Great Basin Naturalist

Volume 57 Number 2 Article 5

5-7-1997

Late fall and early spring observations for Mulegé, Baja Sur,

Robert C. Whitmore West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

R. Craig Whitmore Mulege, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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Recommended Citation Whitmore, Robert C. and Whitmore, R. Craig (1997) "Late fall and early spring bird observations for Mulegé, Baja California Sur, Mexico," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 57 : No. 2 , Article 5. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol57/iss2/5

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Western North American Naturalist Publications at BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Great Basin Naturalist by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Crt::at Basin NatumhJ'lt 57(2), tel 1997, pp. 131-141

LATE FALL AND EARLY SPRING BIRD OBSERVATIONS FOR MULEGE, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUB, MEXICO

Robert C. Whitmore! and R. Craig Whitmore2

ABsrRAcr.-Observational data from spring and fall 1996 and ~..pring 1997 for the region near Mulege, Baja California Sur. Mexico, are summarized in tabular form. In addition, new or noteworthy data for 17 are annotated to provide clarification ofpreviously published records. A umquely plumaKed bird, too far south for a female American Robin (TIR"­ dUoS migratnrltLf) in basic plumage and too far north for the endemic "San [Alue;" Rohin (.lUrdus migrutorius confinis) and intennediate in coloration between the two, was recorded. Range expansions are documented for several !l-pecies includ­ ing European Starling (Stumns t>ulgtnis), Anoa's Hummingbird (Colypte /'Will), Western MeadO\....lark {SturneUn negle.cta}, White-faced Ibi' (Pl<~adis chkhi). and White-fronted ('.oose (Anser ,dbijro"..). Least G,ebc, (Tachyhaj>Ws dominicus), a species ofconcern which i<; apparently declining in numbers, and Belding's Yellowthroat (Geothlypis bc~i), a spccie.'l endemic to Baja California Sur, were obselVcd in the fre.'lhwater marsh during all 3 study pcriOOs.

Key words: Btya Culifomin. Stu; Mexico; Mw.egc. bird records, range expansion, desert naris.

The avifauna of Baja Cali/oruia (hereafter Hotel Serinidad, approximately 2 km east ofthe BC), the second longest and most geographi­ town, supports small aircraft, while the nearest cally isolated peninsula in the world (Grismer commercial air service is to Loreto, approxi­ aJ1d McGuire 1993), is one of the most inter­ mately 132 km south. Its distance from both the esting, yet poorly studied, in North America nmthern and southern population centers makes (Wilbur 1987, Howell and Webb 1995). Late Mulege accessible only to hardy travelers. 19th and early 20th century natural history The area features both a brackish water tidal work in BC has been summarized by E. D. estuary, Rio Mulege, and a small, year-round Nelson (1921) and J. Grinnell (1928). Much of spring-fed freshwater lagoon. The former is the recent ornithological effort has been con­ small, <3 km long, runs primarily west to east, centrated in either the coast and mountains of and includes a poorly developed saltwater marsh n"'thern BC (Kiff et al. manuscript in prep­ ofcordgrass (Spartina folwsa, Gramineae), glass­ aration, Patten et al. 1993, Unitt et al. 1995), wort (Salicornia bigelovii, Chenopodiac-eae), and lagoons ofthe Pacific coast (Massey and Palacios saltworl (Batis maritima; plant names follow 1994), offshore islands (Anderson 1983, Cody Roberts [1989]). A narrow mangrove commu­ 1983), or southernmost regions from La Paz to nity, principally black mangrove (Avicennia the cape (Rodriquez-Estrella and Rivera-Rodri­ germinans, Avicenniaceae) and red mangruve quez 1992, Carmona et al. 1994, Guzman et aI. (Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophoraceae), occurs 1994). This report summarizes early spring irregularly along tbe estuary and on several 1996 and 1997 and late faIl 1996 observations small islands within its boundaries. Above tbe for the area near Mulege, Baja California Sur high tide zone are scattered stands of mangle (hereafter BCS). dulce (Mayte.ws phyllnnthaides, Celastraceae). MuJege is located on the east coast of BCS Lining the southeru edge of the estuary are north of Babia Concepcion and south of Santa several "retirement" communities consisting of Rosalia, straddling 26"53' ,111"58W (Fig. 1). permanent houses and semipermanent domi· Vehicular access is by means of Mexico High­ ciles formed by modifying various types of way 1, a reasonably maintained 2-lane asphalt motor homes and trailers. Many residents pro­ road passable during all but the wettest sea­ vide supplemental food for hirds in the fonn sons, approximately 800 Ian south of Tijuana, of typical "backyard" grain feeders and hum­ Baja California No,te (hereafter BCN), and mingbird feeders filled witb sugar water. Asso­ 500 km north ofthe cape. A landing sbip at the ciated with these communities are numerous

IOivisioll ur R"\:.,,try, PO 8o.l6125, ~t V~aia University, MOI-gaJ",hlWll, wv 26&)().6U5. 2Aplu1ado 10, Q.uis nio Mu1o#. M"u:ge, Baja Qilifun';1L SUI:, Mc:dco.

