher ...... 13 Long-eared Owl ...... 30 Black Swift ...... 14 Burrowing Owl ...... 31 Willow Flycatcher ...... 14 Ferrunginous Hawk ...... 31 California Horned Lark ...... 15 Swainson’s Hawk ...... 31 San Francisco Common Yellowthroat ...... 15 Northern Harrier ...... 32 Yellow-breasted Chat ...... 16 White-tailed Kite ...... 32 Loggerhead Shrike ...... 16 Merlin ...... 33 Almeda Song Sparrow ...... 17 Prairie Falcon ...... 33 Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow ...... 17 American Peregrine Falcon ...... 34 Nuttall's Woodpecker ...... 18 Bald Eagle ...... 34 Purple Martin ...... 18 Osprey ...... 35 Bank Swallow ...... 19 FISH: ...... 36 American Yellow Warbler ...... 19 2

Pacific Lamprey ...... 36 Tidewater Goby ...... 36 Coho Salmon...... 37 Steelhead Trout ...... 37 MAMMALS: BATS ...... 38 Pallid Bat...... 38 Townsend's Big-eared Bat ...... 38 Western Red Bat ...... 39 Western Mastiff Bat ...... 39 Hoary Bat ...... 40 Long-eared Myotis ...... 40 Fringed Myotis ...... 41 Long-legged Myotis ...... 41 Big Free-Tailed Bat ...... 42 MAMMALS: NON-BAT ...... 43 Ring-tailed Cat ...... 43 Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat ...... 43 San Francisco Dusky-Footed Woodrat ...... 44 Mountain Lion ...... 44 Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse ...... 45 Salt-marsh Wandering Shrew ...... 45 American Badger ...... 46 REPTILES ...... 47 Western Pond Turtle ...... 47 Coast Horned Lizard ...... 47 San Francisco Garter Snake ...... 48

AMPHIBIANS:

California Tiger Salamander Central California Coast (Ambystoma californiense) Distinct Population Segment (DPS) Federal Status: Threatened Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: Threatened

Species Description: Stocky black salamander with yellow spots and/or bars. Average adult size is 5 to 9 inches including the tail. Larvae are yellowish gray and have prominent gills. Adults are nocturnal, spending most of its life in underground burrows. Breeding occurs December to February. Females lay eggs singly or in groups of 2‐4. Eggs are pale yellow

Source: USFWS or brownish.

Habitat Description: Requires suitable upland habitat with numerous active mammal burrows and a nearby breeding pond. Prefers grassland, oak savanna and woodlands. Documented in the late 1800s in Permanente Creek within Ranch San Antonio OSP. Critical habitat currently exists east of Sierra Azul OSP in the Santa Theresa Hills.

Foothill Yellow‐legged Frog Federal Status: None (Rana boylii) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Small sized frog with dorsum grey, brown or reddish, commonly spotted or mottled but occasionally plainly colored; yellow under legs and may extend to abdomen; triangular, buff‐colored patch on snout; no eye stripe; throat and chest often dark spotted; indistinct dorsolateral folds with granular skin.

Habitat Description: Breeding sites occur in shallow, slow flowing water with at least some pebble and cobble substrate. Pebble/cobble creek margins or bars with at least some shading seem to be preferred by sub‐adults and adults. Yellow legged frog are Source: Suzanne L. Collins, 2001 found within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.

California Red‐legged Frog Federal Status: Threatened (Rana draytonii) Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: A moderate to large frog ranging up to 5.5 inches in size. Dorsolateral folds (ridge of skin extending from eye to hindlegs); red, pink or salmon coloring on abdomen and underside of hindlegs; and dorsal spotting are characteristic of this species.

Habitat Description: Majority of life cycle spent in ponds, marshes, springs, streams, and reservoirs. Access to vegetation cover within pond habitats is an important characteristic of successful breeding

Source: Scott J. Hein habitat. Larvae require 3 to 7 months to

metamorphose to adults capable of surviving outside of water. Accompanying maps show distribution and

Critical Habitat within the District’s boundaries.

California Giant Salamander Federal Status: None (Dicamptodon ensatus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: One of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America, with a large robust body, a massive head, and stout limbs. Transformed adults have 12 - 13 indistinct costal grooves. The tail is flattened from side to side to facilitate swimming. Larvae are stream-type with tail fins that extend forward only to the hind limbs. There is often heavy black mottling. Gills are short, bushy, and dull red. Credit California Herps

Habitat Description: Occurs in wet coastal forests in Source: I:Drive or near clear, cold permanent and semi-permanent streams and seepages. One population has been found inhabiting flowing water in a network of caves. Credit California Herps.

