Annotated Checklist: Birds of San Diego County

Comments? Corrections? Leave them here.

Annotated Checklist of the Birds of San Diego County
Copyright 2016, 2017 by Greg Gillson
First posted: August 30, 2016
Last updated: July 19, 2017 [AOS checklist 58th supplement July 2017 checklist order and renames completed. Updated eBird rare sightings 2015 through June 2017.]

When and where are you most likely to find each bird species of San Diego County? This annotated checklist is designed to answer that question specifically.

Each species account starts with the general bio-region and date range when most common within the county. Bird-finding is further refined with a habitat type within that bio-region. For birds that are found less than annually, eBird records from January 2010 through June 2017 are listed. For less widespread birds, a brief list tells specifically the best few locations where each species is frequently found. Additional notes give more information. A more detailed explanation follows immediately below.

Compiled mainly from these references:
eBird. 2017. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org. [Last accessed July 11, 2017.]
Teitz, Jim, and Guy McCaskie, editors. 2017. Update to Rare Birds of California: 1 January 2004-17 March 2017. Available: http://californiabirds.org/cbrc_book/update.pdf [Last accessed July 9, 2017.]
Unitt, Philip. 2004. San Diego County Bird Atlas. San Diego Natural History Museum. San Diego, California.

Checklist sequence and bird names follows the AOS (formerly AOU) Check-list of North American Birds, 7th Edition, 58th Supplement, July 2017. 

Abundance/frequency terms
Common: Annual, expected in good numbers without special searching.
Uncommon: Annual, often requires searching to find.
Rare (Annual): Very low numbers or restricted range, hard to find even with searching, but expected every year.
Occasional [Casual]: Rare, not annual. Not expected every year, but several times per decade.
Vagrant [Accidental]: Very rare. Not expected more than once per decade, on average.
Extirpated: Former breeder, no longer exists as a wild bird within the county.
Irregular: Numbers vary greatly from year to year.

Occupancy terms
Resident: Individual birds remain in the county all year and breed.
Summer resident: Birds migrate to the county to breed, but do not remain to winter.
Migrant: Birds pass through the county on the way to other breeding or wintering grounds.
Winter visitor: Birds migrate to the county to winter, but do not breed.
Summer visitor: Migrant or wintering birds remain through summer but do not breed.
Visitor: Non-migrant bird wanders to the County.
CBRC: Rarity of statewide importance. California Bird Records Committee.

Major San Diego Bioregions
Offshore: Ocean waters 5-30 miles from shore.
Nearshore: Ocean waters less than 5 miles from shore, especially as observable from shore.
Coastal: Beaches, headlands, bays, estuaries, river mouths, and lagoons. Low elevation residential communities, wetlands, and parks within 3 miles of the ocean.
Lowlands: Much of the county's urban and residential areas, river bottoms, coastal sage scrub remnants, west of the mountains below 1500 feet elevation, and more than 3 miles from the ocean.
Mountians: Oak woodlands and chaparral above 1500 feet elevation, including pine forest islands from 4000-6000 feet.
Desert: Anza-Borrego Desert east of the mountains.

Habitat
A brief primary habitat description is given for every species. For birds that breed primarily outside of San Diego County the habitat listed may not exist within the county. For general habitat information of species rare to San Diego County I also used the online Audubon Guide to North American Birds (http://www.audubon.org/bird-guide).

Notes
Special notes are made to give additional status information. Also included is whether owls and nightjars are nocturnal or not.

Note on rarities
While some specific sightings are listed for very rare birds, this is not an attempt to be a complete listing of all known sightings of vagrants. You may notice some uneven coverage on my part; some Rare birds are listed individually by date and location, others are only summarized, using eBird data from 2010 through August 2016. Though eBird has been around nearly a decade longer, 2010 started a significant increase in use and popularity of eBird, and one can get a relative sense of the recent status of rare birds from this data, even though not all rare birds are seen by users of eBird.

Escapees and free-flying domesticated birds
Individual birds that have not established wild breeding populations are frequently encountered in San Diego County. Nearly any kind of Mexican bird—colorful or not—can be found for sale in Tijuana pet shops. Some frequently detected species assumed to be escapees are listed separately after the main list.


Species Accounts

Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Extirpated. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Wetlands. Note: Status confused since the 1950's because of free-flying escapees. Last sighting assumed to be a wild bird was 1956. Last reported likely escapee was 2003. Pinioned birds of this species are kept at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens
Rare winter visitor, November through February. Primarily found with Canada Geese in the Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Pastures, marshes. Best locations: Ramona Grasslands Preserve, south end of San Diego Bay.

Ross's Goose Anser rossii
Rare winter visitor, November through February. Primarily Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Pastures, city parks with pond and lawns, golf courses. Best locations: Guajome Regional Park, Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
Rare winter visitor, late September through March. Primarily Coastal and Lowlands regions, occasionally Mountain lakes (Lake Henshaw). Habitat: Pastures, lakeshore, marshes. Best locations: Tijuana River Estuary; Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Note: A single individual resident for many years at Lindo Lake in Lakeside.

Brant Branta bernicla
Common winter visitor November through April. Primarily found in the Coastal region, but also found regularly flying along Nearshore and Offshore waters. Rare summering family groups in bays of Coastline. Habitat: Eelgrass beds in bays. Best locations: South end of San Diego Bay, Chula Vista Marina, Mission Bay.

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii
Rare winter visitor, November through February. Primarily found with Canada Geese in Lowlands. Habitat: Pastures, city parks. Best locations: Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Note: A single bird has taken up residence at Scripps Lake/Lake Miramar since 2009.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Common winter visitor, November through February. Found throughout the county in Coastal, Lowlands, Mountains, and uncommonly in the Desert, on larger lakes with adjacent grazing areas, especially in the Lowlands of the North County. Uncommon resident in some same areas. Habitat: Pastures, larger lakes, parks and golf courses with ponds, estuaries. Best locations: San Elijo Lagoon, Lake Hodges, Ramona Grasslands Preserve, San Dieguito Lagoon. Breeding: Lake Murray, Lindo Lake, Lake Cuyamaca.

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
Occasional winter visitor, usually single birds, November through February. eBird records since 2010: Jan-Feb 2010 in Carlsbad, Dec-Jan 2011-2012 at Lake Henshaw, Jan 2012 in Ramona, Nov 2013 in Sorrento Valley, Dec 2015 in Borrego Springs. Found primarily in Coastal and Lowlands of the North County. Habitat: Parks, golf courses, lagoons, lakeshores. Best locations: None.

Wood Duck Aix sponsa
Uncommon and local resident in Lowlands and Mountain region; rare resident in Coastal region. Slightly more widespread but still uncommon winter visitor, October-March, rare in the Desert. Habitat: Wooded ponds. Best Locations: Santee Lakes, Lindo Lake, Lake Cuyamaca, Lake Murray, Kit Carson Park.

Blue-winged Teal Spatula discors
Uncommon winter visitor and migrant October-April. Winter visitors are found primarily in Coastal region and Lowlands near the coast. More widespread in migration when also rare in Mountains and Desert. Occasional birds remain through summer, but not known to breed. Habitat: Fresh water wetlands. Best locations: San Diego River mouth, Famosa Slough.

Cinnamon Teal Spatula cyanoptera
Common winter visitor in all terrestrial regions. Uncommon summer resident in same regions, but less widespread, especially sparse in Coastal region. Habitat: Shallow wetlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
Common winter visitor, late August through April, in freshwater throughout all terrestrial regions. Rare individuals or pairs may spend the summer. Habitat: Shallow wetlands. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Only one known breeding record in 1978.

Gadwall Mareca strepera
Common winter visitor, November through April, in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountain regions. Uncommon resident in Coastal region; Rare resident in Lowlands and Mountains. Rare in winter in Desert. Habitat: Lakes, lagoons. Best Locations: San Luis Rey River mouth, San Elijo Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon, San Diego River mouth.

Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope
Rare winter visitor, October through March, Coastal and Lowlands near the coast. Occasional in Mountains (Lake Henshaw) and Desert (golf course ponds in Borrego Springs). Habitat: Marshes in estuaries, park ponds and golf courses with grass for grazing. Best locations: San Diego River mouth, Lake Hodges. Note: Single birds mixed in with American Wigeons may return to same wintering areas for many years. Hybrids with American Wigeon are frequent.