131 132 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST' [Volume 57

west ofthe lagoon an arroyo meanders through " the center of a broad valley. The arroyo con­ tains water only during seasonally heavy rains. 4 Portions ofthe valley are heavily irrigated with ancestral water and support citrus orchards, 31 corn, garlic, onions, alfalfa, some truck crops, 6 and pasture. Annual rainfall averages < 12 em, the average computed from numerous years

29 without rain interspersed with an occasional heavy downpour.

11. Ornithologically, the Mulege region has re­ 12. ceived only anecdotal attention (Wilbur per­ 13. 27 14 15 • sonal communication, Howell and Webb 1992), •• even though the area is home to 3 species 1e • 17 endemic to BC, Xantus' Hummingbird (nomen­ clature follows the 1983 AOU Check-list with 25 appropriate supplements; see Appendix for scientific names), Belding's Yellowthroat, and Gray Thrasher. In addition, recent observations 23 indicate that a small colony of Least breed within the freshwater lagoon at Mulege (Howell and Webb 1992, personal observation) 114 112 110 and large concentrations of Hooded Oriole breed in the palmar. Fig. L Outline map of 2 states in Los Estados Unidas Field data were collected during February, de :Mexico, Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur, March, April, and November 1996 and Febru­ showing approximate position of prominent locations: 1, ary and March 1997. The data consist ofdirect Tijuana; 2, Ensenada; 3, Maneadero; 4, San Felipe; 5, Santo Domingo; 6, Bahia de San Quintin; 7, EI Rosario; 8, observation enhanced with playbacks of re­ Cataviiia; 9, Bahia de Los Angeles; 10, Guerrero Negro; corded songs/calls. Here we summarize new, 11, San Ignacio; 12, Santa Rosalia; 13, Mulege; 14, Bahia noteworthy or locale-specific information for Concepcion; 15, La Purfsima; 16, Comondu; 17, Loreto; 17 species, some of which may be considered 18, Ciudad Insurgentes; 19, Bahia Magdalena; 20, La Paz; common, but for which no Mulege records are 21, La Laguna; 22, San Jose del Cabo. provided in published sources (e.g., Nelson 1921, Grinnell 1928, Wilbur 1987, Howell and ornamental plantings and scattered palms in­ Webb 1992, 1995). In addition, we provide tab­ cluding native Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia ular summarization of our data for all species robusta, Arecaceae) and introduced date palm observed during the 3 time periods. Precise (Phoenix dactylifera, Arecaceae). Dense stands latitude/longitude locations were determined of these species are locally referred to as the using GPS (Gannin model #100), while approx­ "palmar." imate (hereafter approx.) locations were deter­ The freshwater lagoon, approximately 1.5 mined from an atlas of surface maps (Topo­ km long and 10-30 m wide depending on sea­ graphic International, Inc. 1986). son, is formed by damming the main spring, primarily to prevent tidal saltwater contamina­ ANNOTATED SPECIES ACCOUNTS tion. It supports a small community, a plantation of date palms, a dense stand of rush (JuncWJ Least . Observed at the freshwater sp., Juncacae), and limited citrus and mango oasis each day it was visited. In spring adults orchards. The lagoon is highly impacted by were attracted to tape recordings of their ad­ domestic cattle and pigs, which run freely and vertisement and distress calls. As many as 6 have trampled significant portions of the edge adults could be seen at 1 time within 50 m of habitat. Away from the water, habitat abruptly the tape player. All observed in March transforms into sarcocaulescent desert (Wig­ were in full adult breeding plumage (red eyes gins 1980) dominated by Cercidium, Bursera, and lack ofa white throat). Two juveniles were Pachycereus, and Opuntia (Wilbur 1987). To the observed on 26 April 1996. This species was J997] BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO, BIRD R£COnDs 133 not recorded in brackish water of tidal Rio from close range « 10 m) swimming in the Mulege. Based on playbacks, we estimate that freshwatc.- lagoon at Mulege. The furthest there were at least 8 pairs of Least Grebes in south for which Wilbur (1987:53) provides the oasis; we know ofat lea~t 1 successful nest­ documentation is Bahia San Quintin (approx. ing attempt. Howell and Webb (1992) also ob­ 300 27'N, 115°57'W) on the Pacific coast. The served them in the oasis and cited 2 other range map in Howell and Webb (1995:155) ohservations, from 1987 and 1988. This species shows the transient/winter range of tbis sp<...