Santa Cruz Black Salamander Federal Status: None (Aneides flavipunctatus niger) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: A medium‐sized salamander with nasolabial grooves and well‐defined costal grooves. Dorsal coloring is solid black, with a few fine white specks. Young are black with white speckles. Credit California Herps

Habitat Description: Occurs in mixed deciduous woodland, coniferous forests, coastal grasslands. Found under rocks near streams, in talus, under damp logs, and other objects. Credit California Herps. Source: Lawrence Ericson 2016

Red‐bellied Newt Federal Status: None (Taricha rivularis) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: When full grown, the red‐bellied newt measures between 2.75 to 3.5 in. It has grainy skin, and is brownish‐black on top with a orange‐red underbelly. It can be distinguished from other coastal newts by the color of its underside and the lack of yellow in its eyes.

Habitat Description: Lives in the cold, moist, riparian zones of coastal woodlands, especially in redwood

Source: John Clare forests. Found in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.

ARTHROPODS Federal Status: None Obscure Bumble Bee Critical Habitat: None (Bombus caliginosus) State Status: Critically imperiled to imperiled, CNDDB

Species Description: Has a mostly black, hairy body with one yellow stripe on head and neck, and one near its tail. This species co‐occurs with and is nearly identical to B. vosnesenskii, the yellow faced bumble bee, which is common and abundant.

Habitat Description: Resides in relatively humid and often foggy areas. Generally, inhabits open grassy coastal prairies and Coast Range meadows from northern Washington to southern California.

Source: alchetron.com

Crotch’s Bumble Bee (Bombus crotchii) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern and CESA Endangered candidate

Species Description: Big, hairy, black and yellow bee. Hair is yellow on the front part of the thorax usually with black hairs between and below the wings as well as at the back of the thorax.

Habitat Description: Exclusive to coastal California east towards the Sierra‐Cascade Crest; less common in western Nevada. Inhabits open grassland and scrub habitats, including the inner Coast Range of California. They require a hotter and drier environment than other bumblebee species. Nesting occurs underground in abandoned rodent nests, or above ground in tufts of grass, old bird nests, rock piles, or Source: iNaturalist cavities in dead trees.

Western Bumble Bee Federal Status: None (Bombus occidentalis occidentalis) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Endangered candidate

Species Description: The Western bumble bee can be distinguished from other fuzzy bumble bees by their light yellow or white abdomens. They also have relatively shorter hairs and a slimmer body.

Habitat Description: They have been found from the Mediterranean California all the way up to the Tundra regions of Alaska, making them one of the bees with the widest range geographic range. Viable populations still exist in Alaska and east of the Cascades in the Canadian and U.S. Rocky Mountains, but the once common populations of central California, Oregon, and Washington have largely Source: USDA ARS disappeared.

Monarch Butterfly Federal Status: Candidate for Endangered or (Danaus plexippus plexippus) Threatened Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: The monarch butterfly is reddish‐orange with black vein‐like markings. There is a black border around its wings with white spots on it.

Habitat Description: In the spring and summer, monarch butterfly habitat is open fields and meadows with milkweed. Eggs are laid in milkweed, and hatch within 3 to 15 days. Larvae feed on milkweed for about 2 weeks, form a chrysalis, then Source: Kenneth Dwain Harrelson emerge two weeks later as butterfly. In winter,

monarchs can be found on the coast of southern

California and at high altitudes in central Mexico.

Locally may overwinter in Eucalyptus trees.

Smith’s Blue Butterfly Federal Status: Endangered (Euphilotes enoptes smithi) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Very small butterfly, total wingspan is less than 1 inch across. Males are blue above with black edges. Females are brown above with a thin white fringe and an orange bar across the hind wing. The underwings of both sexes are brown with black and orange spots. Active July to September when temperatures are above 60 degrees F and there is little to no wind.

Source: Center for Biological Diversity Habitat Description: Coastal sand dune, grassland, and scrub habitat where seacliff buckwheat and coast buckwheat are present. Adults feed on these two plants and lay their eggs on the flowers. Historically observed along Loma Prieta Road in Sierra Azul OSP.

Bay Checkerspot Butterfly Federal Status: Threatened (Euphydryas editha bayensis) Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: None

Species Description: Small butterfly, total wingspan is roughly 2 inches across. Distinct, black bands along the upper wing surface contrast sharply with the bright red, yellow and white spots, giving it a “checkered” appearance. Active February to May.

Habitat Description: Serpentine outcrops where native grasslands occur. Host and nectar plants include: dwarf plantain, purple owl’s clover, exerted paintbrush, goldfields and tidy tips. . Reintroduced at Edgewood County Park across from Pulgas Ridge OSP, historically observed in Sierra Azul OSP and critical habitat is currently present east of Sierra Azul OSP and at Stanford’s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.