American Wigeon Mareca americana
Common winter visitor, September through April, in Coastal, Lowland, Mountains, and Desert regions. Rare regular summer visitor, not known to breed. Habitat: Ponds, parks, golf courses, wetlands, with grass for grazing. Best locations: Widespread.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Common resident in all non-oceanic regions. Habitat: All wetlands except marine. Best locations: Widespread.

Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Common winter visitor, August through March. Rare individuals may spend the summer. Breeding is known, but rare. Found in freshwater throughout all terrestrial regions but most common in Coastal lagoons. Habitat: Shallow wetlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Green-winged Teal (America) Anas crecca carolinensis
Common winter visitor, September through March, in freshwater throughout all terrestrial regions. Occasional individuals may spend the summer. Habitat: Shallow wetlands. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Only one known breeding record, in 1931.

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian) Anas crecca crecca/nimia
Vagrant to Occasional winter visitor to Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Shallow wetlands. Note: Most recent records seem to be February 2001 and December 2001 at San Diego River mouth.

Canvasback Aythya valisineria
Uncommon winter visitor, November through March. Most frequent in Coastal lagoons in North County. Nearly absent from Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Otherwise scattered about on lakes throughout county. Habitat: Fresh water and brackish water. Best locations: Lake O'Neill, Buena Vista Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon.

Redhead Aythya americana
Uncommon winter visitor, November through March, primarily in Coastal region. Rare to Uncommon in Lowlands, more frequent nearer to coast. Rare in Mountains and Desert. Rare breeder in Oceanside area, most recent nesting records are from Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary. Habitat: Deep lakes and lagoons. Best locations: Mission Bay, Libby Lake Park in Oceanside, Buena Vista Lagoon.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
Common winter visitor, October through April, throughout inland areas in Lowlands, Mountain, and Desert regions. Rare in the Coastal region. Occasional summer stragglers. Habitat: Small city ponds to large lakes. Best locations: Widespread.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
Vagrant winter visitor. eBird records since 2010: Dec-Feb 2014-2015 in Upper Otay Reservoir. Habitat: Deeper ponds and reservoirs.

Greater Scaup Aythya marila
Rare winter visitor, November through March. Primarily found in Coastal region at the south end of San Diego Bay. Habitat: Deeper fresh or brackish waters. Best locations: Bayshore Park (J Street) in Chula Vista, Mission Bay. Note: Similarity to Lesser Scaup confuses true status.

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
Common winter visitor, November through April. Most abundant in Coastal region, more scattered in Lowlands, harder to find in lakes in Mountains and rare in Desert regions. Habitat: Deeper lakes and bays. Best locations: Crown Point Park in Mission Bay, Tecolote Creek mouth of Mission Bay, Bayshore Bikeway 7th Street in Imperial Beach, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista.

King Eider Somateria spectabilis
Vagrant winter visitor, Nearshore and Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Saltwater bays. Note: The only record was Dec-Jan 1982-1983 in San Diego Bay.

Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
Vagrant winter visitor, Nearshore and Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Saltwater bays.

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
Common winter visitor, November through April. Primarily found in Nearshore and Coastal region. Habitat: Nearshore oceanic waters and deeper bays. Best locations: San Diego Bay, just offshore of Imperial Beach. Note: The most abundant duck of San Diego Bay at the beginning of the 21st century (Unitt 2004).

White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca
Occasional to Rare winter visitor, November through March. Primarily found in Nearshore region, but also Coastal bays. eBird records since 2010: 2010: 1, 2012: 4, 2013: 5, 2014: 2, 2015: 3, 2016: 1, 2017: 2. Habitat: Shallow nearshore waters off rocky shores and bays. Best locations: Point La Jolla. Note: Was a common winter visitor until the 1970's.

Black Scoter Melanitta americana
Occasional to Rare winter visitor, November through March. Primarily found in Nearshore region, but also Coastal region (San Diego Bay). eBird records since 2010: 2010: 1, 2011: 1, 2012: 4, 2013: 1, 2014: 4, 2015: 6 (up to 4 birds per sighting), 2016: 4, 2017: 6 (up to 4 birds per sighting). Habitat: Shallow nearshore waters and bays. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Bayshore Park (J Street) in Chula Vista, Coronado Cays. Note: Up to 4 individuals, some long-staying.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
Occasional to Rare winter visitor. Found in Nearshore and Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: 2010: 1, 2011: 2, 2012: 2, 2013: 3, 2014: 1, 2015: 1, 2016: 1, 2017: 1. Habitat: Shallow nearshore waters and bays. Best locations: Point La Jolla, San Diego Bay.

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Common winter visitor, November through April. Widespread in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountain regions, also Desert region ponds. Habitat: Deeper ponds and bays. Best locations: Widespread.

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Rare winter visitor, November through March. Primarily Coastal region. Habitat: Deeper lakes and bays. Best locations: Saltworks in south San Diego Bay is the only location where regular.

Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
Vagrant winter visitor. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Deeper lakes and bays.

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
Rare to Uncommon winter visitor, November through March, primarily in Lowlands region. Habitat: Small ponds or even willow-lined creeks. Best locations: San Elijo Lagoon has been the most reliable repeat location 2012-2016.

Common Merganser Mergus merganser
Uncommon winter visitor, December through February, primarily in the North County at the foothill transition between Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Larger lakes. Best locations: Lake Wohlford.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Common to Uncommon winter visitor, November through April, primarily in Coastal and Nearshore regions. Habitat: Bays, lagoons, and shallow ocean waters. Best locations: San Diego Bay.

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Common resident and winter visitor. Breeding is most frequent in the northwest part of the county, in Coastal in Lowlands region. In winter the birds are even more abundant and widespread. Habitat: Bays, lakes, ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

Mountain Quail Oreortyx pictus
Uncommon to Common resident in Mountains region. Habitat: Chaparral recovering after fire. Best locations: Palomar Mt State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park at Paso Picacho Campground and Cuyamaca Peak, Agua Dulce Ck. in Laguna Mtns., Kitchen Creek Rd. Note: Hard to actually see, most records are of unseen males calling April through June. Parents with chicks encountered in June and July.

California Quail Callipepla californica
Common to Uncommon resident in Lowlands and Mountains regions. It is found to the edges of both the Coastal and Desert regions. Habitat: Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, woodland, and rural areas. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Occurs on the east side of the mountains to the desert floor to Borrego Springs and even in mesquite where it hybridizes with Gambel's Quail.

Gambel's Quail Callipepla gambelii
Rare to Uncommon resident of Desert region, specifically in Borrego Valley. Habitat: Mesquite and residential areas. Best locations: Mesquite Bosque, Borrego Springs waste treatment ponds. Note: Even in mesquite one cannot assume quail are Gambel's as California and hybrids occur—must be seen to confirm species.

Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo
Common resident in Mountains region. Spreading into residential Lowlands to Ramona. Habitat: Oak woodlands, adjacent pastures and residential areas, parks. Best locations: Julian, Lake Cuyamaca, Lake Henshaw. Note: Introduced successfully to San Diego County in 1993 near Sutherlin Lake.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Common resident primarily in Lowlands region, but also in Coastal and Mountains regions. More widespread in winter, especially in the Coastal region. Habitat: Marshes, ponds, shallow lakes, lagoons. Best locations: Widespread.

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
Uncommon winter visitor, November through April, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Deeper bays. Best locations: Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, Grand Caribe Shoreland Park in Coronado, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
Occasional to Rare winter visitor in Coastal region. Most records are December through March. eBird records since 2010: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015: 3, 2016: 2. Best locations: Oceanside Harbor has records in 3 different years, the only repeat location. Note: Only 3 records up to 2004 (Unitt).

Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Common winter visitor, especially in Coastal region, but found in all regions, including Offshore; Rare resident (also non-breeding summer visitor) in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Ponds, bays, large reservoirs, ocean up to 10 miles from shore. Best locations: Widespread.

Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis
Common winter visitor, October through April, primarily in the Nearshore, Coastal, and Lowlands regions, also on the larger lakes of the Mountains region. Common but local resident, in Lowlands and Coastal regions, breeding throughout the year. Habitat: Ocean within 2 miles of shore, deeper lagoons and bays, large reservoirs. Best locations: Widespread; Lake Hodges for breeding.

Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii
Uncommon to Common winter visitor, October through April, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Rare in Nearshore or Mountains regions. Uncommon resident in Lowlands region. Habitat: Deeper lagoons and bays, large reservoirs. Best locations: Lake Hodges. Note: Frequently breeds in mixed pairs with Western Grebe.

Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Common resident in cities throughout the county. Habitat: Cities, urban centers, farms. Best locations: Widespread.

Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
Uncommon resident, primarily in the Mountains region. Habitat: Oak woodlands. Best locations: Palomar Mountain, Julian, Lake Cuyamaca.

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common resident in cities throughout the county. Habitat: All residential areas, parks, and farms. Best locations: Widespread. Note: The first county record was in 2002.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Extirpated. eBird records since 2010: 2013. Habitat: Residential areas. Note: Spread from Los Angeles (where it was introduced from Asia in 1915) in the 1950's, by the beginning of the 2000's it was gone.

Inca Dove Columbina inca
Occasional to Rare visitor or resident in the Desert region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011, 2012, 2013-17. Habitat: Desert towns. Best location: Roadrunner Club in Borrego Springs. Note: Expanding from the east. First noted in Borrego Springs in 1992, seen sporadically until December 2013, from which time a single bird became resident with up to 6 birds in 2015 and 4 birds in 2017, plus 1 or 2 nearby at Rams Hill. Up to 5 birds in town of Ocotillo from 2011-2013.

Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina
Uncommon resident in Desert region and northern Lowlands region. Habitat: Agricultural lands, riparian woodlands, orchards, nurseries, ranchettes. Best locations: Borrego Springs Resort in Borrego Springs, Roadrunner Club in Borrego Springs, San Pasqual Valley (general area), Bonsall (general area), Tijuana River Valley Bird & Butterfly Garden.

Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti
Vagrant fall visitor, primarily September and October. eBird records since 2010: October 2015 in Liberty Station neighborhood of San Diego. Habitat: Riparian areas with open ground, suburban gardens. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley. Note: Pattern of occurrence matches elsewhere in SW US, but possibility of escaped cage birds from Tijuana cannot be ignored.

White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
Uncommon to Common resident in Desert region. Rare fall migrant in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Desert towns, oases, near water. Best locations: Borrego Springs, Vallecito County Park.

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Diverse, including agricultural lands and suburbs. Best locations: Widespread.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
Occasional summer visitor, June through July. eBird records since 2010: 2011 at Bonsall and Lake Hodges, 2012 at Bonsall, 2013 at Scissors Crossing and Coyotte Canyon north of Borrego Springs, 2015 at Oceanside, 2017 at Scissors Crossing and Famosa Slough. Habitat: Mature riparian woodlands. Best locations: Recent repeat locations include Bonsall, Scissors Crossing, Lake Hodges. Note: Nearly extirpated from California.

Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus
Uncommon resident in Lowlands, Desert, and Coastal regions away from San Diego urban center. Habitat: Desert, sage scrub, chaparral up to 4000 feet. Best locations: Widespread.

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
Uncommon to Rare, late March through September, in Desert and southern Lowlands region. Habitat: Open desert scrub, grasslands, ridge tops. Best locations: Borrego Springs Resort and Country Club, Mission Trails Regional Park, Ramona Grasslands Preserve (recently discovered). Note: Crepuscular.

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
Vagrant to Occasional migrant, June through September, Lowlands and Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: June 22, 2015 at Vista. Habitat: Open country. Note: Crepuscular.

Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Uncommon migrant, February through September, Rare resident, primarily Desert and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Rocky desert slopes, canyons, and chaparral. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Nocturnal.

Eastern Whip-poor-will Antrostomus vociferus
Vagrant migrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open country. Note: Nocturnal. November 14, 1970 at Point Loma.

Mexican Whip-poor-will Antrostomus arizonae
Vagrant summer visitor. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Desert mountains. Note: Nocturnal. July 8, 1971 at Julian.

Black Swift Cypseloides niger
Occasional migrant, May and August through September, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions. eBird records since 2010: 22-27 May 2010, 30 April-6 June 2011, 14-20 May 2012, 2 May and 10 August 2013, 10 May and 8 September 2014, 25 April 2015, 20 May 2016. Habitat: Open sky, over water, coastline, and mountains. Best locations: Point Loma. Note: Many detected near Point Loma when this hill sticks above the marine fog layer.

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica
Vagrant summer visitor, June through August, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open sky, often over urban areas. Note: Most recent sighting appears to be June 3, 2007. Barely overlaps in seasonality with Vaux's Swift.

Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi
Uncommon migrant, April through May and September through October, in all terrestrial areas, but a strong tendency for the Coastal and Lowlands regions in spring and Mountains and Desert regions in fall. Habitat: Open sky, frequently over water, forest, or residential areas. Best locations: Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary, Mission Trails Regional Park, Balboa Park, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Tijuana River Valley.

White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis
Uncommon to Common resident in all terrestrial areas. Habitat: Open sky over canyons and cliffs, reservoirs, nesting in drain pipes under bridges and overpasses, even in towns. Best locations: Widespread.

Rivoli's Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Pine-oak mountains. Note: October 11-November 29, 2003 in Pacific Beach.

Blue-throated Hummingbird Lampornis clemenciae
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: Jul 13, 2014 at Palomar Mountain and December 2, 2014 in La Mesa. Habitat: Streamside mountain canyons.

Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri
Uncommon summer resident, late March through September, in all terrestrial regions except Desert where Rare. Habitat: Riparian and oak woodlands; sycamores. Best locations: Widespread.

Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Diverse, including all native and man-made vegetated landscapes. Best locations: Widespread.

Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae
Uncommon resident within the county, but moving to different areas throughout the year. Uncommon in Desert region from September through May, then move to Lowlands region where Uncommon from May through July. Rare in summer, June through July in Mountains region. Rare in winter, August through March, in Coastal region. Habitat: Follow flowering plants in desert, sage scrub, and chaparral at different times of year. Best locations: Borrego Springs: Borrego Palm Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert SP Visitor Center, Roadrunner Club; Agua Caliente County Park, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Mission Trails Park.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: August 13-20, 2016 at Rey River Ranch. Habitat: Montane scrub, pinyon-juniper, pine-oak. Note: September 18, 2006 at Ramona.

Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
Uncommon spring migrant, February through April, in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Uncommon fall migrant, July through September, in Mountains and Coastal regions. Rare spring migrant in Desert region. Habitat: Diverse; blooming flowers, hummingbird feeders. Best locations: Tijuana River Bird and Butterfly Garden, Palomar Mountain SP.

Allen's Hummingbird Selasphorus sasin
Uncommon migrant and resident in Coastal in Lowlands regions. Habitat: Suburban yards, coastal riparian. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Spring and fall migrant only prior to 2001. Now eBird frequency is remarkably even all year.

Calliope Hummingbird Selasphorus calliope
Rare spring migrant, April to mid May, primarily in Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Montane riparian for breeding, migrates through lowlands. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris
Occasional fall migrant and over-wintering visitor, September through February, primarily in the southern Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (2), 2012 (1), 2013 (3), 2014 (1), 2015 (none), 2016 (2), 2017 (1). Habitat: Arid scrub, mesquite, sycamore. Best locations: Hummingbird feeders. Note: Two of the 2013 and the 2014 birds were in Borrego Springs. All records in past 6 years were winter visitors, not fall migrants.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia violiceps
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Arid scrub, canyons, stream sides. Note: November 3-December 3, 1996 in Carlsbad.

Xantus's Hummingbird Hylocharis xantusii
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Arid scrub, desert, mesquite. Note: December 27, 1986 in Borrego Springs.

Yellow Rail Coturnicops noveboracensis
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Dense marsh grass. Note: Only record found dying on Santee city street in December 1998.

Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis
Extirpated. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Marshes, salt marshes. Note: Former Rare resident up to 1952. Most recent record is 1983.

Ridgway's Rail Rallus obsoletus
Uncommon resident in Coastal region. Habitat: Salt marshes. Best locations: San Elijo Lagoon, Kendall-Frost Marsh, Tijuana River Estuary.

Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
Uncommon winter visitor, September through April, peak October through January, and Rare to Uncommon resident, in wetlands throughout the county. Habitat: Wetlands. Best locations: Dairy Mart Ponds, Sorrento Valley Pond, San Elijo Lagoon.

Sora Porzana carolina
Uncommon winter visitor, August through April, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions in the NW corner of the county. Habitat: Marshes. Best locations: San Luis Rey River mouth, San Elijo Lagoon, Kumeyaay Lake, Dairy Mart Ponds.

Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Marshes. Note: One record in October 1961.

Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata
Uncommon resident in Coastal and Lowlands region. Habitat: Marshes. Best locations: Widespread.

American Coot Fulica americana
Common winter visitor and resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions, and local winter visitor in Desert region (Borrego Springs). Habitat: Wetlands, ponds, golf courses, parks. Best locations: Widespread.

Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis
Vagrant to Occasional fall migrant, November through January. eBird records since 2010: Single bird returning for winters of 2008-2010 in Rancho Santa Fe area. Habitat: Pastures.

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
Common resident and winter visitor, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands region. Habitat: Shallow lagoons and ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

American Avocet Recurvirostra americana
Common resident and winter visitor, primarily in Coastal region; Uncommon local summer resident in Lowlands region. Habitat: Shallow lagoons and ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Occasional winter visitor, August through March, peak in October, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010: 2, 2011: 1, 2012: 1, 2015: 1. Habitat: Sandy beaches, rocky shores. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Point Loma Tide Pools. Note: Usually found with American Oystercatcher. Hybrids with Black Oystercatcher may be more likely than pure birds.

Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani
Rare visitor, August through May, irregular in summer, in Coastal region. Habitat: Rocky ocean shores. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Point Loma Tide Pools, Ballast Point.

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Common winter visitor, July through May, in Coastal region. Rare summer visitor. Habitat: Sandy beaches, tidal flats. Best locations: Widespread.

American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
Occasional migrant, April through June, July through October, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 9-16, 2012, May 21, 2013, June 16-July 14, 2016, July 19-20, 2016, May 21-25, 2017 (two birds). Habitat: Sandy beaches, tidal flats, sod farms. Best locations: None.

Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva
Rare migrant and winter visitor, August through April, in the Coastal region. Habitat: Sandy beaches, tidal flats, sod farms. Best locations: San Dieguito Lagoon, Tijuana River mouth.

Lesser Sand-Plover Charadrius mongolus
Vagrant fall migrant to Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: July 19-24, 2013 at Imperial Beach. Habitat: Beaches, tidal flats.

Snowy Plover Charadrius nivosus
Uncommon resident in Coastal region. Habitat: Dry sand beaches. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth.

Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia
Occasional visitor, March through July, in coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: 2010: 2, 2011: 2, 2012: 1, 2013: 1, 2014: 1, 2015: 1. Habitat: Sandy beaches. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth. Note: Only 4 records up to 2004.

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Common winter visitor, July through May, primarily in Coastal region. A few non-breeders remain through summer. Habitat: Tidal flats, sandy beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Common resident throughout all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Bare dirt, wetlands, fields, golf courses, parking lot landscaping, almost always near water. Best locations: Widespread.

Mountain Plover Charadrius montanus
Occasional winter visitor, October through February, primarily the Coastal and Lowlands region. eBird records since 2010: November 2010, October 2015, both on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay. Habitat: Bare plowed fields, short grass prairies. Best locations: None. Note: Regular in winter in Tijuana River Valley until 1991.

Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
Vagrant fall visitor. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Grasslands. Note: October 1999, September 2007.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Common migrant, winter visitor, and non-breeding summer visitor in Coastal region. Habitat: Tidal flats, salt marshes, beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus
Uncommon migrant (peak July through September), winter visitor, and Rare non-breeding summer visitor in Coastal region. Habitat: Tidal flats, salt marshes, beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Vagrant fall visitor in Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: August 2010. Habitat: Tidal flats, beaches. Note: November 1981, September 2000, September-October 2007.

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa
Common migrant, winter visitor, and non-breeding summer visitor in Coastal region. Habitat: Tidal flats, salt marshes, beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor, July through April, in Coastal region. Rare non-breeding summer visitor in San Diego Bay. Habitat: Beaches. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth, Bayshore Bikeway (7th Street to 13th Street) in Imperial Beach, Crown Point Park.

Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor, July through April, in Coastal region. Habitat: Rocky headlands, jetties. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Cabrillo National Monument tide pools.

Red Knot Calidris canutus
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor, July through April (peak August through October), in Coastal region. Habitat: Beaches, tidal flats. Best locations: Crown Point Park, San Diego River mouth, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista.

Surfbird Calidris virgata
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor, July through April (peak March through April), in Coastal region. Habitat: Rocky headlands, jetties. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Mission Beach north jetty, Cabrillo National Monument tide pools.

Ruff Calidris pugnax
Occasional fall migrant, July through November, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: July 2012 at Famosa Slough, October-November 2014 at San Luis Rey River mouth in Oceanside, October 10-11, 2015 at Border Field SP, October 21-25, 2015 at Otay Mesa. Habitat: Lagoons, tidal flats, pastures. Best locations: None.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
Vagrant fall migrant. eBird records since 2010: July 18-20, 2013 at the Salt Works in south San Diego Bay. Habitat: Tidal flats, shallow pond edges, marshes.

Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus
Occasional fall migrant, July through October, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 2011, July-August 2013, August 2016 (2)., December 2016, January 2017. Habitat: Lagoons, shallow ponds. Best locations: None.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Vagrant, any time of year, but more records of adults in early fall. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: April 2011, June-July 2011, June-July 2012, January 2013, July 2016. Habitat: Lagoons, tidal flats. Note: Only 3 records prior to 2001.

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
Vagrant fall migrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Tidal flats. Note: One record in July-August 2008.

Sanderling Calidris alba
Common migrant and winter visitor, late July to mid May, in the Coastal region. Habitat: Ocean beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Dunlin Calidris alpina
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor, September through April, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Tidal flats. Best locations: Widespread.

Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
Rare fall migrant, August through September, in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Shallow ponds, fresh or brackish marshes. Best locations: Saltworks.

Little Stint Calidris minuta
Vagrant fall migrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: August 31, 2010. Habitat: Tidal flats, shallow ponds.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Common migrant and winter visitor, July through April, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Wetlands, lagoons, shallow ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Calidris subruficollis
Occasional fall migrant, September through October, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Grass, dry mud. Note: Most recent eBird sighting was 2007.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Rare fall migrant, August through October, in Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Vegetated shorelines, flooded pastures. Best locations: San Luis Rey River mouth.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
Rare fall migrant, late July to mid September, in Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Fresh water wetlands. Best locations: Bayshore Bikeway in Imperial Beach.

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
Common migrant and winter visitor, July through April, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands region. Habitat: Tidal flats, lagoons. Best locations: Widespread.

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
Common migrant and winter visitor, July through April, primarily in the southern Coastal region. Habitat: Tidal flats, beaches. Best locations: San Diego River mouth, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista, Bayshore Bikeway in Imperial Beach, Tijuana River mouth.

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
Common migrant and winter visitor, July to early May, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Fresh water mudflats, wetlands, shallow ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata
Uncommon winter visitor, September through April, throughout all terrestrial regions away from salt water. Habitat: Fresh water pond edges, flooded wetlands, muddy ditches. Best locations: Widespread.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
Uncommon migrant and winter resident, July through April; Rare resident or summer visitor in Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Lake shores, mountain creeks, rocky ocean shores. Best locations: Widespread.

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
Rare fall migrant, September and October, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions. Occasional in April. Habitat: Shallow grassy ponds. Best locations: None.

Wandering Tattler Tringa incana
Uncommon winter visitor, August through May, in Coastal region. Habitat: Rocky ocean shores, jetties. Best locations: Jetties at Oceanside harbor, Point La Jolla, Mission Beach north jetty, Sunset Cliffs, Cabrillo National Monument tide pools.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Uncommon fall migrant, August through September, Rare spring migrant, April, primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Lagoons, ponds. Best locations: San Luis Rey River mouth, San Diego River mouth, Bayshore Bikeway 7th Street access.

