UC-NRLF 
 
 BRITISH COLUMBIA 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 JOHN FANN1N 
 


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 BKITISE COLUMBIA B1EDS 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN FANNIN, CURATOR PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, VICTORIA, B. G. 
 
 Associate Member American Ornithologists' Union. 
 
 SEPTEMBER, 1891. 
 
 VICTORIA, B. C. : 
 
 Printed by RICHARD WOLFBNDEN, Printer to the Queen' 
 Most Excellent Majesty. 
 
LIBRARY 
 
 )LOGY LIBRARY 
 
PREFACE 
 
 In presenting this list of British Columbia Birds, I am 
 fully aware of its incompleteness, and regret very much its 
 lack of more definite information respecting certain species. 
 The difficulties in the way of procuring reliable data con- 
 cerning the birds of this Province are very great. British 
 Columbia is a country of "magnificent distances" a 
 country where the modes of travel are slow and expensive 
 compared with other portions of the Dominion a country 
 where "distribution" is a problem in itself; so much so, 
 that to obtain specimens of all our birds one must travel 
 the entire length and breadth of the Province. The 
 Cascade Mountains form an absolute barrier to many 
 species, east and west. The Gulf of Georgia shuts off 
 other species from Vancouver Island, the west coast of 
 which is the habitat of others which are strangers to the 
 waters separating the Island from the Mainland ; and 
 throughout the Province there occur other lines, purely 
 imaginary, over which certain species never pass. 
 
 The labour of collecting together the material for this 
 list has, however, been greatly lightened by the co-operation 
 of the following personal friends, who, occupying widely 
 separated portions of the Province, have furnished me with 
 valuable notes concerning the birds of their respective dis- 
 tricts ; and to these I now offer my sincere thanks for their 
 kind assistance : 
 
 To Mr. W. B. Anderson, of Fort Simpson and Comox ; 
 Mr. James Porter, of Dease Lake, Cassiar ; Capt. and Miss 
 Cox, of Cape Beale Light House ; Mr. Allen C. Brooks, of 
 Chilliwhack ; Mr. R. V. Griffen, of Similkameen ; the late 
 Mr. Geo. Hyde, of Beaver Pass, Cariboo ; and Mr. H. W. 
 Harvey of Clinton. 
 
iv. PREFACE. 
 
 In the present arrangement the Province is divided into 
 four sections, designated as follows : 
 
 1st. "The Coast," or "Coast Line of the Province," re- 
 ferring to species strictly maritime ; 
 
 2nd. "West of the Cascades," meaning all the country 
 west of the Cascade Mountains ; 
 
 3rd. " East of the Cascades," meaning the dry, open 
 country immediately east of the Cascade Mountains ; and 
 
 4th. "The Rocky Mountain District," which takes in 
 the wooded country beyond and reaching to the Rocky 
 Mountains. 
 
 The physical features of these divisions, together with a 
 table showing temperature, precipitation, &c., will be 
 found in the Appendix. 
 
 However unsatisfactory the present list may appear to 
 some, if it serves to awaken an interest in our feathered 
 friends and stimulate further and more careful research 
 as to their distribution, habits, <fec., the effort will not be 
 altogether a barren one. 
 
 JOHN FANNIN, 
 
 Curator Provincial Museum. 
 
 VICTORIA, B. C., 
 
 September, 1891. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 A. 
 
 Allen's Humming-bird 30 
 
 Alpine Three-toed Woodpecker 28 
 
 American Bittern 14 
 
 Black Tern 6 
 
 Coot 15 
 
 Crossbill 34 
 
 Dipper 42 
 
 Eared Grebe 2 
 
 ,, Golden-eye 11 
 
 Golden Plover 18 
 
 Goldfinch 35 
 
 Hawk Owl 26 
 
 Herring Gull 4 
 
 ,, Long-eared Owl 25 
 
 Magpie 32 
 
 Merganser 8 
 
 Osprey 25 
 
 Pine Grosbeak 34 
 
 Pipit 42 
 
 ,, Redstart 42 
 
 Rough-legged Hawk 23 
 
 ,, Scaup Duck 10 
 
 Scoter 11 
 
 ,, Sparrow-hawk 25 
 
 Widgeon 9 
 
 White-fronted Goose 12 
 
 White Pelican 7 
 
 Ancient Murrelet 3 
 
 Arctic Tern 6 
 
 Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker 28 
 
 Arkansas Kingbird 30 
 
 Audubon's Warbler . .41 
 
vi. INDEX. 
 
 B. 
 
 Bachelder's Woodpecker 28 
 
 Baird's Sandpiper 16 
 
 Bald Eagle 24 
 
 Band-tailed Pigeon 21 
 
 Barn Swallow 38 
 
 Barrow's Golden-eye 11 
 
 Belted Kingfisher 27 
 
 Black-bellied Plover 18 
 
 Black Brant 13 
 
 Black-chinned Humming-bird 30 
 
 Black-footed Albatross 6 
 
 Black headed Grossbeak 38 
 
 Black-headed Jay 32 
 
 Black Merlin 24 
 
 Black Oyster-catcher 19 
 
 Black-throated Gray Warbler 41 
 
 Black-throated Loon 2 
 
 Black Turnstone 19 
 
 Black Swift 29 
 
 Blue-winged Teal 9 
 
 Bonaparte's Gull 5 
 
 Bohemian Waxwing 39 
 
 Brewer's Blackbird 34 
 
 Brewer's Sparrow 36 
 
 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 18 
 
 Buffle-head 11 
 
 Bullock Oriole 33 
 
 Burrowing Owl 26 
 
 c. 
 
 Cackling Goose 13 
 
 California Brown Pelican 7 
 
 Creeper 43 
 
 Crow 33 
 
 Cuckoo 27 
 
 Gull 5 
 
 Murre . . 4 
 
INDEX. vii. 
 
 Page. 
 
 California Partridge 20 
 
 Purple Finch 34 
 
 Vulture 22 
 
 Calliope Humming bird 30 
 
 Canada Goose 12 
 
 Canadian Ruffed Grouse 20 
 
 Canvas-back 10 
 
 Carolina Rail 15 
 
 Cassin's Auklet 3 
 
 Purple Finch 34 
 
 Vireo 40 
 
 Catbird 42 
 
 Cedar Bird . . t 39 
 
 Chesnut-backed Chickadee 44 
 
 Cinnamon Solitary Sandpiper 17 
 
 Cinnamon Teal 9 
 
 Clark's Grebe 1 
 
 Clarke's Nutcracker 33 
 
 Cliff Swallow 38 
 
 Columbia Sharp-tailed Grouse 21 
 
 Cooper's Hawk 23 
 
 Cowbird 33 
 
 D. 
 
 Downy Woodpecker 27 
 
 Duck Hawk 24 
 
 Dusky Horned Lark 32 
 
 Dusky Horned Owl 26 
 
 Dwarf Hermit Thrush 45 
 
 E. 
 
 Evening Grosbeak 34 
 
 P. 
 
 Flicker 29 
 
 Forbush's Finch 37 
 
 Fork-tailed Petrel 7 
 
 Franklin Grouse 20 
 
 Franklin's Gull . 5 
 
viii. INDEX. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gadwall 9 
 
 Gairdner's Woodpecker 28 
 
 Gambel's Sparrow 36 
 
 Glaucus-winged Gull 4 
 
 Golden Eagle 23 
 
 Golden-crowned Sparrow 36 
 
 Gray-crowned Finch 35 
 
 Gray-crowned Leucosticte 34 
 
 Gray Kingbird 30 
 
 Gray Ruffed Grouse 20 
 
 Great Blue Heron 14 
 
 Great Gray Owl 25 
 
 Greater Yellow-legs 17 
 
 Green-winged Teal 9 
 
 Grinnel's Water Thrush 41 
 
 Grouse . ' 20 
 
 Gulls , 4 
 
 H. 
 
 Hammond's Flycatcher 31 
 
 Harlequin Duck 11 
 
 Harris's Woodpecker 27 
 
 Heermann's Gull 5 
 
 Hepburn's Leucosticte 35 
 
 Hermit Warbler 41 
 
 Holbcell's Grebe 1 
 
 Hooded Merganser 8 
 
 Horned Grebe 1 
 
 Hudsonian Curlew 18 
 
 Hutchin's Goose 12 
 
 I. 
 
 Intermediate Sparrow 36 
 
 Ivory Gull 4 
 
 K. 
 
 Kennicott's Screech Owl 26 
 
 Kingbird 3Q 
 
INDEX. ix. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Kingbird, Arkansas 30 
 
 Gray 30 
 
 Kildeer Plover 18 
 
 Knot 16 
 
 L. 
 
 Lapland Longspur 35 
 
 Lazuli Bunting 38 
 
 Leach's Petrel 7 
 
 Least Sandpiper 16 
 
 Lesser Scaup Duck 10 
 
 Lesser Snow Goose 12 
 
 Lewis's Woodpecker 29 
 
 Lincoln's Sparrow 37 
 
 Little Brown Crane 14 
 
 Little Flycatcher 31 
 
 Long-billed Curlew 18 
 
 Long-billed Dowitcher 16 
 
 Long-tailed Chickadee 44 
 
 Long-tailed Duck 11 
 
 Loon 2 
 
 Black-throated 2 
 
 Pacific 2 
 
 Red^throated 2 
 
 Louisiana Tanager 38 
 
 Lutescent Warbler 40 
 
 M. 
 
 Macgillivray's Warbler 41 
 
 Macown's Longspur 35 
 
 Mallard 8 
 
 Marbled Godwit 17 
 
 Marbled Murrelet 3 
 
 Marsh Hawk 22 
 
 Mountain Bluebird 45 
 
 ,, Chickadee 44 
 
 Partridge 19 
 
x. INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Mourning Dove 22 
 
 Myrtle Warbler 40 
 
 N. 
 
 Nighthawk 29 
 
 Norther's Hairy Woodpecker 27 
 
 Phalarope 15 
 
 Raven 32 
 
 Shrike 39 
 
 Northwest Crow 33 
 
 Northwestern Flicker 29 
 
 o. 
 
 Old Squaw 11 
 
 Olive-sided Flycatcher 31 
 
 Orange-crowned Warbler 40 
 
 Oregon Chickadee ... 44 
 
 Jay 32 
 
 Junco . 37 
 
 Ruffed Grouse 20 
 
 Towhee 38 
 
 Owls 25 
 
 P. 
 
 Pacific Fulmar 6 
 
 Pacific Loon 2 
 
 Pallas's Gull 4 
 
 Pallid Horned Lark 32 
 
 Parkman's Wren 43 
 
 Passenger Pigeon , . . ] 22 
 
 Peale's Falcon 24 
 
 Pectoral Sandpiper 16 
 
 Pied-billed Grebe 2 
 
 Pigeon Guillemot 3 
 
 Pigeon Hawk 24 
 
 Pigeons 21 
 
 Pileated Woodpecker 28 
 
 Pileolated Warbler 42 
 
 Pine Siskin . . .35 
 
INDEX. xi. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Pintail 9 
 
 Plumbeous Yireo 40 
 
 Pochard 10 
 
 Prairie Falcon 24 
 
 Purple Martin 38 
 
 Pygmy Nuthatch 43 
 
 Pygmy Owl 27 
 
 R. 
 