Source: USFWS

Mission Blue Butterfly Federal Status: Endangered (Plebejus icarioides missionensis ) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: On the upper side of the wings, the adult female is brown with some blue, and the male is light blue. The underside of the wings is off‐ white with two rows of irregularly shaped black spots. The larva (caterpillar) is light green with diagonal white bars on each segment. Credit: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Habitat Description: Remaining populations of

Source: Jessica Weinberg McCloskey, Parks Conservancy Mission blue butterfly are found in only a few locations around the San Francisco Bay area coastal

grassland habitat in California.

Callippe Silverspot Butterfly Federal Status: Endangered (Speyeria callippe callippe) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Small butterfly, total wingspan is roughly 2 inches across. Wings are brown, tan, and black on the surface and orange‐brown with “silver spots” on the undersides. The wings and abdomen are hairy. Active May to July.

Habitat Description: Native grasslands where the host plant (Johnny jump ups) are present. Potential to occur in Monte Bello and Russian Ridge OSPs based on observations of similar species and host

Source: USFWS plant presence.

Myrtle’s Silverspot Butterfly Federal Status: Endangered (Speyeria zerene myrtleae) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Wingspan is approximately 2.2 inches. The upper surfaces of the wings are golden brown with numerous black spots and lines. The undersides are brown, orange‐brown and tan with black lines and distinctive silver and black spots. Larvae are dark‐colored with many sharp branching spines on their backs.

Habitat Description: Found in coastal dune or prairie Source: David Kelly, USFWS habitat. Populations were formerly found in dunes and bluffs from San Mateo County north to the

mouth of the Russian River in Sonoma County. The populations south of the Golden Gate appear to have

been extirpated by urban development.

Zayante Band‐Winged Grasshopper Federal Status: Endangered (Trimerotropis infantilis) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Tan to Gray grasshopper with banded eyes, similar in appearance to other grasshoppers but only found in a distinct geographical area. Good flying skills, buzz while flying. Fly from late May to October, most active July and August.

Habitat Description: Historically occurred, but locally extinct in the area surrounding Lexington Reservoir

Source: Sanhills Alliance for Natural Diversity near Bear Creek and Sierra Azul OSPs. Critical habitat is currently found south of the District in the sand hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS,SWIFTS, and PERCHING BIRDS

Tri Colored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Similar to the more often seen Red‐winged Blackbird, the Tricolored Blackbird has a red shoulder patch with a bright white bar. Females lay 1‐5 eggs

Habitat Description: Marshy areas having both an open water component and cattails, rushes, or blackberry brambles are required for breeding. Historically documented at La Honda Creek OSP. Source: J. Gallagher, Sea and Sage Audubon

Grasshopper Sparrow Federal Status: None (Ammodramus savannarum) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Small songbird, brownish, grey, black and white; dark crown with a pale middle stripe, white belly and short tail. Primarily a summer resident from March to September.

Habitat Description: Short to middle height grassland prairies and pastures with scattered shrubs. Nests and feeds on the ground. Has been observed at Miramontes Ridge, Russian Ridge and Source: Audubon, G. Smith Monte Bello OSPs.

Vaux's Swift Federal Status: None (Chaetura vauxi) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Small dark grey to brown bird, long pointed wings, stout bird with a short bill. Often occurs in flocks. Occurs primarily from mid‐April to mid‐October; breeds from early May to mid‐August Spends almost all of daylight hours in the air foraging for insects. Roost communally.

Habitat Description: Cup nests are found in tree holes (primarily old growth), hollow snags, or cliff crevices. Has been observed at Sierra Azul and Skyline Ridge OSPs.

Source: http://www.planetofbirds.com/

Olive‐sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern

Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Large stocky flycatcher with a short tail. White breast with gray sides. Back is olive gray brown.

Habitat Description: Associated with forest openings and edges occurring in mature forests and following disturbances, such as tree fall gaps, fire, and logging.

Source: D.Sherony, Wikimedia commons

Black Swift Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Cypseloides niger) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Large dark grey bird with long pointed wings and a short bill. Shoulders are darker than the rest of the wing. Breeds from May to September. Lays 1‐2 eggs, feeds on insects.

Habitat Description: Primarily a mountainous or coastal cliff species. Often nests on cliff faces above the ocean or behind or next to waterfalls. Documneted at Sierra Azul OSP.

Source: T. Gray, Wikimedia Commons

Willow Flycatcher Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Empidonax traillii) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Endangered

Species Description: Small flycatcher with two white wingbars. Brown olive above, white below. Upper bill gray, orange below.