Willet Tringa semipalmata
Common migrant, winter visitor, and non-breeding summer visitor in Coastal region. Habitat: Tidal flats, salt marshes, beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Tidal flats, lagoons, ponds. Note: One record May 1989 at O'Neill Lake.

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Common spring and fall migrant, winter visitor, and Uncommon non-breeding summer visitor, in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Wetlands, lagoons, shallow ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Vagrant fall visitor. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: September 2012 at Camp Pendleton. Habitat: Shallow ponds.

Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
Locally Common fall migrant, mid June through September, otherwise Uncommon March through October, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Lagoons, shallow ponds. Best locations: Salt works at south San Diego Bay, San Elijo Lagoon, Bayshore Bikeway in Imperial Beach.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Common fall migrant, mid July through October, Uncommon spring migrant, April through May, in Nearshore, Offshore, and Coastal regions. Habitat: Ocean waters, lagoons. Best locations: Widespread.

Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
Irregularly Uncommon, May and August through November, otherwise Rare December through April, primarily in Offshore region, less so in Nearshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki
Rare migrant, May, Occasional June through October, in Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus
Uncommon fall migrant, August through November, otherwise Rare winter visitor and spring (may become Uncommon in March) migrant, December through May, primarily in Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus
Uncommon fall migrant and winter visitor, mid August through April, in Offshore and Nearshore regions. Habitat: Open ocean and coastline waters. Best locations: Point La Jolla, San Diego pelagic trip.

Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus
Occasional to Rare fall migrant, August to early October, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (3), 2011 (2), 2012, 2015 (3), 2016 (1). Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: More common farther westward offshore than San Diego's official county line.

Common Murre Uria aalge
Irregularly Uncommon winter visitor, October through January, Rare through March, in Nearshore and Offshore regions. Habitat: Nearshore ocean waters. Best locations: Point La Jolla, San Diego pelagic trip.

Pigeon Guillemot Cepphus columba
Occasional visitor, May through July, in the Nearshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015: 2, 2016: 1. Habitat: Nearshore ocean waters. Best locations: Point La Jolla.

Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus
Vagrant winter visitor, October through January in Nearshore and Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: 2013, 2014, 2016. Habitat: Ocean just beyond breakers, mouth of bays. Note: Only 3 county records to 2002.

Kittlitz's Murrelet Brachyramphus brevirostris
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Nearshore ocean waters. Note: Only county record was August 1969.

Scripps's Murrelet Synthliboramphus scrippsi
Uncommon visitor, March through June, in Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Guadalupe Murrelet Synthliboramphus hypoleucus
Vagrant fall migrant, September through October, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: October 2013. Habitat: open ocean.

Craveri's Murrelet Synthliboramphus craveri
Rare to Occasional fall migrant, June through October, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (none), 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: Decreased from 1980's to 2002. Seen every year since 2012 in numbers up to 10 birds per trip.

Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus
Occasional winter visitor, November through March, in Nearshore and Offshore regions. eBird records since 2010: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Habitat: Ocean fairly close to shore. Best locations: Point La Jolla, San Diego pelagic trip.

Cassin's Auklet Ptychoramphus aleuticus
Common visitor, year round, primarily in Offshore region, but also Rare winter visitor in Nearshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: Point La Jolla, San Diego pelagic trip. Note: Numbers dropped from 1970's to 2000's, but numbers since 2010 have been consistently high.

Parakeet Auklet Aethia psittacula
Vagrant winter visitor to Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open ocean. Note: Only record is 3 beachcast specimens from January 1937.

Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata
Uncommon winter visitor, October through May, with Rare stragglers through summer, in Offshore and Nearshore regions. Habitat: Open ocean and nearshore waters. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Horned Puffin Fratercula corniculata
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open ocean. Note: Three county records of beachcast specimens, the most recent in 1976.

Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhata
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: July 14, 2011 at Point La Jolla. Habitat: Ocean. Note: Two previous beachcast specimens in July 2003 and September 1972.

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
Irregularly Rare, November through March, in Nearshore and Offshore regions. Habitat: Ocean. Best locations: Point La Jolla.

Sabine's Gull Xema sabini
Uncommon migrant, May, August through October, in Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Bonaparte's Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Common migrant and winter visitor, November through May, in Nearshore, Offshore, Coastal, and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Ocean, lagoons, larger inland lakes. Best locations: Widespread.

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: April 7, 2016 at Los Peñasquitos Lagoon (not yet reviewed by CBRC). Habitat: Estuaries, lakes, beaches. Note: Two previous winter records in 1981 and 1994.

Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla
Occasional to Rare visitor, any time of year, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (2), 2011 (none), 2013 (2), 2014 (4), 2015 (5), 2016 (2), 2017 (2). Habitat: Salt marshes, coastal bays, ocean.

Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan
Occasional migrant, in Coastal and Lowlands regions. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (1), 2012 (none), 2013 (3), 2014 (3), 2015 (1), 2016 (4), 2017 (1). Habitat: Fresh water marshes. Note: Before 1970's was more frequent and more likely in fall migration; more frequent in spring recently.

Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Coastline. Note: August 3, 1997-January 2, 1998 at Tijuana River mouth.

Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Coastline. Note: Collected November 1954 on the northern San Diego Bay.

Heermann's Gull Larus heermanni
Common migrant and non-breeding visitor, June through February, Uncommon non-breeder March through May, in Coastal, Nearshore, and Offshore regions. Habitat: Coastline. Best locations: Widespread.

Mew Gull Larus canus
Uncommon to Rare winter visitor, November through March, primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Coastline. Best locations: Oceanside Beach, San Diego River mouth.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Common winter visitor, August through May, and Uncommon non-breeder, June and July, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Lakes, bays, coastline, cities, plowed fields. Best locations: Widespread.

Western Gull Larus occidentalis
Common resident in Coastal, Nearshore, Offshore, and Lowlands regions nearer the coast. Habitat: Coastlines, cities, ocean, marinas. Best locations: Widespread.

Yellow-footed Gull Larus livens
Vagrant to Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Coastline. Note: Seven records prior to 2004. Most recent eBird record is July 2006.

California Gull Larus californicus
Common winter visitor, July through May, Uncommon June, primarily in Coastal, Lowlands, Nearshore, and Offshore regions. Habitat: Coastline, cities, ocean. Best locations: Widespread.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Uncommon winter visitor, October to early April, in Coastal, Nearshore, Offshore, and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Coastline, ocean, lagoons, landfills, inland lakes. Best locations: Widespread.

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides glaucoides
Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni
Thayer's Gull Larus  glaucoides thayeri
Thayer's form is rare winter visitor, November through March, in Coastal, Nearshore, Lowlands, and Offshore regions. Habitat: Coastline, ocean, landfills. Best locations: Lower Otay Reservoir. Note: Thayer's Gull was lumped with the other two forms of Iceland Gull in July 2017. Thayer's no longer recognized as a distinct species. CBRC accepted one bird January 17-25, 1986 at Otay dump as Iceland Gull (L.g. glaucoides/kumlieni). Confusing pale Thayer's/Kumlien's-type gulls reported nearly annually.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Occasional winter visitor, November through April, primarily in the south Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2011: 1, 2012: 2, 2014: 4, 2015: 4, 2016: 5, 2017: 3. Habitat: Coastline, tidal flats. Best locations: Salt works, Bayfront Park (J Street), and Lower Otay Reservoir. Note: The only record up to 2004 was winter of 1996 at Oceanside.

Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: January 16-21, 2017 Lower Otay reservoir. Habitat: Coastline, landfills.

Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens
Uncommon winter visitor, November through April in Coastal, Nearshore, Offshore, and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Beaches, ocean, tidal flats. Best locations: Widespread.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
Occasional to Rare winter visitor, December through March, in Coastal, Nearshore, and Lowlands regions. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (2), 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 (2), 2015, 2016. Habitat: Coastline, lagoons. Best locations: San Luis Rey River mouth, Lower Otay Reservoir. Note: Most records are first cycle birds.

Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus
Vagrant summer visitor and fall migrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open ocean, beaches. Note: Individuals noted in September 1982 and September 1998. A pair was noted in July-August 1996, then again nesting in April-June 1997. Both adults killed by Peregrine Falcon before the eggs could hatch. Eggs and remains of adults collected. CBRC shows a bird June 23, 2011 at the Tijuana River mouth.

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus
Vagrant Visitor. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open ocean, beaches. Note: August 14-23, 2007 at Santa Margarita River mouth and again May-June 2008.

Least Tern Sternula antillarum
Uncommon to Common summer resident, April through August, in Coastal, Nearshore, and Offshore regions. Habitat: Dry sand beaches, ocean. Best locations: Batiquitos Lagoon, San Diego Bay, Delta Beach overlook on Silver Strand, Tijuana River mouth.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Rare to Uncommon summer resident, April through August, in south Coastal region. Habitat: Salt marshes. Best locations: Sweetwater Marsh NWR, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista, Bayshore Bikeway (7th Street) in Imperial Beach, Tijuana Slough NWR visitor center, Tijuana River mouth.

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
Common summer resident, April through September, Uncommon in winter, primarily in the Coastal region but also larger lakes in the Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Coastline, large lakes. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Breeds in the salt works at south end of San Diego Bay.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger
Rare to Occasional fall migrant, July through September, Occasional spring migrant, April through May, primarily in Coastal, Nearshore, and Offshore regions. Habitat: Marshes, ocean. Best locations: Bayshore Bikeway (7th Street) in Imperial Beach, San Diego pelagic trip.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Uncommon fall migrant, mid July through October, Rare spring and early fall migrant, mid April to mid July, primarily in Offshore and Nearshore regions, less frequently in Coastal region. Habitat: Open ocean, beaches. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Occasional fall migrant, mid August to mid October in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2011, 2014, 2015 (2), 2016. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: Common spring and fall migrant farther offshore than San Diego's official county waters.

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri
Common resident primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Lagoons, bays, inland lakes. Best locations: Widespread.

Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus
Common resident in Nearshore, Offshore, and Coastal regions. Habitat: Ocean, beaches. Best locations: Widespread.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Coastline, beaches. Note: A single individual seen sporadically at Elegant Tern colony 1980-1987. Birds appearing similar to Sandwich Terns not accepted by CBRC in August 2007, May 2009, April 2012, March 2013--perhaps aberrant or hybrid Elegant Tern?

Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans
Common summer resident, March through November, in Coastal, Nearshore, and Offshore regions. Habitat: Ocean, lagoons, bays. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Nests only at the salt works in south San Diego Bay but abundant along the whole coast.

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
Common summer resident, April through September, and Uncommon the remainder of the year in the south Coastal region. Habitat: Shallow lagoons, sandy bays. Best locations: Crown Point Park (winter), salt works (summer nesting), Tijuana River mouth.

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus
Rare, mid August to mid October, less so in spring, at the extreme edge of San Diego's Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2012 (3), 2013 (3), 2014 (3), 2015 (3), 2016 (1), 2017 (1). Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: Tropicbirds are more frequent 60 miles west of the San Diego County mainland, near San Clemente Island, Los Angeles County.

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata
Uncommon winter visitor, November through April, in the Nearshore and Coastal regions. Habitat: Ocean waters near shore and bays. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Imperial Beach pier, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista.

Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica
Common winter visitor, October through May, primarily in the Nearshore region and Uncommon in bays in the Coastal region; Common migrant in Nearshore region in November, and Offshore region, April-May, November. Habitat: Ocean and salt water bays. Best locations: Point La Jolla.

Common Loon Gavia immer
Uncommon to Common winter visitor, October through April, primarily in Nearshore and Coastal regions. Habitat: Shallow nearshore ocean waters and bays. Best locations: Point La Jolla.

Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis
Vagrant, primarily winter and spring, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: May 16, 2015. Habitat: Open ocean far off shore. Note: Despite a new colony established in 1986 on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, only 200 miles south of San Diego County, the county's ocean waters are generally too shallow for this species. Single birds seen from shore near Point La Jolla in 2015 and 2016 were also likely Laysan Albatrosses but too far to eliminate even more rare options.

Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes
Rare spring visitor, late April through May, found only in Offshore region. Occasional fall visitor. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trips. Note: Preferred habitats are actually offshore farther than San Diego County waters.

Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus
Note: Formerly found in Offshore region. No County records in 120 years. Nearly extinct, this species is making a comeback and might be expected again.

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
Irregularly Uncommon to Common winter visitor, October through May, primarily in Offshore region. Irregularly Rare in Offshore region any time of year and Nearshore region October through May. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trips, Point La Jolla.

Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera
[Gray-faced Petrel Pterodroma gouldi]
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: Photographed from shore at Point La Jolla in December 2012 for the only county record. Habitat: Open ocean. Note: Gray-faced Petrel split from Great-winged Petrel by many experts (including Clement's, thus also on 2016 eBird checklist) and will likely be proposed for split by AOU for North America in the future. All North American records are for the Gray-faced form.

Cook's Petrel Pterodroma cookii
Vagrant in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: May 21, 2017. Habitat: Open ocean. Note: Only record June 1997. Normal range is farther offshore than San Diego waters, thus Los Angeles County waters.

Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
Vagrant in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open ocean. Note: Only record September 4, 2007 about 56 km W of San Diego.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Ardenna pacifica
Vagrant in Offshore and Nearshore regions. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: September 13, 2013 and July 17, 2015 from Point La Jolla. Habitat: Open ocean.

Buller's Shearwater Ardenna bulleri
Occasional visitor, late August through October, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2011: 2, 2013: 3, 2015: 2. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: An unprecedented high of 17 birds were found and photographed on the incredibly early date of June 14, 2015.

Short-tailed Shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris
Rare visitor, October through April, in Offshore and Nearshore regions. Habitat: Open ocean often quite close to shore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trips, Point La Jolla.

Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea
Uncommon visitor, April through October, in Offshore and Nearshore regions. Habitat: Open ocean regularly to within 3 miles of shore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trips, Point La Jolla. Note: Before 1982 this was the most abundant seabird off San Diego County with daily boat counts in the hundreds or thousands. By the 1990's daily boat counts averaged under 10 (Unitt 2004). Counts in 2014 and 2016 (from boats and shore) were again in the hundreds several times.

Great Shearwater Ardenna gravis
Vagrant in Offshore region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: 2013. Habitat: Open ocean. Note: Only record October 13, 2013 about 20 km off Point Loma.

Pink-footed Shearwater Ardenna creatopus
Uncommon visitor, March through November, primarily in Offshore region. Rare from shore. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trips.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Ardenna carneipes
Occasional visitor, April through October, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: October 4, 2010, December 8, 2010, May 14, 2011, May 29, 2012, October 5, 2013, November 9, 2013, December 4, 2016. Habitat: Open ocean, far from shore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
Occasional visitor, February-March, in Offshore and especially Nearshore region. eBird records since 2010: March 4, 2012, March 2, 2013, March 4, 2016, March 5, 2016, June 12, 2016. Habitat: Ocean, quite often very near shore, but also up to a dozen miles offshore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: First county record April 28, 2004.

Newell's Shearwater Puffinis newelli
Townsend's Shearwater Puffinus auricularis newelli
Vagrant. CBRC. Note: August 1-2, 2007 flying around highway construction lights only California record. Note: Newell's Shearwater of Hawaii recognized as separate species from Townsend's Shearwater of western Mexico by most experts. Newell's was the form seen in San Diego county.

Black-vented Shearwater Puffinus opisthomelas
Common visitor, July through March, variably present year-round in small numbers, in Nearshore region. Smaller numbers in Offshore region. Habitat: Ocean very near shore. Best locations: Widespread.

Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
Occasional visitor, August-September, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: August 15, 2011, September 5, 2011, September 3, 2012, June 4, 2015, September 25, 2016. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma furcata
Occasional visitor, primarily April-May, Offshore and Nearshore regions. eBird records since 2010: March 18, 2012, May 27, 2012, July 28, 2013, May 1-2, 2016, all from Point La Jolla. May 21, 2016 offshore. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip, Point La Jolla.

Leach's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Rare, May through October, at the outer edge of the Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean far offshore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: The dark-rumped Chapman's race is more expected than the nominate race with white divided rump, but both occur regularly.