->cies was formerly common in the cape region but only on the Pacific coast side of the peninsula, has declined in that area because of habitat although the west coast ofmainland Mexico is degradation (Wilbur 1987:32-33). Since this included. oasis is highly impactcd by humans and appears Anna's IInmmingbird. We found tllis species to be degenerating and since this situation is to he commoo at feeders, with documented sight common at most of the other BC oases (Wilbur records continuously from 29 February through 1987, Crismer and McGuire 1993), there is early April 1996, when all hummingbird use of little hope for long-term survival of the local feeders diminished. Howell and Webb (1992) population. report them in October north of Mulege at . One observed at Estero Cuerrero Negro (approx. 27°58'N, 114°03'W) San Marcus, a saltwater lagoon locatcd approx. on the west coast and south at tbe EI Tripui 20 km nmiheast of :vtulege (approx. 27°07' , rCSOli south ofLoreto (approx. 26' " 111 °27'W) 112°04'W). Wilbur (1987:34) lists tltis species on the east coast. Wilbur (1987:109) reports that as "occasional" in the Gulf of California while the species is an "uncommon resident" south Howell aod Webh (1995:97) inclode it as a non­ to 30' on the mainland and to 28° on islands. breeding (wiotering) species "less common" in Howell and Webb (1995:425) state that Anna's the gulf than on the Pacific coast. Howell and Hummingbirds winter south to about Guer­ Webh (1992) provide 5 winter records, 3 of rero Negro. The maximum number we recorded which are from the Pacific coast, 1 from the at any 1 time was 4 individuals (2 males llnd 2 interior and 1 from tbe Cape region. The loca­ females on 3 March 1996). tion closest to Mulege is San Ignacio (approx. Rufous HUffiJningbird. For this report we 27° 17'N, 112°54'W). assume that individuals with rufous tails and White-faced Ibis. On 12 November !fl96 green backs were Allen's Hommingbirds while we observed 4 individuals feeding iu an irri­ those with rufous tails and rufous backs were gated alfalfa field ahout 8 km west of Mulege. Rufous HUmnUngbirds (although this may be On 15 November 1996 at Rio Mulege, we ob· unreliable; Phillips 1975, Kaufman 1990). From served 4 feeding individuals on exposed mud 1 March through 2.5 March 1996 they were flats at low tide. [t cannot be determined if abundant at feeders, with peak numbers (>7 these 2 sightings were the same individuals. males and > 5 females seeo at 1 time) on 3 Wilbur (1987:51) lists this species as a rare March. The last individual (1 female) was seen transient, providing 3 location records: Manea­ on 25 March. When present, we noted that dero (approx. 31 °44'N, 116°33'W), La Purisima they donJ..inated all other species at the feed­ (approx. 26° 12'N, 112°04'W), aod 3 records at ers, including the much larger Xanlus' Hum­ La Paz (approx. 24°08'N, 110° 17'W). An im­ mingbird. Howell aod Webb (1995:428) do not mature was recorded on 11 June 1991 at San include this species on their range map for Jose del Cabo (approx. 23°03'N, 109'43'W; BCS, while Wilbur (1987:109-110) states tbat Howell and Wehb 1992). The range map in it is an "... uncommon spring and fall tran­ Howell and Webb (1995:147) includes all of sient the length of the peninsula...." None of Baja as transient/wintering range, but the Wilbur's documented sites, howevel~ include account does not provide documentation for Mulege. Phillips (1975) postulates a spring BCS. migration route out of the state of Sinaloa into Greater White-fronted Goose. On 11 Sonord, :\1exico, and across the Sea of Cortez November 1996 nine individuals were in an at approximately 30° N. Our data indicate that irrigated alfalfa field approximately 10 km the crossover is at least 26" and possibly fur­ west of Mulege. Tbey took off, flying due east ther south. down the valley toward the town. On 14 Allen's Hummingbird. Observed almost November 1996 we observed 9 individuals daily from 1 March through 13 March 1996, 134 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST [Volume 57