Habitat Description: Deciduous thickets of willows or other riparian vegetation found in wet marshy areas.

Source: USFWS

California Horned Lark Federal Status: None (Eremophila alpestris actia) Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: Distinctive‐looking species, mainly brown‐grey above and pale below, with a striking black and yellow face pattern. The tail is mostly black, in the summer the male has black "horns" on its crown. Eats seeds, grains and insects.

Habitat Description: Found in open treeless areas, often in pastures. Nests on the ground with 2‐5 eggs.

Source: A.Vernon, Wikimedia Commons

San Francisco Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas sinuosa) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Yellow olive warblers with males having a black mask.

Habitat Description: Tangled vegetation at the edges of marshes and wetlands.

Source: PRBO, P. Knapp

Yellow‐breasted Chat Federal Status: None (Icteria virens) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium sized, olive backed, bright yellow chest, white underbody, long tail and having a loud song.

Habitat Description: Found in dense brushy areas, streamside tanlges and brushy hillsides.

Source: J. Conrad, Wikimedia Commons

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Gray, black and white bird of open areas. Uses its hooked beak to grab prey (insects, lizards, mice, other birds) and impales them on thorns or other sharp objects.

Habitat Description: Found in shrublands and woodlands having a large short grassy areas with limited trees and shrubs.

Source: I. Taylar, Wikimedia Commons

Almeda Song Sparrow Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Melospiza melodia pusillula) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Yellowest subspecies of song sparrow. They have a brown stripe from beak over the top of their head and a long brown rounded tail. Their face is gray with a brown streak through each eye.

Habitat Description: Restricted to fringes of San Francisco Bay in tidal marsh. Found in all relatively large marshes and most remnant patches of marsh vegetation alight sloughs, sikes, levees. Found in bayfront Preserves.

Source: Jerry Ting, flickr

Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow Federal Status: None (Passerculus sandwhichensis alaudinus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium sized sparrow with a small bill and short tail. Strong face pattern with a yellow stripe over the eye.

Habitat Description: California endemic. Occupies low tidally influenced habitats, adjacent ruderal areas, moist grasslands within and just above the fog belt, and, infrequently, drier grasslands. In south San Francisco Bay, it nests mainly on levee tops grown to grasses and in areas of high Pickleweed on levee banks. Source: Jerry Ting, flickr

Nuttall's Woodpecker Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Picoides nuttallii) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Small black and white woodpecker having a barred back except the upper which is unbarred.

Habitat Description: Oak woodlands

Source: M. Baird, Wikimedia Commons

Purple Martin Federal Status: None (Progne subis) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Large broad swallow. Males dark glossy bluish black, brown females. Colonial.

Habitat Description: Often nest in woodpecker holes

Source :Wikimedia Commons

Bank Swallow Federal Status: None (Riparia riparia) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Threatened

Species Description: A small song bird with a small brown head and tiny dark bill. Adults are brown on top, white chest and belly with a brown band across the chest, and darker brown wings.

Habitat Description: Colonial nester on vertical banks or cliffs with fine‐textured soils near water.

Source: Ian Hern

American Yellow Warbler Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Setophaga petechia) Critical Habitat: None

State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Small, bright yellow warbler.

Habitat Description: Willows, wet thickets, shrublands.

Source: PRBO, S. Zack

Rufous Hummingbird Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Selasphorus rufus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Small and feisty. Orange males and green and orange females.

Habitat Description: Open areas along forest edges, often nest in shrubs or conifers.

Source: L.A. Fuertes, Wikimedia Commons

Allen's Hummingbird Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Selasphorus sasin) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Similar in appearance to rufous hummingbird, difficult to distinguish.

Habitat Description: Brushy woods primarily along the coastside.

Source: Asicnewbie, Wikimedia Commons

Lawrence's Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: None

Species Description: Small finch, gray back and sides, yellow chest and wingbars, black or gray face.

Habitat Description: Dry open woods, near brushy areas usually near a water source.

Source: L. Tanner, Wikimedia Commons

Least Bell's Vireo Federal Status: Endangered (Vireo bellii pusillus) Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: Endangered

Species Description: Small songbird, olive gray above, whitish below. Faint white eye band.

Habitat Description: Dense shrubbery and willows.

Source: PRBO, J. Gallagher, Sea and Sage Audubon

BIRDS: WATER ASSOCIATED, i.e. PELICANS, Federal Status: Threatened GULLS, TERNS, RAILS, COMORANTS Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: Endangered Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) Species Description: Small seabird (8 inches) with dark and/or mottled upper plumage and light, mottled underparts. Entire livespan spent within ocean environments except for breeding occurring within old‐growth forest habitats.