 Red-backed Sandpiper 16 
 
 Red-breasted Hawk 23 
 
 Merganser 8 
 
 Nuthatch 43 
 
 Sapsucker 28 
 
 Red-eyed Vireo 39 
 
 Red-naped Sapsucker 28 
 
 Red Phalarope 15 
 
 Redhead , 10 
 
 Redpoll 35 
 
 Red-shafted Flicker 29 
 
 Red-throated Loon 2 
 
 Red-winged Blackbird 33 
 
 Richardson's Grouse 20 
 
 Richardson's Merlin 25 
 
 Ring-billed Gull 5 
 
 Ring-necked Duck " 10 
 
 Rock Ptarmigan 21 
 
 Rock Wren 42 
 
 Rocky Mountain Junco 37 
 
 Ross's Snow Goose , 12 
 
 Rough-winged Swallow 39 
 
 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 44 
 
 Ruddy Duck 12 
 
 Rufous Humming-bird 30 
 
 Russet-backed Thrush 45 
 
 Rusty Song Sparrow , 37 
 
xii. . INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 s. 
 
 Sage Grouse 21 
 
 Sanderling 17 
 
 Sandhill Crane 15 
 
 Sandwich Sparrow 36 
 
 Saw-whet Owl 25 
 
 Say's Phoebe 31 
 
 Semipalmated Plover 19 
 
 Sandpiper 17 
 
 Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 
 
 Short-billed Gull 5 
 
 Short-eared Owl 25 
 
 Short-tailed Albatross 6 
 
 Shoveller 9 
 
 Slate-coloured Junco 36 
 
 Slender-billed Nuthatch 43 
 
 Snowflake 35 
 
 Snowy Heron 14 
 
 Snowy Owl 26 
 
 Solitary Sandpiper 17 
 
 Sooty Grouse 20 
 
 Sooty Song Sparrow 37 
 
 Spotted Sandpiper 18 
 
 Spurred Towhee 37 
 
 Streaked Horned Lark 32 
 
 Steller's Jay 32 
 
 Surf Bird 19 
 
 Surf Scoter 12 
 
 Swainson's Hawk 23 
 
 T. 
 
 Trail's Flycatcher 31 
 
 Townsend's Solitaire 44 
 
 Sparrow 37 
 
 Warbler 41 
 
 Trumpeter Swan 13 
 
 Tufted Puffin . 3 
 
INDEX. xiii. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Tule Wren 43 
 
 Turkey Vulture 22 
 
 Turnstone 19 
 
 v. 
 
 Varied Thrush 45 
 
 Vaux's Swift . 30 
 
 Vesper Sparrow 35 
 
 Vigor's Wren 43 
 
 Violet-green Cormorant 7 
 
 Violet-green Swallow 39 
 
 Vireos 39 
 
 Virginia Rail 15 
 
 w 
 
 Wandering Tatler 18 
 
 Warbling Vireo 39 
 
 Western Bluebird 45 
 
 ,, Chipping Sparrow 36 
 
 Flycatcher . 31 
 
 ,, Golden-crowned Kinglet 44 
 
 Goshawk 23 
 
 Grebe 1 
 
 Gull 4 
 
 Horned Owl 26 
 
 Meadow Lark 33 
 
 Nighthawk 29 
 
 Red-tailed Hawk 23 
 
 Robin 45 
 
 Sandpiper 17 
 
 Savannah Sparrow 36 
 
 ,, Tree Sparrow 36 
 
 ,, Vesper Sparrow 35 
 
 Warbling Vireo 40 
 
 Winter Wren 43 
 
 Wood Pewee 31 
 
 Yellow-throat 42 
 
 Yellow Warbler . . . . 40 
 
xiv. INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Whistling Swan 13 
 
 White-bellied Swallow 38 
 
 White-cheeked Goose 13 
 
 White-crested Cormorant 7 
 
 White-faced Glossy Ibis 14 
 
 White-headed Woodpecker 28 
 
 White-rumped Shrike " 39 
 
 White-winged Crossbill 34 
 
 White- winged Scoter 11 
 
 White-tailed Ptarmigan 21 
 
 Williamson's Sapsucker 28 
 
 Willow Ptarmigan 21 
 
 Willow Thrush 44 
 
 Wilson's Phalarope 16 
 
 Wilson's Snipe 16 
 
 Wood Duck 10 
 
 Wright's Flycatcher 31 
 
 Y. 
 
 Yellow-headed Blackbird 33 
 
 Yellow-legs 17 
 
 Yellow Warbler . . .40 
 
 ERRATUM. 
 
 No. 6, page 2, breeds in the interior of Mainland and 
 Island. 
 
1\ICHARDSONII 
 
jPALCoCoLUMBARIUS SuCKLEYII 
 
CHECK LIST. 
 
 Order PYGOPODES. Diving Birds. 
 
 Suborder PODICIPEDES. Grebes. 
 
 FAMILY PODICIPIDJE. GREBES. 
 
 1. Western Grebe. 
 
 (^Echmophorus occidentalis.) 
 
 An abundant resident throughout the Province. Breeds 
 round the lakes of the interior of the Mainland. A winter 
 resident along the Coast, where, in some localities, such as 
 Howe Sound and Burrard Inlet, it appears in great num- 
 bers. 
 
 clarkii.) 
 
 Taken at Fort Simpson by W. B. Anderson. Probably 
 rare. 
 
 3. Holboell's Grebe. 
 
 " Red-necked Grebe," (Colymbus holbcellii.) 
 
 The Province at large ; resident. I found it breeding 
 on many of the lakes along the Cariboo road, above Clinton. 
 Have taken it on Harrison Lake in July. A winter resi- 
 dent along the Coast. 
 
 4. Horned Grebe. 
 
 (Colymbus auritus.) 
 
 A winter resident on the Coast. Breeds in the North. 
 I observed it throughout the Summer at Dease Lake. 
 
'1 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 5. American Eared Grebe. 
 
 (Colymbus nigricollis calif ornicus.) 
 
 An abimdunt resident. Winters on the Coast. Breeds 
 in the interior. Frequents Victoria harbour during the 
 winter months. 
 
 6. Pied-billed Grebe. 
 
 (Podilymbus podiceps.) 
 
 A resident, but not nearly so common as the two last, t- 
 species. Breeds in the interior of the Mainland, *f / * *ffa4Mr* 
 
 Suborder CEPPHI. Loons. 
 FAMILY URINATORID^E. LOONS. 
 
 7. Loon. 
 
 " Great Northern Diver." (Urinator imber.) 
 
 The Province at large ; an abundant resident. Breeds 
 both on the Island and Mainland ; nest on the margin of 
 lakes. 
 
 8. Black-throated Loon. 
 
 (Urinator arcticus.) 
 
 Taken at Burrard Inlet, and at Dease Lake, Cassiar, by 
 James Porter. Not common. 
 
 9. Pacific Loon. 
 
 (Urinator pacificus.) 
 
 "Pacific Coast of North America, from Alaska to Lower 
 California." Ridgway's Manual North American Birds. 
 
 10. Red-throated Loon. 
 
 (Urinator lumme.) 
 
 Two specimens taken off the mouth of Esquimalt har- 
 bour, January and March, 1891. In my experience rare. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 3 
 
 FAMILY ALCID^E. AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 
 
 11. Tuffced Puffin. 
 
 (Lunda cirrhata.) 
 
 Tolerably common along the coasts of the Island and 
 Mainland. Breeds on the islands of the Gulf. 
 
 SUBFAMILY PHALERINJE. AUKLETS, MURRELETS, 
 AND GUILLEMOTS. 
 
 12. Cassin's Auklet. 
 
 (Ptychoramphus aleuticus.) 
 
 " Pacific Coast of North America, from Aleutian Islands 
 to Lower California/' Ridgway's Manual of North Amer- 
 ican Birds. 
 
 13. Ancient Murrelet. 
 
 (Synthliboramphus antiquus.) 
 
 One specimen taken at Cape Beale, November, 1888, by 
 Capt. Cox, and presented to the Museum. Probably only 
 passing on its migrations along the West Coast of Van- 
 couver Island. 
 
 14 Marbled Murrelet. 
 
 (Brachyramphus marmoratus.) 
 
 An abundant resident along the Coast. Breeds on Van- 
 couver Island, on some of the smaller islands of the Gulf, 
 and on the inlets of the Mainland. Frequents Victoria 
 harbour during the winter months, where it is sometimes 
 called the " Little Auk." 
 
 15. Pigeon Guillemot. 
 
 (Cepphus columba.) 
 
 An abundant resident, from Race Rocks to Alaska. 
 Breeds throughout its range ; eggs concealed in the crevices 
 of rocks or beneath overhanging rocks, indifferently close 
 to or far above the water, 
 
4 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 SUBFAMILY ALCIN^JE. 
 16. California Murre. 
 
 (Uria troile calif ornica.) 
 
 The same distribution as last species, but not near so 
 abundant. Appears to be more common during the winter 
 months in the neighbourhood of Vancouver Island. 
 
 Order LONGIPENNES. Long-winged 
 Swimmers. 
 
 FAMILY LARID^E. GULLS AND TERNS. 
 
 17. Ivory Gull. 
 
 (Gavia alba.) 
 
 One specimen taken at Dease Lake, Cassiar, by James 
 Porter, Esq., Sept., 1889. Presented to the Museum. 
 
 18. Glacous-winged Gull. 
 
 (Larus glaucescens.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds on some of the islands 
 of the Gulf; frequents our harbours during the winter 
 months ; one of our largest gulls. 
 
 19. Western Gull. 
 
 (Larus occidentalis.) 
 
 A resident ; very abundant on the Coast during the 
 winter months. I found it breeding in. the Similkameen 
 Valley, but it probably also breeds on the Coast. 
 
 20. Pallas's Gull. 
 
 (Larus cachinnans.) 
 A winter resident along the Coast. 
 
 21. American Herring Gull. 
 
 (Larus argentatus smithsonianus.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds on the Coast and inte- 
 rior of the Mainland. Frequents our harbours during the 
 winter months. A large, fine-looking gull. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRLS. 5 
 
 22. California Gull. 
 
 (Larus calif ornicus.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds in the interior. A win- 
 ter resident along the Coast, during which time it appears 
 in great numbers in our harbours. Much smaller than the 
 last species. 
 
 23. Ring-biUed Gull. 
 
 (Larus delawarensis.) 
 
 A winter resident on the Coast. Breeds in the interior, 
 especially to the northward. I found it on Dease Lako 
 during the summer. 
 
 24. Short-billed Gull. 
 
 "Mew gull." (Larus brachyrhynchus.) 
 
 A winter resident on the Coast. During the fore part 
 of May of this year (1891) I saw quite a number on the 
 lakes in the Cariboo District, where it probably breeds, 
 though they may have been on their journey farther north. 
 
 25. Heermann's Gull. 
 
 (Larus heermanni.) 
 
 Not common, though they appear to remain here during 
 the summer. Four specimens (young of the year) were 
 taken the latter part of July, off the mouth of Esquimalt 
 harbour, by Dr. Hazell of this City. 
 