departing nearly 2 wk before the last Rufous American Robin. One individual was ob­ Hummingbird. Howell and Webb (1995: served by 3 people over a 2-h period on 15 428--429) do not include this species in BCS, November 1996 at the Rancho La Ventana, while Wilbur (1987:110) lists them as common approximately 10 km west of Muleg6 in an to abundant transients in ". , . northwestern agricultural area. The bird in question was ex­ Baja Califomia ... ," presumably not BCS. tremely gray in coloration and was initially Phillips (1975) summarizes specimen locations identifIed by us as a female American Robin in for this species, noting only 6 spring speci­ basic plumage. However, after examining our mens, 1 each on 22 February 192.5 at Santo field notes, field guide illustrations, several Domingo (approx. 30'46'N, 115'.57'W on the American Robin females collected in Baja or Pacific coast) and 25 February 1925 at San nearby desert locales, and 8 specimens of "San Quintin (approx. 30'27'N, 115'57'W on the Lucas" Robins collected in Baja, we are left Pacific coast), and 4 on 2 March 1945 at Isla undecided about the positive identification of Ccdros (a continental island approx. 28'15'N, this bird. The back, wings, nape, crown, and 115'20'W on the Pacific side). There were no forehead were too gray and the breast and specimen records for BCS and nOile for main­ abdomen were not rufous enough for a desert land Mexico for April and May. Our data sup­ area American Robin female in unworn basic port the contention that Allen's Hummingbirds plumage. However, the breast and abdomen complete their northward migration before were not as "washed out" as a typical "San Rufous Hummingbirds but not the supposition Lucas" Robin. In either event the record is of that they cross the Sea of Cortez at about 30' note since Wilbur (1987:132) lists American Robins as an ". .. uncommon migrant and north. winter visitor, chiefly in the north ..." with Costa's Humminghird. Although it is widely supportive sightings including December at known that this species is the most abundant Bahia de Los Angeles (approx. 29'N, 113'34'''"') hummingbird in desert areas of Be, we report and May at La Laguna (approx. 23'06'N, 3 unusual nest locations. The 1st site was an 109'36'W) in the cape region. In addition, he active nest with 2 that was constructed lists the "San Lucas" Robin as native only to on a piece of fishnet material slung under a the mountains of the cape region. Howell and blne glass fishing float nscd as a decoration Webb (1995:592) include similar information hanging on a patio outside a home. Interest­ from the above locations in their range maps. ingly, the nest was adomed with pale blue Neither reference includes the area surround­ plastic fibers (perhaps from a pinata?) which ing Mulege. In addition, American Robins are nearly exactly matched the glass of the float. listed as breeding in BCN (Howell and Webb We discovered the nest when it had 2 eggs, 1992). In summmy, the individual we observed both of which hatched and later fledged. The was more than 200 km south of the published 2nd and 3rd nests were located under the range of the American Robin and more than edge of television satellite dishes adjacent to 300 km north of the range of the "San Lucas" patios. The contents ofthe 1st Costa's nest were Robin. The plumage did not fit "perfectly" unknown, but the female was silting tight from either ofthe two, but was closer to the latter. 1 March through 15 March 1996. Its ultimate European Starling. During November we outcome is likewise unknown. The 2nd nest observed this species daily in the agricultural contained 2 nestlings that were being fed as of valley west of Mulege. This species was less 9 March 1997. common in spring of 1996, but during spring Red-breasted Sapsucker. One, an adult 1997 many individuals were observed defend­ male, was observed on 3 consecutive days in ing potential hole nest locations amongst the early March 1997 in the mixed mesquitc!"pal­ card6n (Pachycereus). This is south of previ­ mar" habitat edging Rio Mulege. We place ously published winter sightings at Guerrero these observations on record, since Wilbur Negro (approx. 