Habitat Description: San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties are near the southern extent of the species breeding range. Begin breeding in April/May where utilize large trees with nest “platform” branches extending out from main trunk of tree to build small nest. Occurs in Purisima Creek Redwoods, and potentially suitable and federally designated Critical Habitat are located within the District’s boundaries.

Source: Tom Hamer

Barrow’s Goldeneye Federal Status: None (Bucephala islandica) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium sized duck with a large head, steep forehead and fairly straight bill. Males have black bills and a white crescent shaped patch behind it. Males also have small white spots along front stretch of black wing. Females have brown heads with yellow bills and body is grayish.

Habitat Description: Rely on urbanized, coastal estuaries for wintering and stopping places during migration. They forage underwater and breed in wooded lakes and ponds primarily in northwestern North America. Occurs at bayfront Preserves.

Source: Andrew Reding

Federal Status: Threatened Western Snowy Plover Critical Habitat: None (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: small shorebird with distinctive markings.

Habitat Description: Found along beaches, salt marshes and barren ground associated with the Bay front and Ocean. Critical habitat is found adjacent o Ravenswood OSP.

Source: Western Snowy Plover.org

Least Bittern Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None (Ixobrychus exilis) State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Small wading bird, the smallest heron in the US. White throat, face and sides of neck are brownish, male may have glossy green on back and crown.

Habitat Description: Marshes. Found along the Bay front.

Source: Lower Colorado Multi‐Species Conservation Program

California Gull (Larus californicus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW watchlist

Species Description: Medium gull, yellow bill with black ring near tip. Colonial. Preys on least terns.

Habitat Description: Lakes and marshes. Found along the Bay front.

Source: Dick Daniels

California Black Rail (Ixobrychus exilis)

Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Management Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Threatened, Fully Protected

Species Description: Very small secretive bird

Habitat Description: Salt and fresh water marshes. Found along the Bay front.

Source: Danika Tsao, USGS

Long Billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Management Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Watch list

Species Description: Large shorebird, with long down curved bill/ brownish in color.

Habitat Description: Breeds in grasslands in the central US. Shorebird, found along the Bay front.

Source: Alan D. Wilson, www.naturespicsonline.com

Federal Status: None American White Pelican Critical Habitat: None (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Large white Pelican with an orange bill.

Habitat Description: Shorebird, found along the Bay front, breeds inland.

Source: Enayetur Raheem

California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Although a large bird, it is one of the smallest pelicans. A multicolored bird whose bill turns red during the breeding season.

Habitat Description: Breeds in the Channel Islands south to Mexico

Source: USFWS

Double‐Crested Cormorant Federal Status: None (Phalacrocorax auritus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: Large black fishing bird with an orange face. Often seen spreading their wings to dry.

Habitat Description: Fresh and saltwater areas including ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks, bays, and ocean.

Source: English Wikipedia

California Ridgeway’s Rail Federal Status: Endangered (Rallus obsoletus obsoletus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Endangered

Species Description: One of the largest rails. It is 13‐19 inches from the tip of its bill to the tip of its tail. It has a slightly downward curving bill and is gray brown overall with an orange breast.

Habitat Description: Salty and brackish water marshes with pickleweed and cordgrass along San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, and Morro Bay.

Source: Ken Phenicie

California Least Tern Federal Status: Endangered (Sternula antillarum browni) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Endangered, Fully Protected

Species Description: Long narrow wings and a broad forked tail. Black cap on head with white across the forehead.

Habitat Description: Found along the Bayfront.

Source: USFWS

Elegant Tern Federal Status: None (Thalasseus elegans) Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: Medium tern, orange bill, pale gray upper and lower with black legs. White on forehead in winter.

Habitat Description: Primarily a seabird that is sometimes found at inland lakes near the coast.

Source: Don Roberson

BIRDS: OWLS AND RAPTORS Federal Status: None Cooper’s Hawk Critical Habitat: None (Accipiter cooperii) State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: A medium‐sized hawk with the classic accipiter shape: broad, rounded wings and a very long tail. In Cooper’s Hawks, the head often appears large, the shoulders broad, and the tail rounded. Adults are steely blue‐gray above with warm reddish bars on the underparts and thick dark bands on the tail. Juveniles are brown above and crisply streaked with brown on the upper breast, giving them a somewhat hooded look compared with young Sharp‐ shinned Hawks' more diffuse streaking. Source All About Birds

Habitat Description: Wooded habitats from deep forests to leafy subdivisions and backyards. Source All About Birds.

Source: National Parks Service

Northern Goshawk Federal Status: None (Accipiter gentilis) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Large raptor with a long tail and dark cap with white stripe through the eye.

Habitat Description: Deciduous and coniferous forests. Prefer old growth.