 26. Franklin's Gull. 
 
 (Larus franklinii.) 
 This gull may be found in the interior of the Mainland. 
 
 27. Bonaparte's Gull. 
 
 (Larus Philadelphia.) 
 
 Distributed throughout the length and breadth of the 
 Province. An abundant resident, appearing in great num- 
 bers on the rivers of the Mainland during the olachan 
 season (March and April). Summers in the interior. 
 
6 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 SUBFAMILY STEKNIN^E. 
 
 28. Arctic Tern. 
 
 (Sterna paradissea.) 
 
 Only recorded from Dease Lake, Cassiar, where one 
 specimen was taken by Mr. James Porter and presented to 
 the Museum. It must, however, occur on the Coast, as it 
 reaches as far south as California. 
 
 29. American Black Tern. 
 
 (Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis.) 
 Observed at Burrard Inlet, January, 1882. J. F. 
 
 Order TUBINARES. Tube-nosed 
 Swimmers. 
 
 FAMILY DIOMEDEID^E. ALBATROSSES. 
 
 30. Black-footed Albatross. 
 
 (Diomedea nigripes.) 
 
 "From coast of California to Alaska." Ridgway's Man- 
 ual North American Birds. 
 
 I have no record of this bird, and conclude that it passes 
 along the west coast of Vancouver Island. 
 
 31. Short-tailed Albatross. 
 
 (Diomedea albatrus.) 
 
 Tolerably common both coasts of Vancouver Island. A 
 few have been taken in the Straits and off the mouth of 
 Victoria harbour. 
 
 FAMILY PROCELLARIID^E. THE PETRELS. 
 
 32. Pacific Fulmar. 
 
 (Fulmarus glacialis glupischa.) 
 
 " North Pacific, south along American Coast to Western 
 Mexico." Ridgway's Manual of North American Birds. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 7 
 
 33. Forked-tailed Petrel. 
 
 (Oceanodroma furcata.) 
 
 A winter resident along both coasts of Vancouver Is- 
 land, but more abundant on the west coast. Have been 
 taken in Victoria Harbour. 
 
 34. Leach's Petrel. 
 
 (Oceanodroma leucorhoa.) 
 Confined to the west coast of Vancouver Island. 
 
 Order STEGANOPODES. Totipal- 
 mate Swimmers. 
 
 FAMILY PHALACROCORACID.33. CORMORANTS. 
 
 35. White-crested Cormorant. 
 
 (Phalacrocorax dilophus cincinatus.) 
 
 From Race Rocks to Alaska, including both coasts of 
 Vancouver Island, Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet. Occasion- 
 ally enters Fraser River. Tolerably common. 
 
 36. Violet-green Cormorant. 
 
 (Phalacrocorax pelagicus robustus.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Taken as far north as Fort 
 Simpson (W. B. Anderson.) Breeds on the islands close 
 to Sidney Island. 
 
 (Both these species are known here as Shags.) 
 
 FAMILY PELECANID^E. PELICANS. 
 
 37. American White Pelican. 
 
 (Pelecaiius erythrorhynchos.) 
 
 Not common. Said to breed in the Chilcotin country. 
 One specimen taken on Shuswap Lake, October, 1890, and 
 presented to the Museum by Col. Foster. 
 
 38. California Brown Pelican. 
 
 (Pelecanus californicus.) 
 
 Not common. One specimen taken at the mouth of 
 Fraser River (J. C. Hughes, Nov., 1880), and in September 
 
8 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 of the following year I shot at and wounded one on the 
 flats above Seymour Creek, Burrard Inlet, but failed to 
 secure it. I am inclined to think that Burrard Inlet is 
 the northern limit of this bird's range. 
 
 Order ANSERES. Lamellirostral 
 Swimmers. 
 
 . FAMILY ANATID^E. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 
 
 39. American Merganser. 
 
 (Merganser americanus.) 
 
 Found in most parts of the Province, though nowhere 
 common. A few are taken every winter by gunners, both 
 on Vancouver Island and the Mainland. Nests on the 
 ground, in salt marshes, or on the margins of lakes. Known 
 as Fish-duck, Saw-bill, &c. 
 
 40. Red-breasted Merganser. 
 
 (Merganser serrator.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Nests on the ground. Known 
 also as Fish-duck, Saw-bill, &c. 
 
 41. Hooded Merganser. 
 
 (Lophody tes cucullatus. ) 
 
 This is also an abundant resident, and more common 
 than the two last species. Nests in holes in trees. 
 
 SUBFAMILY ANNATINJE. RIVER DUCKS. 
 
 42. Mallard, 
 
 (Anas boschas.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds in almost every suitable 
 portion of the Province, from Vancouver Island to Cariboo, 
 and from our southern boundary to Dease Lake. Generally 
 found about fresh water or tidal waters at the mouths of 
 rivers. Fraser River flats, Pitt and Sumas Meadows, are 
 favourite resorts for this duck during the winter months. 
 
BEITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 9 
 
 43. Blue-winged Teal. 
 
 (Anas discors.) 
 
 A very rare bird in this Province. A few are taken 
 every season at the mouth of Fraser River. 
 
 44. Cinnamon Teal. 
 
 (Anas cyanoptera.) 
 
 A rare summer visitant. Only two specimens, to my 
 knowledge, have been taken in the Province one near 
 Clinton, the other at Burnaby Lake. 
 
 45. Green-winged Teal. 
 
 (Anas carolinensis.) 
 
 A very abundant duck here. Breeds in the interior of 
 the Mainland. Arrives in great numbers at the mouth of 
 Fraser River during the fall and early winter. One of 
 our best table ducks. 
 
 46. Gadwall. 
 
 "Gray Duck." (Anas strepera.) 
 
 Rare. A few are taken every season, but I know of no 
 place where it can be said they occur in any great numbers. 
 
 47. American Widgeon. 
 
 "Baldpate." (Anas americana.) 
 
 An abundant resident. In May of this year I found it 
 breeding round the lakes above Clinton. It is quite com- 
 mon during the winter months on the coast. 
 
 48. Shoveller. 
 
 " Broad-bill." (Spatula clypeata.) 
 
 An abundant summer resident of the Mainland, chiefly 
 east of the Cascades. During the month of May I found 
 them in pairs on the lakes along the Cariboo Road, above 
 Clinton. A rare winter visitant on the coast. 
 
 49. Pintail. 
 
 " Sprigtail." (Dafila acuta.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds in the interior of the 
 Mainland. A winter resident on the coast, where, in some 
 localities, especially on the Lower Fraser, it appears in 
 great flocks. 
 
10 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 50. Wood Duck. 
 
 (Aix sponsa.) 
 
 A summer resident. Nowhere abundant. Breeds in 
 many places along the Lower Fraser Sumas, Chilliwhack, 
 Burnaby Lake. 
 
 51. Redhead. 
 
 " Pochard." (Aythya americana.) 
 
 A resident. Not common. Winters on the coast. I 
 found it breeding around a few of the lakes between Clin- 
 ton and the 108-Mile House. 
 
 52. Canvas-back. 
 
 (Aythya vallisneria.) 
 
 A resident. Nowhere abundant, nor is it so much 
 sought after as either the mallard or teal. During April 
 and May of this year, I found them in pairs on the lakes 
 near the 108-Mile House, Cariboo Road, where I was told 
 by the residents they breed. Winters on the coast. 
 
 53. American Scaup Duck. 
 
 " Blue- Bill." (Aythya marila nearctica.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds chiefly east of the Cas- 
 cades. Winters on the coast. 
 
 54. Lesser Scaup Duck. 
 
 (Aythya afnnis.) 
 
 During the fore part of May, this year, I shot one of 
 these ducks on a small lake on the top of the hills, about 
 three miles from Ashcroft. There were seven or eight in 
 the flock, and during a stay of four weeks in the upper 
 country these were the only ones I saw, nor am I aware 
 that they are at all common on the coast. 
 
 55. Ring-necked Duck. 
 
 (Aythya collaris.) 
 
 Not common. I have seen it in Victoria Harbour, and 
 Mr. Brooks has taken it at Chilliwhack. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 11 
 
 56. American Golden-eye. 
 
 (Glaucionetta clangula americana.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds in the interior of the 
 Mainland. (Nests in holes in trees.) Winters on the 
 coast. 
 
 57. Barrow's Golden-eye. 
 
 (Glaucionetta islandica.) 
 
 During the breeding season, this year, I found this duck 
 very abundant on nearly every lake along the Cariboo 
 Road. I have never seen it on the coast, but Mr. W. B. 
 Anderson has taken it at Fort Simpson, where he reports 
 it rare. Nests in trees, same as last species. 
 
 58. Buffle-head. 
 
 ' ' Butter-ball, " (Charitonetta albeola . ) 
 
 Resident. Very abundant. Breeds in the interior of 
 the Mainland. Winters on the coast, during which time 
 it frequents our harbours. Nests in holes in trees. 
 
 59. Old Squaw. 
 
 "Long-tailed duck." (Clangula hyemalis.) 
 An abundant resident. More frequent on the coast. 
 
 60. Harlequin Duck. 
 
 (Histrionicus histrionicus.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds along the creeks close to 
 the salt water (Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound), and also in 
 the interior of the Mainland. 
 
 61. American Scoter. 
 
 (Oidemia americana.) 
 
 In my experience rare. Mr. Anderson has taken several 
 at Fort Simpson, where he reports them not by any means 
 common. I saw a small flock on the 10th May, this year, 
 on a lake near the 108-Mile House, Cariboo Road. 
 
 62. White-winged Scoter. 
 
 (Oidemia deglandi.) 
 
 Abundant resident. Winters on the coast, and is found 
 during the summer both on the coast and interior of Main- 
 land. I have no record as to its breeding place. 
 
12 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 63. Surf Scoter. 
 
 "Coot." (Oidemia perspicillata.) 
 Abundant everywhere on the coast waters. Resident. 
 
 64. Ruddy Duck. 
 
 (Erismatura rubida.) 
 
 During the breeding season, this year, I found this duck 
 quite common on the lakes along the Cariboo Road, where 
 I have no doubt it breeds. A few are taken during the 
 winter on the coast, but they are by no means common ; so 
 that, probably, many go south during the winter. 
 
 SUBFAMILY ANSERINE. GEESE. 
 
 65. Lesser Snow Goose. 
 
 (Chen hyperborea.) 
 
 A winter resident on the coast. Tolerably abundant. 
 During some winters large numbers congregate off the 
 mouth of Fraser. 
 
 66. Ross's Snow Goose. 
 
 (Chen rossii.) 
 
 This goose has been taken at the mouth of Fraser River, 
 and also on Shuswap Lake, but I am inclined to think that 
 its occurrence here is rare. 
 
 67. American White-fronted Goose. 
 
 (Anser albifrons gambeli.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds both on the Island and 
 Mainland. The young have been taken on Cowichan Lake. 
 
 68. Canada Goose. 
 
 (Branta canadensis.) 
 
 A very abundant resident. Breeds throughout the 
 interior of the Mainland. Appears in great flocks along 
 the Lower Fraser River during the winter months, and 
 affords fine sport for the gunners. 
 
 69. Hutchin's Goose. 
 
 (Branta canadensis hutchinsii.) 
 
