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A Northern Winter Record of the Phainopepla

Authors
Carl S. Muller
Journal
Condor
Volume
17
Issue
3 (May-June)
Year
1915
Pages
129
Section
From Field and Study
Online Text

A Northern Winter Record of the Phainopepla

On February 12, 1915, after a severe and protracted storm, I collected an adult female Phainopepla (Phatnopepla nitens) within the city of Marysville, California. The species is rare in this vicinity; even in summer its appearance is quite casual. When discovered, this individual was feeding upon a cluster of mistletoe berries in a black walnut tree. It was not particularly shy and was reluctant to desert such an excellent feeding ground, as I found when I attempted to frighten her from the place. She refused to leave, and, after circling widely, returned to the tree. Examination of the bird in hand showed it to be in apparent good health, and the body was very fat. The stomach was distended with the mistletoe berries.

Carl S. Muller

Marysville, California

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