Source: Birds and Nature 1904, Wikimedia Commons

Sharp‐shinned Hawk Federal Status: None (Accipiter striatus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: Very small hawk with a long tail,

Habitat Description: Breed in deep forests, hunt along forest edges.

Source: Abdoozy, Wikimedia Commons

Golden Eagle Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Management Concern (Aquila chrysaetos) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Fully Protected

Species Description: Dark brown large eagle with broad wings.

Habitat Description: Avoid developed areas and hunt in open areas dominated by native species.

Source: USFWS

Short‐eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Mottled brown, medium sized owl, flies close to the ground.

Habitat Description: Open grasslands.

Source: nigel, wikimedia commons

Long‐eared Owl Federal Status: None (Asio otus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium to large brown owl with large ear tufts and an orange facial disk.

Habitat Description: Roosts and nests in trees by day and hunts at night.

Source: J. Couperus, Wikimedia Commons 30

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Very small long legged owl, yellow eyes, often active during the day.

Habitat Description: Nests in open grassland and rangelands.

Source: T. Llovet, Wikimedia Commons Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Ferrunginous Hawk Critical Habitat: None (Buteo regalis) State Status: None

Species Description: Large rust colored hawk having a white chest.

Habitat Description: Grasslands and pasture.

Source: D. Sherony, Wikimedia Commons

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Threatened

Species Description: Small to medium hawk with a dark chest band.

Habitat Description: Grasslands and pasture.

Source: Itshears, Wikimedia Commons 31

Northern Harrier Federal Status: None (Circus cyaneus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Slim long tailed hawk, white patch at base of tail. Has an owlish face.

Habitat Description: Grasslands, pastures and marshes.

Source: Naumann, Wikimedia Commons

White‐tailed Kite

(Elanus leucurus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Fully Protected

Species Description: Medium sized, bright white raptor, often seen hovering when hunting for food.

Habitat Description: Open grasslands.

Source: G, Schechter, Wikimedia Commons

Merlin Federal Status: None (Falco columbarius) Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: A small but robust falcon. Hunt songbirds and shorebirds.

Habitat Description: Nest in forested openings and edges, especially along creeks and rivers. Hunt in open grasslands open shoreline and forests.

Source: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons

Prairie Falcon Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern (Falco mexicanus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: Brown above and pale with brown markings on the breast and belly. From below, they show dark under the wing from the "armpit" to the wrist. From above, the tail is paler and contrasts with the back and wings. They also have a pale stripe above the eye. Credit: All About Birds

Habitat Description: Occur in open country, especially arid habitats including alpine tundra, shortgrass prairie and high desert. In winter, they’re more widespread, ranging to low deserts and occasionally to towns. Nest on ledges on sheer rocky cliffs. Source: Caroline Lambert

American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern Critical Habitat: None State Status: Fully Protected

Species Description: Large falcon with pointed wings. Wingtips are black. Top of head dark, pake sides of neck and throat. Hunts other birds, mammals, lizards and insects.

Habitat Description: Nest in tall cliffs, rocks or human constructed features. Often seen hunting near coastal areas.

Source: Amada44, Wikimedia Commons

Bald Eagle Federal Status: USFWS Bird of Management Concern (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Endangered, Fully Protected

Species Description: Adults have characteristic white head and tail and brown body.

Habitat Description: Prefers large wetlands, lakes, bays, and rivers with surrounding old growth or mature conifer stands to perch, roost and nest.

Source: K.Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: CDFW Watchlist

Species Description: A large fish eating bird brown on the upper and grey to white below. Nest in the open on poles, trees, snags often over water.

Habitat Description: Near any body of water.

Source: NASA, Wikimedia Commons

FISH: Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None Pacific Lamprey State Status: Species of Special Concern (Entosphenus tridentatus) Species Description: An anadromous parasitic lamprey from the Pacific Coast of North America and Asia. The Pacific lamprey is also known as the three‐tooth lamprey and tridentate lamprey. They grow to be about 31 inches as adults.

Habitat Description: spend most of their life in freshwater streams before entering the ocean as adults to feed. Young lamprey burrow into the muddy bottoms of backwater pools and eddies, where they filter the mud and water. In the ocean they grow to 16 to 27 inches before returning after one or two years to fresh water to spawn and die.

Source: Oregon Zoo

Tidewater Goby Federal Status: Endangered Critical Habitat: Designated in coastal portions of San (Eucyclogobius newberryi) Gregorio, Pescadero and Arroyo De Los Frijoles Creeks State Status: None

Species Description: Male tidewater gobies are nearly transparent, with a mottled brownish upper surface, and generally remain near the breeding burrows. Female tidewater gobies develop darker colors on the body and fins.