27'58'N, 114'03'W; Wilbur (1987:111-112) states that they are a "... sparse 1987:137, Howell and Webb 1992, 1995:613). winter visitor October to February throughout This species appears to be continuing its south­ ..." Be and provides only Grinnell's (1928) ward colonization route. location summaries, none of which is within Pyrrhuloxia. Observed commonly during 250 km of Mulege. spring 1996 and 1997 and fall 1996 in a vm'iety 1997] BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO, BIRD RECORDS 135 of habitats including backyard feeders, irri­ 1987). This matches the range map given in gated cropland, opeu desert and mixed scrub, Grinnell (1928:176, Figure 13). For latitude contrary to Grinuell (1928: 184) who confines 26°_27° N the range map in Howell and Wchb the species to mesquite (Prosopis sp., Mimos­ identifies the area east of the central moun­ oideae) associations. Mulege is ncar the north­ tains. Given the species song/call, especially in ern edge of the year-round range of this and spring (March/April), it should have been easy the following specics (Wilbur 1987:148, How­ to observe. However, we have no records from ell and Webb 1995:682). Supporting spring early springl1ate fall 1996, although a single documentation for Pyrrhuloxia includes "very male did respond to a song playback on 2 dif­ rare" at Santa Rosalia (approx 27°20'N, ferent days at the freshwater lagoon in early 112° 16'W, approx. 30 km north of Mulege), March 1997. Song Sparrows are known from 3 "fairly common" at Sauta Aguenda (approx. additional areas in BC: northwest coastal moun­ 2T03'N, 112° 25'W, betweeu Santa Rosalia tains south to El Rosario (approx. 30 0 03'N, and Mulege), Bahia Agua Verde (approx. 115°44'W), Rio Colorado (exact location un­ 25°28'N, 111 °15'W, south of Loreto), aud El known but approx. 31 °50'N, 114°15'W), and a Triunfo (approx. 23 °45'N, 110 ° to'w, south of small population discovered recently in the La Paz). oasis at Cataviiia (approx. 29°44'N, 114°43'W; Northern Cardinal. Observed on several Howell and Pyle 1990). dates and at several locations, including 3 Western Meadowlark. This species was March 1996 in mixed shrub habitat, 7 March heard/seen regularly, March 1996 and 1997 1996 at a feeder iu the Oasis Rio Mulege, and and November 1996, in irrigated alfalfa fields captured on 8 March 1997 in a mist net located approx. 10 km west of Mulege. They are known in desert scrub habitat 10 km west of town. breeders in northwestern BC with winter Many of the contour feathers covering the back records south to San Ignacio (approx. 2T20'N, of this individual were either entirely gray or Il2"50'W; Wilbur 1987:160-161). Howell and tipped with gray, typical of desert-dwelling Webb (1992, 1995:738) include all of BCS as cardim-us in basic plumage, This gave a pale winter range and include 1 summer record cast to the overall ventral appearance. Northern from Ciudad Insurgentes (approx. 25° 10'N, Cardinals are common and widespread south 111°45'W), taking advantagc of recent agricul­ of Santa Rosalia (approx. 27°20'N, 112°16'W; tural development. Wilbur 1987:148, Howell and Webb HJ9,5: Brown-headed Cowbird. Although nonc 681-682), although no records for Mulege are were observed during spring 1996 or 1997, a included. small flock «20 individuals) was observed on Clay-colored Sparrow. In November this 13 November and again on 15 November 1996 species was observed on multiple days, often foraging in a heavily grazed alhlfa field in the within flocks of Lark Sparrows and Brewer's agricultural valley approx. 10 km west of Sparrows, foraging in the edges of irrigated Mulege. Although the range map in Howell fields approx. 10 km west of Mulege. They are and Webb (1995:742) places the year-round "common winter visitors to the Cape District range of this species throughout BC, no docu­ October to April ... only a few reports north mentation is provided. Wilbur (1987:162) lists oflat 25° ..." (Wilbur 1987:153). Documented this species as a regular winter visitor south to records include Cataviiia (approx. 29 °44'N, the cape district, with 1 supportive record for 114 °43'W) and San Ignacio (approx. 27° 17'N, La Paz (approx. 24°10'N, 110 0 35'W) in Janu­ 112°54'W), Howell and Webb's (1995:716) ary, but as a breeder only in BCN. Our data range map does not include the Muleg6 area. support the contention that cowbirds are win­ Song Sparrow. The distributiou ofthis spe­ ter visitants to the Mulege, not year-round cies in central Baja is problematic. Although residents. listed in both Wilbur (1987:157-158) and Howell and Webb (1995:725) as present at the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS same latitude as Mulege, the text description in Wilbur lists locations only west of the cen­ We thank John and Jane Boyd, Russell and tral mountains, including records from San Joanne Evans, Ted and Ann Manyk, and Gene Ignacio (approx. 2T30'N, 112°50'W) south to and Lydia Tobias for access to their property/ Comondu (approx. 26 °lO'N, 111° 40'W; Wilbur feeders and for calling our attention to unusual 136 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST [Volume 57 observations and anecdotal information. VVe in the Sea of Cortez. University of California Fress, thank S. R. Wilhur, D. W. Anderson, S. N. G. Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London. CKINNf.),I., ]. 