 A resident. Tolerably abundant. Winters on the 
 coast. Known as " crow goose " on the Lower Fraser. I 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 13 
 
 saw a pair of these geese, this season, in possession of Mrs. 
 James Campbell, Cache Creek, which were taken by her 
 when quite young, nearly two years ago. They were quite 
 tame, and allowed to come and go at will. 
 
 70. White-cheeked Goose. 
 
 (Branta canadensis occidentalis. ) 
 Taken at Chilliwhack by Allen C. Brooks. 
 
 71. Cackling Goose. 
 
 (Branta canadensis minima.) 
 
 A winter resident along the coast. Taken at Chilli- 
 whack by Allen C. Brooks. 
 
 72. Black Brant. 
 
 (Branta nigricans.) 
 
 An abundant winter resident along the coasts of Island 
 and Mainland. Breeds in the far north. Years ago they 
 used to congregate in great numbers on the flats at Burrard 
 Inlet. 
 
 SUBFAMILY CYGNINJE. SWANS. 
 
 73. Whistling Swan. 
 
 (Orlor columbianus.) 
 
 A winter resident in the southern portions of the Pro- 
 vince, and very abundant during the summer in some por- 
 tions of the Mainland interior. The young have been 
 taken on Vancouver Island. 
 
 74. Trumpeter Swan. 
 
 (Orlor buccinator.) 
 
 I have only seen this bird at Dease Lake, Cassiar, where 
 it appears to be not uncommon. Mr. A. L. Poudrier, of the 
 Government Survey, reports having seen on a lake in the 
 Chilcotin district, last season, upwards of five hundred 
 swans, but of what species he could not say. 
 
14 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 Order HERODIONES. Herons, 
 Ibises, &c. 
 
 FAMILY IBIDID^E. IBISES. 
 
 75. White-faced Glossy Ibis. 
 
 (Plegadis guarauna.) 
 
 Only two specimens known to be taken in the Province '> 
 one on Salt Spring Island, the other at the mouth of Fraser 
 River. 
 
 Suborder HERODII. Herons, Bitterns, &c. 
 
 FAMILY ARDEID^E. HERONS, BITTERNS. 
 
 SUBFAMILY BOTAURIN^E. BITTERNS. 
 
 76. American Bittern. 
 
 " Staked river." (Botaurus lentiginosus.) 
 Common throughout the greater portion of the Province- 
 Breeds both east and west of Cascades. 
 
 SUBFAMILY ARDEIN^B. HERONS. 
 
 77. Great Blue Heron. / j 
 
 (Ardea herodias.) U^i^' ^ ^ 
 
 Abundant throughout the Province. . Resident ; breeder, .-. , 
 
 in suitable places throughout its raAge. ^C/^9 ^^^^/^ 7 / 
 
 ^jcu 4 'W'fy faffC L&ft / 1 f ftJ/ &f $A / ^f^v^/^V^y {fliSt- \SO4K / 
 
 78. Snowy Heron. / / 
 
 (Ardea candidissima. ) 
 
 Rare. Two specimens taken at Burrard Inlet, May, 
 1879. 
 
 Order PALUDICOLJE. Cranes, 
 Rails, &c. 
 
 Suborder GRUES. Cranes. 
 FAMILY GRUID^E. CRANES. 
 
 79. Little Brown Crane. 
 
 (Grus canadensis.) 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 15 
 
 B. C. at large, but more abundant in the interior of the 
 Mainland. During the fore part of May (this year) on a 
 trip from Clinton to the 108-Mile House, Cariboo Road, I 
 met these birds in great flocks, while the larger species, 
 which were also in the same locality, were not near so 
 abundant. 
 
 80. Sandhill Crane. 
 
 (Grus mexicana.) 
 
 B. C. at large. Tolerably abundant. Breeds throughout 
 its range, but chiefly east of Cascades. 
 
 FAMILY RALLID^E. RAILS AND COOTS. 
 SUBFAMILY RALLIN^E. RAILS. 
 
 81. Virginia Rail. 
 
 (Rallus virginianus. ) 
 Mainland and Island. Not common. Breeds. 
 
 82. Carolina Rail. 
 
 ' ' Sora. " ( Porzana Carolina. ) 
 Mainland and Island. Common east of Cascades. Breeds. 
 
 83. American Coote. 
 
 (Fulica americana.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds round the lakes of the 
 Island and Mainland. 
 
 Order LIMICOLJE. Shore Birds. 
 
 FAMILY PHALAROPODID^E. PHALAROPES. 
 
 84. Red Phalarope. 
 
 (Crymophilus fulicarius.) 
 Chilliwhack Allen C. Brooks. Burrard Inlet J. F. 
 
 85. Northern Phalarope. 
 
 (Phalaropus lobatus.) 
 
 Abundant, during spring and fall, along coasts of Island 
 and Mainland. Have taken it in July on Burrard Inlet. 
 
16 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 86. Wilson's Phalarope. 
 
 (Phalaropus tricolor.) 
 Taken at Chilliwhack Allen C. Brooks. 
 
 FAMILY SCOLOPACID^E. SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, &c. 
 
 87. Wilson's Snipe. 
 
 (Gallinago delicata.) 
 
 Island and Mainland. Tolerably abundant. Resident. 
 Breeds in the interior of Mainland. Eggs taken at En- 
 derby, May, 1891, by Mr. DeBlois Green. 
 
 88. Long-billed Dowitcher. 
 
 " Bed-breasted Snipe." (Macrorhamphus scolopaceus. ) 
 
 Tolerably abundant. Island and the whole of the Main- 
 land. Breeds in the interior. 
 
 89. Knot. 
 
 "Robin Snipe." (Tringa canutus.) 
 Abundant during migrations, chiefly along the coast. 
 
 90. Pectoral Sandpiper. 
 
 (Tringa macula ta.) 
 
 Taken near Victoria during spring and fall migrations. 
 Not common. 
 
 91. Baird's Sandpiper. 
 
 (Tringa bairdii.) 
 Chilliwhack Allen C. Brooks. 
 
 92. Least Sandpiper. 
 
 (Tringa minutilla.) 
 
 This bird is abundant along the coast during fall and 
 spring migrations. I also found it quite common in the 
 interior of the Mainland during the summer. 
 
 93. Bed-backed Sandpiper. 
 
 (Tringa alpina pacifica.) 
 
 A very abundant resident. Appears in great numbers 
 along the coast during spring and fall, reaching Victoria 
 as early as August. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS 17 
 
 94. Semipalmated Sandpiper. 
 
 (Ereunetes pusillus.) 
 
 Collected at Duck's (east of Cascades) by Clark P. 
 Streater, July and September, 1889. 
 
 95. Western Sandpiper. 
 
 (Ereunetes occidentalis. ) 
 
 An abundant resident. Is found throughout the year in 
 the neighbourhood of Victoria. 
 
 96. Sanderling. 
 
 (Calidris arenaria.) 
 Collected at Fort Simpson by W. B. Anderson. 
 
 97. Marbled Godwit. 
 
 (Limosa fedoa.) 
 
 The whole of British Columbia. Breeds chiefly east of 
 Cascades. Similkameen. 
 
 98. Greater Yellow legs. 
 
 (Totanus melanoleucus. ) 
 
 An abundant resident 'along the coast during winter. 
 I found it breeding this season around the lakes above 
 Clinton. 
 
 99. Yellow-legs. 
 
 (Totamis flavipes.) 
 
 Tolerably common. I found it throughout the summer 
 at Burrard Inlet. 
 
 100. Solitary Sandpiper. 
 
 (Totanus solitarius.) 
 
 Found throughout the Province. Nowhere common. 
 Chilliwhack -Allen C. Brooks. 
 
 101. Cinnamon Solitary Sandpiper. 
 
 (Totanus solitarius cinnamoineus.) 
 
 "Summer resident in the interior." Clark P, Streator, 
 "Collection of B. C. birds, 1889." 
 
18 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 102. Wandering Tatler. 
 
 (Heteractitis incanus. ) 
 
 The Province at large. Breeds; tolerably common. Fort 
 Simpson W. B. Anderson. 
 
 103. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 
 
 (Tryngites subruncollis.) 
 Tolerably common throughout the Province. .Resident. 
 
 104. Spotted Sandpiper. 
 
 (Actitis macularia.) 
 The Province at large. Nowhere common. 
 
 105. Long-billed Curlew. 
 
 (Numenius longirostris.) 
 
 Has been taken at Beacon Hill during spring migrar 
 tions. Breeds at Okanagan, Similkameen. 
 
 106. Hudsonian Curlew. 
 
 (Numenius hudsonicus.) 
 
 Fort Simpson, W. B. Anderson. Cadboro Bay, J. May- 
 nard. 
 
 FAMILY CHARADRIID^E. PLOVERS. 
 
 107. Black-bellied Plover. 
 
 (Charadrius squatarola.) 
 
 Abundant, during migrations, along the shores round 
 and about Victoria. Taken in breeding plumage at Fort 
 Simpson by W. B. Anderson. 
 
 108. American Golden Plover. 
 
 (Charadrius dominicus.) 
 
 A common summer resident throughout the Province. 
 I found it breeding east of Cascades. Fort Simpson, W. 
 B. Anderson. Dease Lake, J. Porter. 
 
 109. Killdeer Plover. 
 
 (^Egialitis vocifera.) 
 
 Occurs throughout the Province. Is occasionally taken 
 on the coast in the winter. I found it breeding east of 
 Cascades. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 19 
 
 110. Semipalmated Plover. 
 
 (-ZEgialitis semipalmata.) 
 Not common. Taken at Cadboro Bay -A. H. Maynard. 
 
 FAMILY APHRIZIDJE. SURF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES. 
 
 111. Surf Bird. 
 
 (Aphriza virgata.) 
 
 The coast line of the Province. Howe Sound R. V. 
 Griffin. Fort Simpson W. B.. Anderson. 
 
 112. Turnstone. 
 
 (Arenaria interpres.) 
 
 The coast line of the Province. Fort Simpson W. B. 
 Anderson. James' Island J. F. 
 
 113. Black Turnstone. 
 
 (Arenaria melanocephala.) 
 
 The coast line of the Province. Tolerably common. 
 Breeds. 
 
 FAMILY H^EMATOPODID^E. THE OYSTER CATCHERS. 
 
 114. Black Oyster-catcher. 
 
 , (Hsematopus bachmani.) 
 
 An abundant resident along the coast of the Island and 
 Mainland. Breeds throughout its range. Eggs, generally 
 two, laid on the bare rocks close to the water. 
 
 Order GALLINJE. Gallinaceous 
 Birds. 
 
 FAMILY TETRAONID^E. GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, AND 
 QUAIL. 
 
 115. Mountain Partridge. 
 
 "Quail." (Oreortyx pictus. ) 
 
 Common on Vancouver Island. Introduced from Cali- 
 fornia. 
 
20 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 116. California Partridge. 
 
 (Callipepla calif ornica.) 
 Vancouver Island. Introduced from California. 
 
 117. Sooty Grouse. 
 
 "Blue Grouse/' (Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus.) 
 
 West of the Cascade Mountains, including all the larger 
 islands. An abundant resident. 
 
 118. Richardson's Grouse. 
 
 "Blue Grouse," "Mountain Grouse." (Dendraga- 
 pus obscurus richardsonii.) 
 