Habitat Description: Brackish water habitats along coast, fairly still but not stagnant water and high Source: Brenton Spies oxygen levels. The tidewater goby, a fish species endemic to California, is found primarily in waters of coastal lagoons, estuaries, and marshes.

Coho Salmon Central California Coast (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) (extending from Punta Gorda to San Lorenzo River)

Federal Status: Endangered Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: Endangered

Species Description: Average adult size is 6 to 12 lbs, though adults can reach over 30 lbs. Adults return at approximately 3 years of age to natal stream to spawn, then die. Ocean‐going adult fish have blue sides, transitioning to red sides as they return to freshwater streams to spawn.

Habitat Description: Coho salmon fry spend first year to year and a half in freshwater streams before migrating to the ocean to spend another year to year and a half. Coho spawn in larger streams within the District’s boundaries including: the main stem of Pescadero, San Gregorio and Gazos Creeks.

Source: Trout Unlimited

Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Central California Coast Distinct Population Segment (DPS) (extending from Russian River to Aptos Creek)

Federal Status: Threatened Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: None

Species Description: Average adult size is 8 to 11 lbs, though adults can reach 40 lbs. Steelhead have the most variable life history of all salmonid species, juvenile fish typically spend from 1 to 3 years in fresh water before maturing in the ocean from 1 to 4 growing seasons. Some individuals are capable of remaining in freshwater for their entire life cycle.

Habitat Description: Steelhead can survive in a wide variety of habitat conditions and tolerate much wider range of stream conditions than Coho salmon. Accompanying maps show distribution and Critical

Source: Trout Unlimited Habitat within the District’s boundaries.

MAMMALS: BATS

Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None

State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium sized bat (3‐5 inch length) with large, long wide ears and large eyes. Insectivorous, but may also eat rodents or lizards. Mates from October to February, birth late in spring to early summer. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Hibernate in rock crevices and buildings. Prefer rocky openings and grasslands

Source: G. Galice, Wikimedia Commons

Townsend's Big‐eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium sized bat (4‐6 inch length), with extremely long ears and lumps on the side of the snout. Insectivorous. Mates late in fall, birth late in spring to early summer. Male and Female occupy separate roost sites. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Any variety of habitat near caves or other roosting areas.

Source: Bureau of Land Management

Western Red Bat Federal Status: None (Lasiurus blossevillii) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Speies Description: Solitary small to medium sized bat. Insectivorous. Mates late in fall, with birth late in spring to early summer. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Riparian areas and woodlands. Roosts singly in broad leaved trees such as willows and in fruit and nut orchards.

Source: Pima County

Western Mastiff Bat Federal Status: None (Eumops perotis californicus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: The largest bat native to North America. They have very large ears that extend out over their nose. They have short brown to gray‐brown fur on its back and paler fur on their underside. Their wings are long and narrow.

Habitat Description: Ideal habitat for this bat is a large open area with roost sites having vertical faces. They will roost in small colonies in rock fissures in high cliff faces. Because of their large size, they need at least 20 feet of vertical drop from their roosts to

Source: Lindsay Wildlife Experience gain enough speed for flight.

Hoary Bat Federal Status: None (Lasiurus cinereus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None Other: Western bat Working Group, medium concern

Species Description: Medium sized furry bat (5‐6 inches in length). . Insectivorous. Mates in fall, with birth late in early summer. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Prefers woodlands and coniferous forests and hunts over open areas or lakes. Roosts singly in trees or with other bats in caves.

Source: Bureau of Land Management

Federal Status: None Long‐eared Myotis Critical Habitat: None (Myotis evotis) State Status: None Other: Western bat Working Group, medium concern

Species Description: Small furry bat (3 inches in length) with large, long black ears. Insectivorous. Mates from October to February, birth late in spring to early summer. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Shrublands and coniferous forests. Roost under tree bark, in hollow trees or caves.

Source: Smithsonian

Fringed Myotis Federal Status: None (Myotis thysanodes) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None Other: Western bat Working Group, high concern

Species Description: Small furry bat (3 inches in length) with short wings. Insectivorous. Mates from October to February, birth late in spring to early summer. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Shrublands and coniferous forests. Roost in hollow trees or caves.

Source: Smithsonian

Long‐legged Myotis Federal Status: None (Myotis volans) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None Other: Western bat Working Group, high concern

Species Description: Small furry bat (3 inches in length). Insectivorous. Mates from October to February, birth late in spring to early summer. Nocturnal.

Habitat Description: Coniferous forests and oak woodlands. Roost in hollow trees, rocks, or caves.