1928. A distributional summation ofthe orni­ Howell, J. Guzman, E. Palacios, B. Massey, R. thology of Lower California. University ofC"l.lifomia Rodriguez-Estrella, and L. F Kiff for advice, Publications in Zoology 32: 1~300. encouragement, and updated observational CRISMER, H. L., AND J. A. McCUlRE. 1993. Thc oases of data. We thank K. Parkes at the Camegie central Baja California, M~xico. Pa.rt I. A preliminary a~"''OI.mt of the relict mesophilic herpetofaullD Dnd Museum of Natural History, Pittshurgh, Penn­ the status of the oases. Bulletin ofthe Southern Cali­ sylvania, for access to and advice concerning fornia Academy of Sciences 92: 2-24. specimens of American Robin, "San Lucas" GlTl~IA:-.l, J., R. CAIIMONA, E. PAUCIOS, AND M. BOJORQUEZ. Robin, and Northem Gardinal. In addition, we 1004. Seasonal di.~tribution ofaquatie birds in Estero de San Jose del Cabo, B.C.S. f..·lexico. Ciencia Mar. thank M. M. Campbell and 2 anonymous re­ 20(1),93-103. viewers for constructive comments for the im­ HOWELL, S. N. G., AND S. WElllI. 1992. Noteworthy bird provement ofearlier drafts. We thank L. Gribko ohservations from Baja California, Mexico. Western and J. Bell for assistance with Figure 1. Travel Birds 23: 153-163. fundiug for Rohert G. Whitmore was obtained __",' 1995. A guide to the birds of Mexlco and northern Central America. Oxford University Press, New York. from the College of Agriculture and Forestry 851 pp. at West Virginia University. Finally, we thank HOWELL, S. . C., AND P. PYLE. 1990. Additional notes on Ruth M. Whitmore for continued patience and birds in Baja Ollifomia. Aves Mexicanas 2(90-j): 6-7. cheerful support, even in the early morning KAl:FMAt\, K. 1990. Advanced birding. Petersen Held Guide hours. This manuscript is published with the Series No. 39. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. approval of the Director, West Virginia Agri­ KIn; L. F., S. R. WILllUlI, E. MCMILLAN, J. C. BORNEMAN, cultural and Forestry Experiment Station, as K. AxEl..SO:'Il, AN I) J. SCHMIDT. In prcpamtion. Birds of Scientific Publication #2606. the San Pedro Martir, Baja California Norte, Mt:.\ico. MAssEY, B. W, AND E. PALACIOS. 1994. Avifaunil of tht:: wet­ lands of Baja California., Mexico. Studies in Avian LmmATURE CITED Biology 15: 45-57. NELSON, E. D. 1921. Lower California and its natural AMERICAN ORNlTllOWGJSTS UNION. 1983. Check-list of reSources. National Acadt::my of Sciences 16, First North American hirds. 6th edition. Allen Press, Memoirs. 194 pp. Lawrence, Kansas. 877 pp. PATf~N. M. A., K. RAnJO;M.A,KEII, AND T. E. WURSTER. 1993. _--,,,' HJts5. Thirty-fifth supplement to the AmeriC'dn Noteworthy observatiuns from northeaslent Baja Cali­ Omil..hologisls· Union Chcck~list of North American fornia. \\'estern Birds 24: 89-93. Birds. Auk 102: 680-686. PHlLUl'S, A. B. 1975. The migrations of Allen's and other _--,,,' 1987. Thirty-sixth supplement to the American hummingbirds. Condor 77: 196--205. Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American ROBERTS, N. C. 1989. Baja California plant field guide. Birds. Auk 104: 591-596. Natural History l'ublishing Compuny, La JolIn, CA­ __,,' 1989. 'I11irty-scvcnth suppltlment to the American 30g pp. Ornithologists' Union Check·list of North American RODRIGUEZ-ESTRELlA, R., ANI) L. RIVERA·RoDRICU£Z. 1992.. Birds. Auk 106: 532-538. KleptopardSitism and other intemctions of crested . 1991. Thirty-eighth supplemt:nt to the American caracara in the cape region, Baja California, Mexico. --O"mitholOgists' Union Check-list of orth American Journal offield Ornithology 63: J.77-180. 7~. Birds. Auk 108: TOI'(X;IIAI'liIC INTF.RNATIONAI.. INc..;. 1986. Baja topographic __,,' 1993. Thirty-ninth supplement to the American atlas directory. Box: 5794, San Clemente, CA 92676­ Omithologists' Union Check-list of North American 8794. Birds. Auk 110: 675-682. UNITf, P., A. M. REA, E. PALACIOS, E. MELLrNK, L. ALFARO, . 1995. Fortieth supplement to the American Orni· AND S. GONzALEZ. 1995. Noteworthy records of birds --"thologiSts' Union Check-list of North American Birds. in northwestern Raja California, Mexico. Western Auk 112, 819-ll30. Birds 26: 144-154. ANIJ~HSON, D. W. 1983. The seabirds. Pages 246---264 in WIGGINS, 1. L 1980. Flom uf Baja California. Stanford ni­ C~e biogeogrn~ T. J. und M. L. Cody, editors. Island versity Press, Stanford, CA. l()'J....5 pp. phy in the Sea of Cortez. University of California WILBUII, S. R. 1987, Binls ofBaja California. University of Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, ami London. C~litomia Press, Berkeley. 253 pp. C... HMONA, R, J. GUZMAN, S. HAMIREZ, AND G. FERN,"'N­ DEZ. 1994. Breeding waterbirds of La Paz Bay, Baja Received 3 ]lJnuary 1997 California Sur, Mt::Xico. Western Birds 25: 151-157. Accepted 27 MlJl"ch 1997 CODY, M. L. 1983. Th~ land birds. P'dges 246-264 in T. J. Case and M.. L. Cody, editors, Island biogeogrdphy 1997] BAJA CALIFORNL~ SUR, lEXICa, BIRD REcORDS 137