 East of the Cascade Mountains, including the Rocky 
 Mountain District. Abundant. Resident. 
 
 119. Franklin Grouse. 
 
 "Fool-hen." (Dendragapus franklinii.) 
 
 Throughout the wooded portion of the interior of the 
 Mainland, east of and including the Cascade Mountains. 
 An abundant resident. 
 
 120. Canadian Ruffed Grouse. 
 
 (Bonasa umbellus togata.) 
 East of and including Cascades. An abundant resident. 
 
 121. Gray Ruffed Grouse. 
 
 (Bonasa umbellus umbelloides.) 
 Rocky Mountain District. Soda Creek, Beaver Pass. 
 
 122. Oregon Ruffed Grouse. 
 
 (Bonasa umbellus sabini.) 
 
 West of the Cascades, including all the larger islands. 
 An abundant resident. 
 
 The three last species are known also as "Willow 
 Grouse," " Drummers," &c. 
 
 NOTE. Although the "red" phase of the Ruffed Grouse 
 is more constant west of the Cascades, both red and gray 
 are found throughout the Province, with the tails indiffer- 
 ently reddish or grayish: so that the sub-division as it 
 stands now is somewhat perplexing. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 21 
 
 123. Willow Ptarmigan. 
 
 (Lagopus lagopus.) 
 Dease Lake, Cassiar James Porter. 
 
 124. Rock Ptarmigan. 
 
 (Lagopus rupestris.) 
 
 Summit of most of the mountains of the Mainland and 
 Island. Abundant. 
 
 125. White-tailed Ptarmigan. 
 
 (Lagopus leucurus.) 
 
 Summit of most of the mountains of the Mainland except 
 Coast Range. Beaver Pass George Hyde. Cassiar 
 James Porter. 
 
 126. Columbia Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
 
 "Prairie Chicken." (Pediocsetes phasianellus co- 
 lumbianus.) 
 
 An abundant resident east of the Cascades. During a 
 trip, this season, through the interior I found this grouse 
 very abundant along the Cariboo Road, from Pavilion 
 Mountain to the 108-mile post; and a letter just received 
 from Mr. E. Bell, of Clinton, says: "Prairie chickens are 
 more plentiful this season than they have been for years." 
 
 127. Sage Grouse. 
 
 (Centrocercus urophasianus. ) 
 
 Three specimens taken by G. B. Martin, M. P. P., at 
 Osoyoos Lake in October, 1864. The bird is probably 
 accidental here. 
 
 Order COLUMB^E. Pigeons. 
 
 FAMILY COLUMBID^l. PIGEONS. 
 128. Band-tailed Pigeon. 
 
 (Columba fasciata.) 
 
 Irregularly through the southern portions of the 
 Province. Summer resident. Tolerably common. 
 
22 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 129. Passenger Pigeon. 
 
 (Ectopistes migratorious.) 
 Probably now extinct in this Province. 
 
 130. Mourning Dove. 
 
 (Zenaidura macroura.) 
 Mainland and Island. Nowhere common. 
 
 Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey. 
 
 FAMILY CATHARTID^E. AMERICAN VULTURES. 
 
 131. California Vulture. 
 
 (Pseudogryphus calif ornianus.) 
 
 In September, 1880, I saw two of these birds at Burrard 
 Inlet. It is more than probable they are accidental visi- 
 tants here. Lord says: "Mouth of Eraser River. Seldom 
 visits the interior." 
 
 132. Turkey Vulture. 
 
 (Cathartes aura.) 
 
 Distributed throughout the Province, but nowhere com- 
 mon, though in September, 1887, I saw about a dozen 
 together at the mouth of Harrison River. 
 
 FAMILY FALCONID^S. FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, &c. 
 
 133. Marsh Hawk. 
 
 (Circus hudsonius.) 
 
 Abundant chiefly on the Mainland Sumas, Chilli- 
 whack, mouth of Fraser River. Also east of Cascades. 
 Partially migratory. A few are found throughout the 
 winter in the neighbourhood of Ladner's. 
 
 134. Sharp-shinned Hawk. 
 
 (Accipiter velox.) 
 
 Abundant, chiefly, west of the Cascades. Partially 
 migratory. A few remain throughout the year on Van- 
 couver Island. A smart, active little hawk, the terror of 
 small birds. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 23 
 
 135. Cooper's Hawk. 
 
 (Accipiter cooperi.) 
 
 In my experience rare. I have taken it at Burrard 
 Inlet and on Vancouver Island. 
 
 136. Western Goshawk. 
 
 (Accipiter atricapillus striatulus.) 
 
 Tolerably common throughout the Province. More 
 abundant west of the Cascades. A large, fine-looking 
 hawk ; a scourge of the farmers' poultry yards. 
 
 137. Western Red-tailed Hawk. 
 
 (Buteo borealis calurus.) 
 
 Very abundant. East and west of the Cascades. 
 Another hen harrier. A great number "young of the 
 year " are taken in the neighbourhood of this city. 
 
 138. Red-breasted Hawk. 
 
 (Buteo lineatus elegans.) 
 
 Not very common. I have taken it at Burrard Inlet. 
 Mr. W. B. Anderson found it at Fort Simpson, and Mr. 
 Brooks at Chilli whack. I have no record of it on the 
 Island. 
 
 139. Swainson's Hawk. 
 
 (Buteo swainsoni.) 
 Taken at Chilliwhack by Mr. Brooks. 
 
 UO. American Rough-legged Hawk. 
 
 (Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.) 
 
 I have taken this hawk at Burrard Inlet, and Mr. 
 Brooks has found it at Chilliwhack. These are the only 
 records I have of its occurrence here. The A. O. U. 
 Check-List says : " Whole of North America north of 
 Mexico." 
 
 141. Golden Eagle. 
 
 (Aquila chryaetos.) 
 
 The whole of British Columbia, but chiefly east of the 
 Cascades and Rocky Mountain district, where it is a resi- 
 dent. Rarely west to Vancouver Island. 
 
24 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 142. Bald Eagle. 
 
 (Haliseetus leucocephalus.) 
 
 The Province at large. A resident. The most abundant 
 bird of prey we have, especially along the coast, where at 
 the mouths of some of the rivers and inlets they congregate 
 in great numbers. Breeds throughout its range. Nest, a 
 bulky affair, usually on the broken top of some lofty pine, 
 though I saw one at Howe Sound not over twelve feet 
 from the ground. This bird is the emblem of the Great 
 Republic south of us ; but whatever virtues it may possess 
 while in "the land of the free" to keep it in this exalted 
 position, it certainly falls from grace when north of the 
 forty-ninth parallel. Here it is a buzzard of the lowest 
 type, stooping to the foulest kind of carrion. 
 
 143. Prairie Falcon. 
 
 (Falco Mexicanus ) 
 Taken at Chilliwhack by Allen C. Brooks. 
 
 144. Duck Hawk. 
 
 (Falco peregrinus anatum.) 
 
 Tolerably common, both east and west of Cascades. 
 Partially migratory. A few remain throughout the winter 
 on Vancouver Island. 
 
 145. Peale's Falcon, 
 
 (Falco peregrinus pealei.) 
 
 Not common. I have taken it at Burrard Inlet, and 
 Mr.. Brooks has observed it at Chilliwhack. 
 
 146. Pigeon Hawk. 
 
 (Falco columbarius. ) 
 
 Common east and west of Cascades, and ranging well up 
 into the Rocky Mountain District, in which locality I have 
 taken it in its most perfect plumage. 
 
 147. Black Merlin. 
 
 (Falco columbarius suckleyi.) 
 
 A common summer resident along the coast. Abundant 
 on Vancouver Island. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 25 
 
 148. Richardson's Merlin. 
 
 (Falco richardsonii.) 
 
 Taken at Chilliwhack by Mr. Brooks, and near Victoria 
 by A. H. Maynard. Not common. 
 
 149. American Sparrow Hawk. 
 
 (Falco sparverius. ) 
 
 Distributed throughout the greater portion of the 
 Province. Very abundant. Breeds both on the Island 
 and Mainland. Nests in holes in trees. 
 
 150. American Osprey. 
 
 "Fish Hawk." (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis. ) 
 An abundant summer resident throughout the Province. 
 Breeds both on the Island and Mainland. Nest, usually 
 on the broken top of a tree, not far from water. 
 
 Suborder STRIGES. Owls. 
 FAMILY BUBONID^]. HORNED OWLS, &c. 
 
 151. American Long-eared Owl. 
 
 (Asio wilsonianus.) 
 Rare. I have taken it on Vancouver Island only. 
 
 152. Short-eared Owl. 
 
 (Asio accipitrinus.) 
 
 Abundant, both on the Island and Mainland. Remains 
 on the coast throughout the winter. 
 
 153. Great Gray Owl. 
 
 (Scotiaptex cinereum.) 
 
 Rare. I have one specimen that was killed at Chilli- 
 whack, November, 1887. Another was taken at Stuart 
 Lake, 1891, and presented to the Museum by Mr. W. E. 
 Trail. 
 
 154. Saw-whet Owl. 
 
 (Nyctala acadica.) 
 
 Not by any means common. I have taken it in the 
 winter at Burrard Inlet, and a few have been taken on 
 Vancouver Island. Mr. Anderson reports it from Fort 
 Simpson. 
 
26 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 155. Kennicott's Screech Owl. 
 
 (Megascops asio kennicottii.) 
 
 An abundant resident throughout the Province. Breeds 
 in the neighbourhood of this city. Also on the Mainland, 
 east and west of Cascades. 
 
 NOTE. It appears that from a collection of Kennicott 
 owls made by Mr. E. H. Forbush near this city, in Novem- 
 ber, 1888, and February, 1889, a certain amount of evidence 
 was procured which may lead to the consideration of a sub- 
 division of the species. It is to be hoped, though, that 
 before final action is taken in the matter further material 
 may be gathered, as the tendency in the direction of 
 creating sub-species on a mere phantom of evidence is 
 already stretched beyond a safe tension. 
 
 156. Western Horned Owl 
 
 (Bubo virginianus subarcticus. ) 
 
 An abundant resident throughout the Province. Mr. 
 C. P. Wolley, of this city, found it breeding this season on 
 the mountains near Bridge River. 
 
 157. Dusky Horned Owl. 
 
 (Bubo virginianus saturatus.) 
 An abundant resident west of the Cascades. 
 
 158. Snowy Owl. 
 
 (Nyctea nyctea.) 
 
 Resident in the northern portions of the Province. 
 South, during some winters only, to the mouth of Fraser 
 River and Vancouver Island. 
 
 159. American Hawk Owl. 
 
 (Surnia ulula caparoch.) 
 
 A resident east of Cascades. West, occasionally, to 
 Vancouver Island. Breeds along the valley of the Simil- 
 kameen. 
 
 160. Burrowing Owl. 
 
 (Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea.) 
 
 East of Cascades. Not common. I have only found 
 them in the neighbourhood of Kamloops, but have heard of 
 them at Ashcroft. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 27 
 
 161. Pygmy Owl. 
 
 (Glaucidium gnoma.) 
 Common throughout the Province. 
 
 Order COCCYGES. The Cuckoos. 
 