Townsend's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma socorroensis
Probably Rare fall visitor, July through October, in Offshore region. eBird records since 2010: Two birds August 23, 2015, two birds September 27, 2015, both in San Diego Trough about 25-30 miles west of Point La Jolla. Habitat: Open ocean far offshore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: This is a newly recognized species, officially split from Leach's Storm-Petrel in July 2016, so few records yet, though thought to occur regularly.

Ashy Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma homochroa
Rare to Uncommon, May through October, primarily Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip.

Black Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma melania
Uncommon summer visitor, April through October, in all Offshore and Nearshore regions. Habitat: Open ocean, regularly to within 3 miles of shore. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip, Point La Jolla.

Least Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma microsoma
Rare, mid August to mid October, in the Offshore region. Habitat: Open ocean. Best locations: San Diego pelagic trip. Note: Large flocks of autumn Black and Least Storm-Petrels are regularly found half way between La Jolla and San Clemente Island, right on the line between San Diego and Los Angeles counties. In fact, most of the largest flocks (500-4000) are found just over the Los Angeles County line toward San Clemente Island.

Wood Stork Mycteria americana
Occasional to Vagrant, May through October, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands region. eBird records since 2010: Evidently a single resident bird at Escondido's San Diego Zoo Safari Park from 1987-2011. August 10, 2016 at Del Mar. Habitat: Coastal lagoons. Best locations: None. Note: Previously Uncommon to the 1950's when up to 300 seen.

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
Occasional, June through September, primarily in Nearshore and Offshore regions. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: 2010: 1, 2012: 1 (at least 18 birds with arrival of Tropical Storm), 2014: 1, 2015: 3, 2016: 2. Habitat: Ocean. Best locations: Point La Jolla. Note: Formerly several records annually; became less frequent starting in the 1980's. Lesser and Great Frigatebirds have been recorded in California and are hard to tell from Magnificent. CBRC accepted the following San Diego records as "frigatebird (species)": October 20, 2011, July 1, 2014, October 12, 2014, and June 16, 2015.

Masked Booby Sula dactylatra
Vagrant. CBRC. December 30, 2001- January 10, 2002 at Point La Jolla. See Masked/Nazca Booby below.

 Nazca Booby Sula granti
Vagrant. CBRC. September 1, 2015 about 11 km WSW Point Loma. See Masked/Nazca Booby below.

Masked/Nazca Booby S. dactylatra/S. granti
Vagrant to Occasional, June through January, primarily in Nearshore region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: 2012: 1, 2013: 2, 2014: 1, 2015: 4. Habitat: Ocean. Best locations: Point La Jolla. Note: Masked and Nazca are only separable by adult bill color; most records are of immatures. Most are throught to be Masked Booby. Nazca Booby first proved to occur in North America in 2013, with 4 records now for California. CBRC accepted 9 records of Masked/Nazca Booby from San Diego County from 2010-2015.

Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii
Vagrant to Occasional, August through December, primarily in Nearshore region. eBird records since 2010: 2012: 1, 2013: 3, 2014: 3, 2015: 1, 2016: 1. Habitat: Ocean. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth. Note: About 8 records from 1964-1980. No records from 1981-2003. From 19-22 birds on Los Coronados Islands off Tijuana, Mexico in 2010 and 2014.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
Occasional, but Rare to Uncommon since fall 2014, all year but especially August through December, in Nearshore and less so in Offshore regions. Habitat: Ocean especially within 3-10 miles of shore. Best locations: Buoys off mouth of San Diego Bay, San Diego pelagic trip, Point La Jolla. Note: Only 8 records up to 2004 (Unitt). Annual reports in eBird since 2007. Unprecedented numbers starting late July 2014. eBird highest total weekly numbers in 2013: 6 (twice), in 2014: 285 on week starting October 8, in 2015: 192 on week starting November 1. Much lower numbers since.

Red-footed Booby Sula sula
Vagrant, July through October, primarily in Nearshore region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: July 2015-January 2017 (immature rehabilitated and released) San Diego and Mission Bays, April 16-17, 2017 Point La Jolla (adult), April 29, 2017 SW of San Diego Bay (adult). Habitat: Ocean.

Brandt's Cormorant Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Common winter visitor and Rare summer resident, in Nearshore region and San Diego Bay. Habitat: Ocean waters close to shore, bays. Best locations: Widespread; Point La Jolla for nesting.

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: First record and returning bird: October 12-December 6, 2014, September 30-November 26, 2015, October 16-November 8, 2016 at O'Neill Lake at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, March 6, 2017 (2 birds) Lower Otay Reservoir. Habitat: Ponds.

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus
Common winter visitor, September through February, and Rare summer resident, in Nearshore, Coastal, and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Fresh and salt water to 3 miles offshore. Best locations: Widespread; salt works in Chula Vista for nesting.

Pelagic Cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus
Rare winter visitor, October through March, in Nearshore region. Habitat: Ocean waters very near shore, cliffs. Best locations: Point La Jolla, Point Loma.

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Ponds. Note: Only record is February-April 1977 at Sweetwater Reservoir.

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Uncommon, September through April, primarily in Lowlands and Coastal regions, but irregular and variable. Habitat: Large lakes and lagoons. Best locations: Buena Vista Lagoon, Lake Henshaw, Lake Hodges, San Elijo Lagoon, Lindo Lake. Note: More frequent in recent years and some present year round, though unpredictable in summer.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
Common, June-February, in Nearshore, Coastal, and even Offshore regions. Fewer in spring. Habitat: Beaches, San Diego Bay, ocean near shore. Best locations: Widespread.

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Rare winter visitor, September through April, in the Coastal and Lowlands regions. Occasional summer resident. Habitat: Marshes. Best locations: O'Neill Lake, Dairy Mart Ponds, San Elijo Lagoon.

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Uncommon to Rare, April through September, Rare in winter, in the Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Cattail Marshes. Best locations: Buena Vista Lagoon, Lake Murray, Kumeyaay Lake in Mission Trails Park, Dairy Mart Pond.

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Common resident in Mountains, Lowlands, and Coastal regions. Habitat: Ponds, wet fields, lagoons, marshes. Best locations: Widespread.

Great Egret Ardea alba
Common winter visitor, November through February; Uncommon resident; most frequent in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Ponds, lagoons, marshes. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Increasing as a nesting bird since 1990.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Common resident, primarily in Lowlands and Coastal regions. Local but increasing breeder. Habitat: Wetlands both fresh and salt water, including rocky beach shorelines and on kelp patties a mile offshore. Best locations: Widespread. Note: First nested in the county in 1979.

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Uncommon resident in the southern Coastal region. Habitat: Shallow lagoons and estuaries. Best locations: San Diego River mouth, Famosa Slough, Tijuana Slough NWR.

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Occasional visitor, most frequent November through May, in the Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: May 10-15, 2011, April 18, 2016. Habitat: Shallow lagoons and estuaries. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth. Note: Decreasing since the 1980's.

Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
Rare visitor in southern Coastal region. Habitat: Shallow lagoons and estuaries. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth, Bayfront Park (J Street) in Chula Vista. Note: Up to 3 or 4 birds seem to be permanent non-breeding residents in south San Diego Bay.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Rare to Uncommon resident in the northern Lowlands region. Habitat: Pastures with cattle. Best locations: San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Note: First recorded in the County in 1963, huge increase in 1977, peaked in 1997, noticeably reduced numbers since.

Green Heron Butorides virescens
Uncommon resident, primarily in the northern Lowlands region, but is found in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Riparian areas, small wooded ponds, marshes. Best locations: O'Neill Lake, Santee Lakes, Kumeyaay Lake at Mission Trails Park, Dairy Mart Ponds.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Common resident, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Marshes and lagoons. Best locations: Widespread.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea
Rare and local resident, in the Coastal region. Habitat: Lagoons. Best locations: SeaWorld on Mission Bay, Famosa Slough, Tijuana Slough NWR, Imperial Beach Sports Park. Note: A single bird was all that was present in the County from 1997-2002, however, it appears they may currently breed in three locations, though total number of individuals may not exceed 20 birds.

White Ibis Eudocimus albus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Mangrove swamps. Note: One record from 1935.