APPENDIX

Summary of observational bird data arranged by habitat type. Abundant (A) == seen daily with little or no effort, com· mon (C) = usually seen in appropriate habitat by experienced observer, fairly common (F) = seen more than once in appropriate habitat by experienced observer, uncommon (U) = seen in appropriate habitat by experienced observer looking specifieaUy for that species, rare (R) = seen once in appropriate habitat by experienced observer. Habitat type Pelagic Freshwater Saltwater Irrigated Sarcocaulescent and shore lagoon3 estua.ry3 cropland' desert Speciesl Status2 Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Least Grebe Re CC (TachybapttlS dominicus) Pied-biJIed Grebe Re F F (Podilymbu, pod;c..,,) Eared Grebe Mi AA (Podiup, nigriroUi.s) Blue-footed Booby Re CC (Su!o nebouxii) Brown Booby Re AA (Sula leucogaster) Brown Pelican Re AA (Pelecalw$ occidentalis) Double-crested Cormorant Re AA (phalacrcx;m-"" auritw) Brandt's Cormornnt Re C C (p1w.IOCf"ocorax penicillatus) Magnificent Frigatebird Re AA (Fn~gata magniftcens) Great Blue Heron R. C C C C (Ardea herodias) Creat Egret Re CCCC C C (Cas_odi", alba) Soo·w)' Egret Re CCCCCC (Egretta thula) Little Blue Heron Re F F (Egretf.a caerulea) Tricolored Heron Re UU (EgreHa tricalor) Reddish Egret Re FF (E.,,<¥'ettQ 1'Ujescetl3) Cattle Egret Re F F FF (Bubulcn, ilm) Creen-bad,ed Heron Re U U (Butor1des striatus) Black-crowned Night-Heron Un CC (Nycticorax) Yellow-crowned Nigbt-Heron Un F F (Nycticorox violacen3) White-faced Ibis Wi U U (pkgadi' ch;h;) Greater White-fronted Goose Wi R R (A.,e.- a/hi!ro.,) Green-winged Teat Wi U U (Anas crecca) Mallard Wi F F F F (An"" platyrhyncha,) 138 GREKf BASIN NATUIIALfST [Volume 57

Habitat type Pelagic Freshwater Saltwater Irrigated San:o(;aulesccnt aud shor~ lagoon3 estuarr cropLandJ desert Speciesl Status2 Sp Fa 51' F, 5p Fa 51' Fa 51' Fa Northern Pintail Wi e e (AWlS """ta) Rllle~winged 'leal Wi F F (AntIS discors) Cinnamon Teal Wi U U (J\nas septen.t:rio1ltdiutn) Gadwall Wi U U lJ U (Nws ""epero) American Wigeon Wi e e (AWlS ameri=ul) Redhead Wi (Aythya collari..~) Ring-necked Duck Wi F F F F (Aythya a1TU!rWww) Lesser Scaup Wi e e e e (Aythya _/finis) Bufflehead Wi F ~' (Bn""phala allJeola) Ruddy Duck lie e e (Oxyurajamaiu'nSls) Osprey lie A A F F A A (pandion lwliCletus) ('..ooper's Hawk I\e UUU U (Accipiter conrert) Northern Harri~l' lie U (Circus cyane.us) Harris Hawk lie U (Ptl.rtlbuteo lmcifl,ctus) Red-tailed Hawk lie e e e c (Buteo jamuicens-is) American Kestrel lie e e e c (11IIIeo sparoerius) Mel·lin Wi U (Fa1ro columJuwius) Peregrine Falcon lie U (Fulco peregrinu.~) California Quail I\e A AA A (Callipepla eaU/onlWa) Som lie F F U U (poruma carolina) Common Moorhen lie F F (Gallmula chlamp,,,) American Coot lie AA e e (I.·)dica americana) Black-bellied Plover Wi e e (Placidis s~,,"wrula) Semipalmated Plover Wi F F (CluwadrWs semipalmatus) Killdeer lie e e F F (Clwrad¥ius we!f"r",,) Bluck-neckecl Stilt Wi F F (Hinumtopus _leanus) 1997] BAJA CAUFORNIA SUR, MEXICO, BIRD RECORDS 139

Habitat type Pelagic Freshwater Saltwater Irrigated Sarcocaulescent and shore lagoon 3 estuary,) cropland3 desert Speciesl Status2 Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp F.