Source: Smithsonian

Big Free‐Tailed Bat Federal Status: None (Nyctinomops macrotis) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Velvety, glossy coat. the largest member of Nyctinomops with an average forearm length of 2.4 in. It has a wingspan of 16.4–17.2 in.

Habitat Description: Roost mainly in crevices and rocks in cliffs, although there is some documentation of roosts in buildings, caves, and tree cavities.

Source: BatsofTexas.com

MAMMALS: NON-BAT

Ring‐tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None

State Status: Fully Protected

Species Description: Member of the raccoon family. Light to dark brown in color with a long distinctive ringed tail. Usually smaller than a housecat. Nocturnal. Mate in the spring, cubs born in the summer. Excellent climber

Habitat Description: Rocky and riparian areas; nests in hollow trees.

Source: US Forest Service

Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat Federal Status: None (Dipodomys venustus venustus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: None Other: Locally Rare

Species Description: Small narrow faced burrowing mammal with large hind legs used for jumping. Gathers seeds in their cheek pouches,

Habitat Description: Primarily found in Manzanita chaparral located in the sand hills of the Santa Cruz Source: Smithsonian Mountains.

San Francisco Dusky‐Footed Woodrat Federal Status: None (Neotoma fuscipes annectens ) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Medium sized rodent up to 7 inches in length (excluding tail) with large ears and eyes. Fur on underside of body lighter than that on back and sides. Tail has fur on upper side.

Habitat Description: Relatively common and widespread throughout hardwood and mixed forest types. Mounded stick lodges can extend up to 8 feet across. Adults build multiple lodges in colonies throughout their range. Distributed widely throughout the District and found in virtually all vegetation types. Source: B Moose Peterson

Mountain Lion (Puma Concolor)

Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Specially Protected Species*

*Based on their “specially protected species” designation, the District recognizes mountain lions as a “special status species”. They are presumed to potentially occur virtually anywhere throughout the District.

Species Description: Large cat with a long tail.

Habitat Description: Relatively common and widespread throughout the District.

Source: USFWS

Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse Federal Status: Endangered (Reithrodontomys raviventris) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Endangered, fully protected

Species Description: Tiny mouse found in the tidal salt marshes surrounding the San Francisco Bay. It is a grooved‐toothed mouse having a tail generally shorter than its body length. The mouse is very small, weighing only 9‐14 grams and is approximately 3 inches in length.

Habitat Description: Salt marshes, especially those containing pickleweed (Salicornia spp.). The salt marsh harvest mouse is found at the District’s two Source: Galli Basson bayside Preserves: Ravenswood and Stevens Creek

Nature Study Area.

Salt‐marsh Wandering Shrew Federal Status: None (Sorex vagrans halicoetes) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Small to medium sized rodent.

Habitat Description: Salt marshes along the San Francisco bay.

Source: Cal Academy of Sciences

American Badger Federal Status: None (Taxidea taxus) Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Stocky low to the ground carnivorous mammal with large claws. Grayish coat with white and black markings on the head.

Habitat Description: Open grasslands preferably with sandy loamy soils having available prey (mice squirrels etc.)

Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service

REPTILES Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None Western Pond Turtle State Status: Species of Special Concern (Actinemys marmorata) Species Description: Average adult size is 15 to 18 inches. Carapace (shell) is a dark brown or dull olive with darker marks or streaking pattern. Plastron (breast plate) can be a yellowish, sometimes with dark areas. The foot is webbed to the base area of the claws. Sides of head lacks any colored stripes.

Habitat Description: Pond turtles are found within and near a wide variety of wetland habitats, typically ponds, marshes, and slow moving streams. Habitats include adequate vegetative cover and exposed basking sites such as logs and boulders. Accompanying maps show distribution within the District’s boundaries.

Source: Gerald and Buff Corsi

Coast Horned Lizard

(Phrynosoma blainvillii) Federal Status: None Critical Habitat: None State Status: Species of Special Concern

Species Description: Average adult size is 2.5 to 4.5 inches long. Flat wide bodied lizard having distinctive pointy “horns” (scales) on its head. Multicolored lighter below. Primarily eats ants.

Habitat Description: Prefers sandy soils with sparse vegetation. Can be found in grasslands, shrublands, coniferous forests and woodlands.

Source: G. Nafis, CalHerps

San Francisco Garter Snake Federal Status: Endangered (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) Critical Habitat: Designated State Status: Endangered, Fully Protected

Species Description: Medium sized snake from 1 to 3 feet in length with copper colored head, and solid red stripe along sides of body and faint turquoise stripes and underside. Diurnally active during summer, hibernate during winter.

Habitat Description: Most commonly found around ponds, marshes, and other wetlands that support prey species, particularly California red‐legged frog. May also be found in upland areas near aquatic habitats.

Source: Don Roberson