 FAMILY CUCULID^E. CUCKOOS. 
 
 162. California Cuckoo. 
 
 (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis. ) 
 
 In May, 1881, I saw one of these birds at Burrard Inlet, 
 and in June, 1382, the late Mr. J. C Hughes found a pair 
 breeding at Kamloops. In June, 1887, I saw a pair at 
 Skinner's Swamp, near this city, and from their actions I 
 concluded they were breeding in that locality. Later on 
 in the same year, one was shot near Mount Tolinie. They 
 may be considered rare summer residents here. 
 
 FAMILY ALCEDINID^. THE KINGFISHERS. 
 
 163. Belted Kingfisher. 
 
 (Ceryle Alcyon.) 
 An abundant resident throughout the Province. 
 
 Order PICI. The Woodpeckers. 
 
 FAMILY PICID^E. WOODPECKERS. 
 
 164. Norther's Hairy Woodpecker. 
 
 (Dryobates villosus leucomelas.) 
 
 Eastern Cascade and Rocky Mountain sections. Com- 
 mon resident. 
 
 165. Harris's Woodpecker. 
 
 (Dryobates villosus harrisii.) 
 
 West of Cascades, especially coastwise. A common 
 resident. 
 
 including the Cascades, 
 
28 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 167. Gairdner's Woodpecker. 
 
 (Dryobates pubescens gairdnerii.) 
 
 A common resident west of Cascades. Winters on Van- 
 couver Island. 
 
 168. Batchelder's Woodpecker. 
 
 (Dryobates pubescens orececus.) 
 
 " Very common throughout the interior. Duck's and 
 Ashcroft." Clark P. Streator. 
 
 169. White-headed Woodpecker. 
 
 (Xenopicus albolarvatus. ) 
 Cascade Mountains. Similkameen R. V. Griffin. 
 
 170. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. 
 
 (Picoides arcticus.) 
 East of and including the Cascades. Resident. 
 
 171. Alpine Three-toed Woodpecker. 
 
 (Picoides americanus dorsalis.) 
 Mountains east of Cascades. North to Cassiar. 
 
 172. Red-naped Sapsucker. 
 
 (Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis.) 
 
 I found this bird very common east of the Cascades, 
 especially along the Cariboo Road. I have not seen it 011 
 the Island. 
 
 173. Red-breasted Sapsucker. 
 
 (Sphyrapicus ruber.) 
 East and west of Cascades. Common. 
 
 174. Williamson's Sapsucker. 
 
 (Sphyrapicus thyroideus.) 
 Taken at Similkameen by R. V. Griffin, June, 1882. 
 
 175. Pileated Woodpecker. 
 
 (Ceophloeus pileatus.) 
 Common. But more abundant on the coast. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS 29 
 
 176. Lewis's Woodpecker. 
 
 (Melanerpes torquatus.) 
 East and west of Cascades. Rare on Vancouver Island. 
 
 177. Flicker. 
 
 "Higholder." (Colaptes auratus.) 
 Vancouver Island and Mainland. Very rare. 
 
 178. Red-shafted Flicker. 
 
 (Colaptes cafer.) 
 East of Cascades. Common. 
 
 179. Northwestern Flicker. 
 
 (Colaptes cafer saturatior.) 
 
 West of Cascades. Abundant. A number winter in 
 the neighborhood of Victoria. 
 
 Order MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers 
 
 FAMILY CAPRIMULGID^E. GOATSUCKERS. 
 
 180. Nighthawk. 
 
 (Chordeiles virginianus.) 
 East of Cascades. Summer resident. 
 
 181. Western Nighthawk. 
 
 (Chordeiles virginianus henryi.) 
 
 West of Cascades. A summer resident. Breeds on the 
 Island and Mainland. 
 
 FAMILY MICROPODID^E. SWIFTS. 
 
 182. Black Swift. 
 
 (Cypseloides niger.) 
 
 A migrant. I know of no place in this Province 
 where they fijid a resting place for the soles of their feet. 
 They arrive in the neighbourhood of this city about the 
 10th of June, usually in company with the last species. 
 They are continually on the wing, moving northward. 
 
30 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 183. Vaux's Swift. 
 
 (Chsetura vauxii.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades, but not, to my knowledge, 
 occurring on Vancouver Island. 
 
 FAMILY TROCHILID^E. HUMMINGBIRDS. 
 
 184. Black-chinned Hummingbird. 
 
 (Trochilus alexandri.) 
 Confined to the Mainland ; both slopes of the Cascades. 
 
 185. Rufous Hummingbird. 
 
 (Trochilus rufus.) 
 
 West of Cascades. An abundant summer resident. The 
 only one, to my knowledge, found on the Island. 
 
 186. Allen's Hummingbird. 
 
 (Trochilus alleni.) 
 Eastern Cascade and Rocky Mountain Districts. 
 
 187. Calliope Hummingbird. 
 
 (Trochilus calliope.) 
 East and west of Cascades. 
 
 Order PASSERES. Perching Birds. 
 
 FAMILY TYRANNIES. TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 188. Kingbird. 
 
 (Tyrannus tyrannus.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades. More common on the Main- 
 land. A summer resident. 
 
 189. Gray Kingbird. 
 
 (Tyrannus dominicensis.) 
 
 One specimen taken at Cape Beale, 29th Sept., 1889, by 
 Miss Cox, and presented to the Museum. 
 
 190. Arkansas Kingbird. 
 
 (Tyrannus verticalis.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades, but chiefly on the Mainland. 
 I found it breeding at Ashcroft. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIKDS. 31 
 
 191. Say's Phoebe. 
 
 (Sayornis say a.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades, but chiefly on the Mainland. 
 Summer resident. 
 
 192. Olive-sided Flycatcher. 
 
 (Contopus borealis.) 
 East and west of Cascades, A common summer resident. 
 
 193. Western Wood Pewee. 
 
 (Contopus richardsonii.) 
 A common summer resident, east and west of Cascades. 
 
 194. Western Flycatcher. 
 
 (Empidonax difficilis.) 
 A common summer resident east and west of Cascades. 
 
 195. Little Flycatcher. 
 
 (Empidonax pusillus. 
 A summer resident, chiefly west of Cascades. 
 
 196. Trail's Flycatcher. 
 
 (Empidonax pusillus trailii.) 
 
 "New Westminster, Mt. Lehman, and Ashcroft." 
 Clark P. Streator, collection of birds made in British 
 Columbia in 1889. 
 
 t 
 
 197. Hammond's Flycatcher. 
 
 (Empidonax hammondi.) 
 
 Chiefly on the Mainland, east and west of Cascades. 
 Common at New Westminster. Summer resident. 
 
 198. Wright's Flycatcher. 
 
 (Empidonax obscurus.) 
 
 Taken at Chilliwhack by A. C. Brooks. Summer resi- 
 dent. 
 
32 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 FAMILY ALAUDIDJE. LARKS. 
 
 199. PaUid Horned Lark. 
 
 (Otocoris alpestris leucolaema.) 
 
 East of and including the Cascades. I have taken it on 
 the summit. 
 
 200. Streaked Horned Lark. 
 
 (Octocoris alpestris strigata.) 
 
 West of Cascades. Fort Simpson, W. B. Anderson. 
 Burrard Inlet, J. F. Chilliwhack, A. C. Brooks. Nowhere 
 common. 
 
 201. Dusky Horned Lark 
 
 (Otocoris alpestris merrillii.) 
 Chiefly east of Cascades. 
 
 FAMILY CORVIDjE. CROWS, JAYS, MAGPIES, &c. 
 
 202. American Magpie. 
 
 (Pica pica hudsonica.) 
 
 An abundant resident. Breeds east of Cascades. West 
 of Cascades only during winter. A rare straggler on Van- 
 couver Island. 
 
 203. SteUer's Jay. 
 
 (Cyanocitta stelleri.) 
 
 An abundant resident east and west of Cascades. Breeds 
 both on the Island and Mainland. 
 
 204. Black-headed Jay. 
 
 (Gyanocitta stelleri annectens.) 
 East of Cascade and Rocky Mountain Districts. 
 
 205. Oregon Jay. 
 
 "Whiskey Jack." "Hudson Bay Bird." (Peri- 
 
 soreus obscurus. 
 An abundant resident throughout the Province. 
 
 206. Northern Raven. 
 
 * (Corvus corax principalis.) 
 
 A resident throughout the Province, chiefly northward 
 and coastwise. Becoming rare in certain localities where, 
 twenty years ago, it was abundant. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 33 
 
 207. California Crow. 
 
 (Corvus americanus hesperis.) 
 East and west of Cascades. Common resident. 
 
 208. Northwest Crow. 
 
 (Corvus caurinus.) 
 
 Chiefly west of Cascades, yery abundant on the coast. 
 Resident. 
 
 209. Clarke's Nutcracker. 
 
 "Clarke's crow." (Picicorvus colum-bianus.) 
 
 A common resident east of Cascades. West, but very 
 rarely, to Vancouver Island. Abundant in the pine belts 
 along the Similkameen, and also along the Cariboo Road 
 above Clinton. 
 
 FAMILY ICTERID^E. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, &c. 
 
 210. Cowbird. 
 
 (Molothrus ater.) 
 Similkaineen R. Y. Griffin. 
 
 211. Yellow-headed Blackbird. 
 
 (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus.) 
 
 A rare summer resident. On the Mainland, chieflly east 
 of Cascades. I found it above Clinton this season. 
 
 212. Red-winged Blackbird. 
 
 (Agelaius phoeniceus.) 
 
 Chiefly west of Cascades. Breeds on Vancouver Island. 
 Common. 
 
 213. Western Meadowlark. 
 
 (Sturnella magna neglecta.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades. Abundant. Winters on 
 Vancouver Island. 
 
 214. Bullock's Oriole. 
 
 (Icterus bullocki.) 
 
 East of Cascades only. A rare summer resident. Breeds 
 at Cache Creek. 
 
34 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 215. Brewer's Blackbird. 
 
 (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades. Common in spring and fall 
 at the mouth of the Fraser. Breeds in the neighbourhood 
 of Clinton. 
 
 FAMILY FRINGILLIDJE. FINCHES, SPARROWS, &c. 
 
 216. Evening Grosbeak. 
 
 (Coccothraustes vespertinus.) 
 
 East of Cascades, straggling west (in winter) to Lower 
 Fraser and Vancouver Island. I found it near summit of 
 Cascades, last of June. 
 
 217. American Pine Grosbeak. 
 
 (Pinicola enucleator canadensis.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades, except Vancouver Island- 
 Fort Simpson W. B. Anderson. 
 
 218. California Purple Finch. 
 
 (Carpodacus purpureus calif ornicus.) 
 
 An abundant summer resident, chiefly west of Cascades. 
 Breeds on the Island and Mainland. 
 
 219. Cassin's Purple Finch. 
 
 (Carpodacus cassini.) 
 East and west of Cascades. Tolerably common. 
 
 220. American Crossbill. 
 
 (Loxia curvirostra minor.) 
 An abundant resident throughout the Province. 
 
 221. White-winged Crossbill. 
 
 (Loxia leucoptera.) 
 
 Rocky Mountain District. An abundant resident. 
 Beaver Pass Geo. Hyde. 
 