American Avocet Wi UU (Recuroirostra americana) Greater YeLLowlegs Wi U F UF (lHnga melano1euw) Solitary Sandpiper Wi F F (Tringa solitari-a) Willet Wi CC CC (Cataptrophorus semipalmatus) Spotted Sandpiper Wi F f F F (Actitis '11Ull,'Ularia) Whimbre1 Wi F F F f (Numenws phaeOJnu) Long-billed Curlew Wi F F F f F f (Numeniw americanus) Marbled Godwit Wi F F (Limo,a fedoa) Sanderling Wi U (Calidris alba) Bonaparte's Gull \\, A A (Larus philadelphw) Heerman's Gull Re C C CC (LantS heennanni) Yellow-footed Gull Re C C CC (£Crus livens) Elegant Tern Re C f C f (Sterna elegans) "''hite-winged Dove Re F F C A C A (Zenaida asiatica) Mourning Dove Re UU U UU U (Zenaida m=ra) Common Ground-Dove Re F F F f CC F f (Colummna passerina) Greater Roadrunner Re FF FF (Geococcyx californianus) Great Horned Owl Re F F F f FF (Bubo vU"ginianw) Xantus' Hummi.ngbird Re CCCCCC f F (Hylccharis xantusii) Anna's Hummingbird Re FF FF (Calypte anna) Costa's Hummingbird Re AAAAAAAA (Calypte costae) Rufous Hummingbird Mi C C (Selasphorus rufus) Allen's Hummingbird Mi F F (Selasplwrus sasin) Belted Kingfisher Wi F F (Cery1e olcyon) Gila Woodpecker Re AAAA CCCC (Melanery>es uropygialis) Red~naped Sapsucker Wi U (Sphyrapu= _us) 140 GREAT BASIN NATURALIST [Volume 57

Habitat type Pelagic Freshwater Saltwater Irrigated Sarcocaulescent and shore lagoon3 estuary3 cropland3 desert Species1 Status2 Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Ladder-backed Woodpecker Re FFFF (Picoides scalaris) Gilded Flicker Re FFFF (Colaptes cm-ysoides) Gray Flycatcher Wi U F U F (Empidonax wrightii) Black Phoebe Wi CC (Sayornis nigricans) Say's Phoebe Wi U UUU (Sayomis saya) Vermilion Flycatcher Re AA (Pyrocephalus rohinus) Ash~throated Flycatcher Re CC (Myiarchus cinerascens) Cassin's Kingbird Wi CC (Tymnnus oociferans) Violet-green Swallow Re FF C C (Tachycineta thalassina) Tree Swallow Wi C F (Tachycineta bicolor) Western Scrub Jay Re FFFF (Aphelocoma califarnica) Common Raven Re AAAA (Corvus corax) Verdin Re FFF F C C AA (Auriparus jlaoiceps) Cactus Wren Re CCCC (Campylorhyru;hus brunneicapiJlus) Canyon Wren Re UU (Catherpes mexicanus) Marsh Wren Re CC (Cistoilwrw pal",tris) House Wren Re FF (Troglodytes aedon) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Re FF CC (Polioptila caerulea) California Gnatcatcher Re FF AA (Polioptila califomica) American Robin Wi R (Turdus migratorius) Northern Mockingbird Re FFFF C C (Mimus polyglottos) Gray Thrasher Re U U FF (Toxoxstoma cinereum) Phainopepla Re U U FFFF (Plutinopepla nitens) Loggerhead Shrike Re C C FF (Lanius ludovicianus) European Starling Re FF (Stumus vulgaris) 1997] BAJA CALlFORNIA SUR, MEXICO, BIRD RECORDS 141

Habitat type Pelagic Freshwater Saltwater Irrigated SarcocauJeseent and shore lagoon3 estuary) cropland:3 desert Speciesl Status2 Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa Sp Fa

Yellow-rumped Warbler Wi C C C CCC (Dendroica camnata) Belding's Yellowthroat Re C C (Geuthlypis beldingi) Orange-crowned Warbler Wi F F F F F F (Venni1JOra celata) Northern Cardinal Ro UU UU FF (Cardinalis) Pyrrhuloxia Re FFFFFF (Cardinalis sinuatu.~) Green-tailed Towhee "Vi C C FF (Pipilu chlorurus) Clay-colored Sparrow Un U (Spizella pallida) Song Sparrow Un R (Melospiza melodia) Brewer's Sparrow Wi FF (Spizella breweri) Black-chinned Sparrow Rc U (Spizella atrogularis) Lark Sparrow Wi AA (Chonaestes grammacus) Black-throated Sparrow He C C (Amphispiza bilineata) \Vhite-crowned Sparrow Wi AAAA C C (Zonotrichia leucuphrys) \\Testern Meadowlark Un C C (Stumella neglecta) Brown-headed Cowbird Un U (Molothrus ater) Hooded Oriole He AA AA F F (Icterus cuct/llatus) House Finch He CCCCCC FF (Catpodacus mexicanus) Lesser Goldfinch He F F (Carduelis psaltria) House Sparrow Re AAAA (Passer dorMStU::llS) lCommon and scientific names follow American Ornithologist., Union Chc<,k-list of ~orth Amerklln Birds (1983) and sopplements (19tl5, 1987, 19H9, 1991, 1993,1995). 2Re .. year-round resident, Mi = migrant, Wi = winter resident, On = .,tatus uneertain. 31nclllding associated edge habitat within 50 m o!'wat"r.