 222. Gray-crowned Leucosticte. 
 
 (Leucosticte tephrocotis.) 
 
 Rocky Mountain District. In winter, occasionally, west 
 to the Cascades. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 35 
 
 223. Hepburn's Leucosticte. 
 
 " Gray crowned Finch." Tephrocotis littoralis. 
 From the coast to the Rocky Mountains. Ashcroft, 
 Clinton, Burrard Inlet. Fort Simpson W. B. Anderson. 
 
 224. Redpoll. 
 
 (Acanthis linaria.) 
 
 The Province at large, but more common in the Rocky 
 Mountain District. 
 
 225. American Goldfinch. 
 
 (Spinus tristis.) 
 
 Chiefly confined to the Mainland. Both slopes of the 
 Cascades and Rocky Mountain District. 
 
 226. Pine Siskin. 
 
 " Pine Linnet." (Spinus pinus.) 
 
 The Province at large. An abundant resident. Ap- 
 pearing in great flecks during fall and winter in the neigh- 
 bourhood of this city. 
 
 227. Snowflake. 
 
 (Plectrophenax nivalis.) 
 An abundant resident. More common east of Cascades. 
 
 228. Lapland Longspur. 
 
 (Calcarius lapponicus.) 
 
 The Province at large. Nowhere common. Fort Simp- 
 son W. B. Anderson. Chilliwhack A. C. Brooks. Near 
 Victoria A. H. Maynard. Burrard Inlet J. F. 
 
 229. Macown's Longspur. 
 
 (Rhynchophanes mccownii.) 
 N*. Chilliwhack A. C. Brooks. 
 
 230. Vesper Sparrow. 
 
 (Poocsetes graniineus.) 
 East of Cascades. An abundant summer resident. 
 
 231. Western Vesper Sparrow. 
 
 "Bay-winged Bunting." (Poocsetes gramineus confinis.) 
 Chiefly west of Cascades. Vancouver Island, 
 
36 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 232. Sandwich Sparrow. 
 
 (Ammodramus sandwichensis.) 
 
 An abundant summer resident west of Cascades. Breeds 
 on this Island. 
 
 233. Western Savanna Sparrow. 
 
 (Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus.) 
 Summer resident on the coast. Chilliwhack A. C. 
 Brooks. 
 
 234. Intermediate Sparrow. 
 
 (Zonotrichia intermedia.) 
 
 I found this bird very common east of Cascades, and 
 Mr. Brooks reports it from Chilliwhack. 
 
 235. Gambel's Sparrow. 
 
 (Zonotrichia gambeli.) 
 
 West of Cascades, especially on the coast. The most 
 abundant small bird in the neighbourhood of Victoria, 
 where throughout the spring months its somewhat monoto- 
 nous song is heard from "morn till night." 
 
 236. Golden-crowned Sparrow. 
 
 (Zonotrichia coronata. ; 
 An abundant summer resident. 
 
 237. Western Tree Sparrow. 
 
 (Spizella monticola ochracea.) 
 Chilliwhack A. C. Brooks. 
 
 238. Western Chipping Sparrow. 
 
 (Spizella socialis arizonse. ) 
 
 An abundant summer resident east and west of Cas- 
 cades. Breeds in the neighbourhood of this city. 
 
 239. Brewer's Sparrow. 
 
 (Spizella breweri.) 
 
 Eastern Cascades and Rocky Mountain Districts, 
 Similkameen R. V. Griffin. 
 
 240. Slate-coloured Junco. 
 
 ( Junco hy emalis.) 
 Chilliwhack A. C. Brooks. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 37 
 
 241. Oregon Junco. 
 
 "Snow-bird." (Junco hyemalis oregonus.) 
 An abundant resident west of the Cascades. 
 
 242. Rocky Mountain Junco. 
 
 (Junco hyemalis shufeldti.) 
 
 According to Mr. Frank M. Chapman (American 
 Museum Natural History), the Juncos collected by Mr. 
 Streator east of the Cascades are separable from the coast 
 forms, and should be placed as above. 
 
 243. Rusty Song Sparrow. 
 
 (Melospiza fasciata guttata.) 
 
 An abundant resident, confined chiefly to the coast- 
 Vancouver Island. 
 
 244. Sooty Song Sparrow. 
 
 (Melospiza fasciata rufina ) 
 
 An abundant resident, chiefly along the coast of the 
 Mainland. 
 
 245. Lincoln's Sparrow. 
 
 (Melospiza lincolni.) 
 Found east and west of Cascades. 
 
 246. Forbush's Finch. 
 
 (Melospiza lincolni striata.) 
 
 Collected at Comox, September, 1888, by E. H. Forbush. 
 Probably a doubtful species. 
 
 247. Townsend's Sparrow. 
 
 (Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis.) 
 
 I have only found this bird west of the Cascades. It is 
 a common summer resident on Vancouver Island, where it 
 breeds. 
 
 248. Spurred Townee. 
 
 (Pipilo maculatus megalonyx.) 
 East of Cascades. Breetls at Ashcrof t. 
 
38 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 249. Oregon Townee. 
 
 (Pipilo maculatus oregonus.) 
 
 An abundant resident west of the Cascades. Winters 
 on the coast. 
 
 250. Black-headed Grosbeak. 
 
 (Habia melanocephala.) 
 A summer resident east and west of Cascades: 
 
 251. Lazuli Bunting. 
 
 (Passerina amoena.) 
 
 An abundant summer resident, chiefly east of Cascades 
 and Rocky Mountain Districts. Rare on Vancouver 
 Island. 
 
 FAMILY TANAGRIDJE. TANAGERS. 
 
 252. Louisiana Tanager. 
 
 (Piranga ludoviciana.) 
 
 An abundant summer resident throughout the Province. 
 Breeds on the Island and Mainland. 
 
 * 
 
 FAMILY HIRUNDINID^E. SWALLOWS. 
 
 253. Purple Martin. 
 
 (Progne subis.) 
 
 A common summer resident, chiefly west of Cascades. 
 Within the last seven years have commenced breeding in 
 the cities of Victoria and New Westminster. 
 
 254. Cliff Swallow. 
 
 (Petrochelidon lunifrons.) 
 
 I have only found this bird east of the Cascades, where 
 in some localities along the Cariboo Road it is very 
 abundant. 
 
 255. Barn Swallow. 
 
 (Chelidon erythrogaster.) 
 An abundant summer resident throughout the Province. 
 
 256. White-bellied Swallow. 
 
 (Tachycineta bicolor.) 
 The Province at large. Abundant. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 39 
 
 257. Violet-green Swallow. 
 
 (Tachycineta thalassina.) 
 An abundant summer resident throughout the Province. 
 
 258. Rough-winged Swallow. 
 
 (Stelgidopteryx serripennis.) 
 
 Common all over the Province. Breeds in the banks at 
 Beacon Hill. 
 
 FAMILY AMPELID^E. WAXWINGS. 
 
 259. Bohemian Waxwing. 
 
 (Ampelis garrulus.) 
 
 A resident, chiefly east of Cascades and Rocky Mountain 
 Districts. A rare winter visitant on Vancouver Island. 
 
 260. Cedar Bird. 
 
 (Ampelis cedrorum.) 
 A common summer resident throughout the Province. 
 
 FAMILY LANIID^. SHRIKES. 
 
 261. Northern Shrike. 
 
 "Butcherbird." (Lanius borealis.) 
 
 The Province at large. Nowhere common. A few are 
 found throughout the winter on the coast. 
 
 262. White-rumped Shrike. 
 
 (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides.) 
 
 Chilliwhack A. C. Brooks. Vancouver Island A. H. 
 Maynard. 
 
 FAMILY VIREONID^. VIREOS. 
 
 263. Red-eyed Vireo. 
 
 (Vireo olivaceus.) 
 
 East of the Cascades Clark P. Streator. Chilliwhack 
 A v C. Brooks. 
 
 264. Warbling Vireo. 
 
 (Vireo gilvus.) 
 East and west of Cascades. Common summer resident. 
 
40 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 265. Western Warbling Vireo. 
 
 (Vireo gilvus swain soni.) 
 
 From the coast to the Rocky Mountains, Common 
 summer resident. 
 
 266. Cassin's Vireo. 
 
 (Yireo solitarius cassinii.) 
 East and west of Cascades only. Summer resident. 
 
 267. Plumbeous Vireo. 
 
 (Vireo solitarius plumbeus.) 
 Chilliwhack A. C. Brooks. 
 
 FAMILY MNIOTILTID^ WOOD WARBLERS. 
 
 268. Orange-crowned Warbler. 
 
 (Helminthophila celata.) 
 East and west of Cascades. A summer resident. 
 
 269. Lutescent Warbler. 
 
 (Helminthophila celata lutescens.) 
 
 Chiefly west of the Cascades. A very abundant summer 
 resident on the coast. 
 
 270. Yellow Warbler. 
 
 (Dendroica sestiva.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades. Also Rocky Mountain Dis- 
 trict. An abundant summer resident. 
 
 271. 
 
 ( Dendfoica 
 An abundant summer resident throughout the Province. 
 
 NOTE. All our Yellow Warblers are known here by the 
 name of " Wild Canaries," and it is about time that this 
 absurd title should be dropped. 
 
 272. Myrtle Warbler. 
 
 (Dendroica corona ta.) 
 
 An abundant summer resident, chiefly west of the Cas- 
 cades. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 41 
 
 273. Audubon's Warbler. 
 
 (Dendroica auduboni.) 
 
 A very abundant summer resident all over the Province. 
 Specimens taken east of the Cascades appear to be of much 
 brighter plumage than those of the coast. 
 
 274. Black-throated Gray Warbler. 
 
 (Dendroica nigrescens.) 
 
 Not common. I have only noticed it on the coast. Mr. 
 Brooks reports it from Chilli whack. 
 
 275. Townsend's Warbler. 
 
 (Dendroica townsendi.) 
 East and west of Cascades. Not common. 
 
 276. Hermit Warbler. 
 
 "Western Warbler." (Dendroica occidentalis.) 
 A summer resident, chiefly west of Cascades. 
 
 277. Grinnell's Water-thrush. 
 
 (Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis.) 
 Taken at Duck's by Clark P. Streator, August 7, 1889. 
 
 278. Macgillivray's Warbler. 
 
 (Geothlypis macgillivrayi.) 
 
 A common summer resident throughout the greater por- 
 tion of the Province. Breeds on Vancouver Island. A 
 bright, active little bird, continually on the move, darting 
 here and there among the low shrubbery. 
 
 NOTE. In an old work, published in 1839 by J. K. 
 Townsend, is a description of a new species of warbler, 
 which the author named " Tolmie's Warbler" (Sylvia 
 tolmcei\ in honour of Dr. Tolmie. then of Fort Vancouver. 
 As the late Dr. Tolmie was an old resident of this city, 
 where his family now reside, I was anxious to know to 
 what species the name had been applied, and why it had 
 been dropped, and wrote to Mr. Robert Ridgeway, Curator 
 of Department of Birds, Smithsonian Institution, for the 
 information, and received the following reply : 
 
 "Sylvia tolmcei (Tolmie's Warbler) is a synonym of 
 Sylvia macgillivrayi (Macgillivray's Warbler) Geothlypis 
 macgillivrayi of recent authors. Both names were pub- 
 lished in i839, but tolmcei occurring on p. 343, while 
 
42 CHECK LIST OP 
 
 macgillivrayi occurs on p. 75, priority is conceded to the 
 latter." 
 
 279. Western Yellow-throat. 
 
 (Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. ) 
 
 A common summer resident throughout the greater por- 
 tion of the Province. 
 
 280. Pileolated Warbler. 
 
 (Sylvania pusilla pileolata.) 
 A common summer resident, chiefly west of Cascades. 
 
 281. American Redstart. 
 
 (Setophaga ruticilla.) 
 
 Found throughout the southern portions of the Province, 
 and through the interior as far as Barkerville. Nowhere 
 common. 
 
 FAMILY MOTACILLID^. WAGTAILS AND PIPITS. 
 
 282. American Pipit. 
 
 (Anthus pensilvanicus.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades. Abundant. Found through 
 out some winters on Vancouver Island. 
 
 FAMILY CINCLID^E. DIPPERS. 
 
 283. American Dipper. 
 
 "Water Ouzel." (Cinclus mexicanus.) 
 To be found on nearly every mountain stream in the 
 Province. 
 
 FAMILY TROGLODYTID^E. WRENS. 
 
 284. Catbird. 
 
 (Galeoscoptes carolinensis.) 
 
 Common east and west of Cascades. Rare on Vancouver 
 Island. Summer resident. 
 
 285. Rock Wren. 
 
 (Salpinctes obsoletus.) 
 
 I secured a specimen of this bird in June, 1884, at Bur- 
 rard Inlet, the only one I ever saw on the coast. It is 
 common east of Cascades. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 43 
 
 286. Vigor's Wren. 
 
 (Thryothorus bewickii spilurus.) 
 
 A summer resident, chiefly west of Cascades. Breeds in 
 Beacon Hill Park. A fine songster. 
 
 287. Parkman's Wren. 
 
 (Troglodytes aedon parkmanii.) 
 A summer resident east and west of Cascades. 
 
 288. Western Winter Wren. 
 
 (Troglodytes hiemalis pacificus.) 
 A resident: Chiefly on the coast. Abundant. 
 
 289. Tule Wren. 
 
 (Cistothorus palustris paluclicola.) 
 
 I have found this bird only east of Cascades, where it is 
 very abundant around the lakes along the Cariboo Road. 
 
 FAMILY CERTHITD^E. CREEPERS. 
 
 290. California Creeper. 
 
 (Certhia familiaris occidentalis.) 
 
 East and west of Cascades. Common on Vancouver 
 Island. 
 
 \ 
 FAMILY PARID M. NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 
 
 291. Slender-billed Nuthatch. 
 
 (Sitta carolinensis aculeata.) 
 
 Common east of Cascades. I found them very abundant 
 on the wooded hills near Cornwall's. 
 
 292. Bed-breasted Nuthatch. 
 
 (Sitta canadensis.) 
 
 Common east and west of Cascades. Winters on Van- 
 couver Island. 
 
 293. Pygmy Nuthatch. 
 
 (Sitta pygmsea.) 
 I have only found this bird east of Cascades. 
 
44 CHECK LIST OF 
 
 294. Mountain Chickadee. 
 
 (Parus gambeli.) 
 
 Wooded hills east of Cascades, and Rocky Mountain 
 District. 
 
 295. Oregon Chickadee. 
 
 (Parus atricapillus occidentalis.) 
 A common resident west of Cascades. 
 
 296. Long-tailed Chickadee. 
 
 (Parus atricapillus septentrionalis.) 
 
 I found this bird very common on the wooded hills east 
 of Cascades, especially in the neighbourhood of Cornwall's. 
 
 297. Chesnut-backed Chickadee. 
 
 (Parus rufescens.) 
 
 A common resident west of Cascades. Breeds close to 
 this city. 
 
 FAMILY SYLVIID^E. WARBLERS, KINGLETS. 
 
 298. Western Golden-crowned Kinglet. 
 
 (Regulus satrapa olivaceus.) 
 Abundant throughout the Western Cascade District. 
 
 299. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 
 
 (Regulus calendula.) 
 Same distribution as last species. 
 
 FAMILY TURDIDJE. THRUSHES, SOLITAIRES, AND 
 BLUEBIRDS. 
 
 300. Townsend's Solitaire. 
 
 (Myadestes townsendii.) 
 
 A rare bird, though I have found it both east and west 
 of Cascades, and have taken it in January at Ladner's, on 
 the Lower Fraser. 
 
 301. Willow Thrush. 
 
 (Turdus fuscescens salicicolus.) 
 Common east of Cascades. A summer resident. 
 
BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRDS. 45 
 
 302. Russet-backed Thrush. 
 
 (Turdus ustulatus.) 
 
 A common summer resident west of Cascades. I have 
 found it as far north as Dease Lake, Cassiar. Breeds in 
 the neighbourhood of this city. Nest in low bushes, or on 
 the broken, moss-covered tops of stumps. A restless, 
 active bird ; a charming songster, whose clear, bell-like 
 notes are the first to waken the echoes of early morning, 
 and the last to linger long after the day has passed into 
 night. 
 
 303. Dwarf Hermit Thrush. 
 
 (Turdus aonalaschkse.) 
 
 West of Cascades, chiefly coastwise. Only noticed 
 during spring, and am inclined to think that it does not 
 breed in this locality. 
 
 304. Western Robin. 
 
 (Merula migratoria propinqua.) 
 
 Abundant throughout the Province. Partially migra- 
 tory. A number winter on Vancouver Island. 
 
 305. Varied Thrush. 
 
 "Swamp Robin." (Hesperocichla nsevia.) 
 Common west of Cascades. Partially migratory. 
 
 306. Western Bluebird. 
 
 (Sialia Mexicana.) 
 
 A common summer resident east and west of Cascades ; 
 more numerous on the coast. 
 
 307. Mountain Bluebird. 
 
 (Sialia arctica.) 
 
 A summer resident east of Cascades and Rocky Moun- 
 tain Districts, west, occasionally, to Chilliwhack and other 
 points on the Lower Fraser. 
 
APPENDIX. 47 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The Western Cascade District may be described as a 
 wooded country, noted for its gigantic coniferous trees, some 
 of which reach a height of three hundred feet, the under- 
 growth consisting of vine-maple, willow and alder, beneath 
 which a rank growth of moss, matted weeds and ferns, a 
 state of things exists admirably adapted to retain that 
 moisture which, during the winter months, is so character- 
 istic of this North- West Coast. Of course on some parts 
 of Vancouver Island and along the Valley of the Fraser 
 at the Delta, Pitt River, Langley, Sumas, and Chilliwhack 
 open stretches of land occur, and these places may be 
 mentioned as the resort of most of the species, in fact very 
 little of bird life is met with in the deep woods. So that, 
 considering that such species as the Canadian Buffed 
 Grouse, Western Horned Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy 
 Woodpecker, etc., species which are represented on the 
 Coast by the darker forms, are found throughout the 
 Rocky Mountain District and in the Cascade Mountains, 
 where the country is as thickly wooded and the foliage as 
 dense as that portion to the westward, it may be ques- 
 tioned whether sunlight and humidity are the chief factors 
 in bringing about this difference of plumage. 
 
 The Eastern Cascade District is a dry open country of 
 rolling hills, having their higher summits sparsely clothed 
 with forests of coniferous trees, while such deciduous ones 
 as the aspen, dogwood, and willow are found skirting the 
 borders of rivers and small streams. Although there are 
 a few places where sagebush and alkali are the prevailing 
 features, still this open country is well supplied with 
 nutritious bunch grass, on which immense herds of cattle 
 graze the year round. 
 
48 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The Rocky Mountain District is essentially a country of 
 " forest, stream and mountain," interspersed with innumer- 
 able lakes, the breeding places of most of our water birds. 
 
 The forests consist chiefly of coniferous trees, though 
 birch, maple, and cottonwood abound in many places. 
 
 An examination of the tables below will give some idea 
 as to the difference in the humidity of the three districts. 
 
 Rain and Snow Fall. 
 
 Table giving total amount in inches of rain and snow 
 
 fall for a period of three years. 
 
 DR. WATT, Observer. 
 ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, BARKERVILLE. 
 
 
 1888-89. 
 
 1889-90. 
 
 1890-91. 
 
 
 Rain. 
 
 Snow. 
 
 Rain. 
 
 Snow. 
 
 Rain. 
 
 Snow. 
 
 July 
 
 3.46 
 
 
 
 .32 
 
 
 I 
 3.85 
 
 
 
 August 
 
 3.28 
 
 
 
 4.25 
 
 
 
 4.25 
 
 
 September 
 
 2 30 
 
 
 3.09 
 
 1.5 
 
 3 05 
 
 
 October 
 
 1.02 
 
 31.0 
 
 .93 
 
 1.0 
 
 1.10 
 
 12.5 
 
 November 
 
 .80 
 
 25.5 
 
 
 19.0 
 
 1.65 
 
 15.0 
 
 December 
 
 70 
 
 34 
 
 
 32 
 
 17 
 
 43 
 
 January 
 
 
 25.0 
 
 
 12.5 
 
 .50 
 
 21.0 
 
 February 
 
 1.15 
 
 18.5 
 
 
 20.5 
 
 
 16.0 
 
 March 
 
 45 
 
 11 
 
 
 38 
 
 
 23 
 
 April . 
 
 .46 
 
 12.0 
 
 
 37.0 
 
 .50 
 
 6.5 
 
 May 
 
 3.70 
 
 
 3.80 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 .5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 June 
 
 2.38 
 
 
 2.46 
 
 
 
 4.15 
 
 1.0 
 
 
 19.70 
 
 157.0 
 
 14.85 
 
 161.5 
 
 20.22 
 
 139.0 
 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 49 
 
 Table giving mean amount in inches of precipitation in 
 rain and melted snow for a period of 15 years, District 
 West of Cascades, taken at New Westminster. 
 
 CAPTAIN PEELE, Observer. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ij. 
 
 b 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 t4 
 
 
 
 J 
 
 d 
 
 c 
 
 cS 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 H 
 
 _g 
 
 a 
 
 g 
 
 
 1 
 
 e 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 d 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1-5 
 
 "3 
 
 1-5 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 i 
 
 1 
 a 
 
 o> 
 o 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 mean 
 
 7.53 
 
 7.07 
 
 6.68 
 
 3.22 
 
 3.27 
 
 2.62 
 
 1.66 
 
 1.93 
 
 3.14 
 
 5.57 
 
 7.97 
 
 9.14 
 
 59.90 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Table giving mean amount in inches of precipitation in 
 rain and melted snow. 
 
 JOHN MURRAY, ESQ., Observer. 
 
 DISTRICT EAST OF CASCADES. 
 
 Spence's Bridge for the year 1874 9 . 90 
 
 1877 7.83 
 
 Lillooet, 1880 8.32 
 
 1881 14.30 
 
 1882. 8.97 
 
 Nicola Lake, 1884 9.73 
 
 Douglas Lake, 1884 10.62 
 
 Mean 
 
 9.98 
 
 VICTORIA, B. C.: 
 Printed by RICHARD WOLFENDEN, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. 
 
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