White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Uncommon winter visitor, primarily in the Lowlands and Coastal regions of the NW corner of the county. Rare breeder. Habitat: Flooded fields and lagoons. Best locations: San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido (breeding location), Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Lake Hodges, San Elijo Lagoon.

Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja
Vagrant in Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Lagoons, bays. Note: 3 birds together in June 1977 and a singleton in October 2005.

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: March 6, 2011 at San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido. Habitat: Open lowland woodlands, pastures.

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Common migrant and resident in all terrestrial habitats; range more restricted in winter primarily to Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Open country including mountains (where breed). Best locations: Widespread.

California Condor Gymnogyps californianus
Extirpated. eBird records since 2010: None. Note: Disappeared from the county about 1910.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Uncommon winter visitor and resident, primarily in the Coastal region, but also in Lowlands and Mountains. Habitat: Bays, estuaries, large lakes and reservoirs. Best locations: San Elijo Lagoon, Bay front Park (J Street) in Chula Vista, Lake Murray. Note: Increased as a nesting bird since 1997.

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: First record: one bird April 22, 2016 Tijuana River estuary and Camp Pendleton. Habitat: Wooded river swamps.

White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
Uncommon resident in Coastal and Lowlands regions, also in grasslands in Mountains. Habitat: Agricultural lands, open wooded grasslands. Best locations: Lake Hodges, Dairy Mart Ponds, Mission Trails Park.

Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis
Occasional visitor, primarily July-September, in the Coastal and Lowlands of the SW corner of the county. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: July 2011, August 2012, April 2015. Habitat: Wooded streams, shelterbelts.

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Rare winter visitor and recent resident, primarily in Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Deep lakes. Best locations: Lake Cuyamaca, Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Lake Henshaw, Lake Wohlford. Note: Nesting records in eBird start about 2012 at Lake Henshaw and 2013 on Rangeland Road near Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius
Uncommon winter visitor, September through March, throughout terrestrial regions, but especially in Coastal and Lowlands region. Rare resident. Habitat: Marshes and wet grasslands. Best locations: Widespread, Tijuana River Valley (breeding season).

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Uncommon winter visitor, September through March, in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Areas with trees or tall shrubs, towns. Best locations: Widespread.

Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Wooded areas, chaparral, towns. Best locations: Widespread.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Forest. Note: Only 3 county records, the most recent in 1984.

Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: March 2, 2016 at Camp Pendleton. Habitat: Wooded streams.

Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
Occasional spring and fall visitor and occasional resident in Desert region. eBird records since 2010: 2010: one for 9 days in October at Borrego Springs), 2011: 3 (one in March at Jamul, one in April at Borrego Springs, a nesting pair from April 2011 to September 2013 at Jacumba Hot Springs), 2015: one for 15 days in September near Borrego Springs, 2016: 3 (one in April at Ramona, one for 4 days in April at Borrego Springs, one in Borrego springs from December 27 to January 18, 2017). Habitat: Desert streams, saguaro, mesquite, suburbs. Best locations: Borrego Springs, Jacumba Hot Springs.

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
Common resident in Coastal and Lowlands regions, also in residential areas in Mountains and Desert regions. Habitat: Oak woodlands, suburbs, riparian areas. Best locations: Widespread.

Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
Occasional migrant, primarily October, in Lowlands region. eBird records since 2010: 2010: 1, 2011: 1, 2012: 1, 2013: 6, 2015: 1, 2016: 1. Habitat: Woods, in migration over open country or headlands. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni
Common spring migrant, March-April, in Desert region, Rare spring migrant in Lowlands region. Rare fall migrant, September through October, in same regions. Habitat: Grasslands, ranches, fields. Best locations: Borrego Springs. Note: Local birders set up hawk watch stations daily in Borrego Springs during migration. www.borregohawkwatch.blogspot.com

Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus
Rare winter visitor, August through April, in Lowlands region of NW corner of the county. Habitat: Desert mountains, chaparral, canyons. Best locations: San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido. Note: There may be as few as only two birds that regularly winter in the county, with a few other transient winter visitors.

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Open country with tall perches. Best locations: Widespread.

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus
Vagrant to Occasional winter visitor, October through March, primarily in the Mountains. eBird records since 2010: December 9, 2016 Lake Cuyamaca. Habitat: Grasslands. Best locations: Lake Henshaw.

Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis
Uncommon winter visitor, October through March, primarily in the Lowlands, Mountains, and Desert regions. Habitat: Grasslands. Best locations: Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Lake Henshaw.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Rare resident, primarily at the border of the Lowlands with the Mountains region. Habitat: Broken chaparral, grasslands, cliffs. Best locations: Lake Hodges, Ramona Grasslands. Note: Decreasing.

Barn Owl Tyto alba
Uncommon resident primarily in Lowlands region, Rare but widespread elsewhere in proper habitat. Habitat: Open areas with trees or barns or similar outbuildings for roosting and nesting, riparian, oak woodlands. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Nocturnal.

Flammulated Owl Psiloscops flammeolus
Occasional summer visitor or resident, May through June, in Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: 2012, 2013. Habitat: Ponderosa pine forest. Best locations: Palomar Mountain. Note: Nocturnal. May occur annually but not sought out regularly.

Western Screech-Owl Megascops kennicottii
Uncommon resident in Mountains and Lowlands region. Habitat: Oak and coniferous woodlands. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park, Pamo Valley, El Monte County Park, Mt Laguna. Note: Nocturnal.

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
Uncommon resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Woodlands, scrub, residential. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Nocturnal.

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Rare winter visitor, November through February, in the Coastal, Lowlands, and Desert regions. Perhaps still breeding resident at Otay Mesa. Habitat: Grasslands. Best locations: Brown Field Municipal Airport in Otay Mesa, Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Tijuana Slough NWR—South McCoy Trail. Note: Diurnal.

Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis
Rare resident in Mountains region. Habitat: Pine/oak canyons most frequently at higher elevations. Best locations: Julian/Wynola, William Heise County Park. Note: Nocturnal.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Rare resident in Desert and Mountains regions. Habitat: Oak woodland adjacent to grasslands. Best locations: Tamarisk Grove. Note: Nocturnal. Communal winter roosting sites change from year to year. May no longer breed in Lowlands riparian woodlands as formerly.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Rare winter visitor, October through March, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands region. Habitat: Marshes. Best locations: Tijuana Slough NWR, salt works. Note: Diurnal. Many scattered sightings in 2012 and 2013, otherwise generally only one to three sightings per winter.

Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus
Rare resident in the Mountains region. Habitat: Conifer forest, mixed conifer oak generally above 3000 feet elevation. Best locations: Palomar Mountain, Mt Laguna. Note: Nocturnal.

Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
Uncommon winter visitor, August through April, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands region. Rare resident. Habitat: Lakes, ponds, rivers, bays. Best locations: San Elijo Lagoon, San Diego River mouth, Santee Lakes, Lake Hodges.

Lewis's Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis
Irregularly Uncommon winter visitor, October through April, primarily in the Mountains region. Habitat: Oak savannas, mountain meadows. Best locations: Pamo Valley.

Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
Common resident in Mountains and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Oak and pine-oak woodlands, parks. Best locations: Widespread.

Gila Woodpecker Melanerpes uropygialis
Vagrant in Desert region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Cactus desert and riparian. Note: Single bird during winter of 2003-2004 in Borrego Springs.

Williamson's Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroideus
Rare to Occasional winter visitor, November through March, in Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (none), 2012 (2), 2013 (1), 2014 (7), 2015 (2), 2016 (3), 2017 (2). Habitat: Pine forest. Best locations: Stonewall Mine, Paso Picacho Campground, Laguna Meadows.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
Occasional winter visitor, November through March, primarily in the Lowlands and coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (none), 2012 (1), 2013 (3), 2014 (4), 2015 (3), 2016 (3), 2017 (1). Habitat: Deciduous trees. Best locations: Point Loma. Note: A returning bird in winter 2014-2015 and 2014-2016 at Ramona.

Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis
Uncommon to Rare winter visitor, October through March, primarily in the Mountains and northern Lowlands regions. Habitat: Oak woodlands. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park, Santa Ysabel Mission, Lake Cuyamaca.

Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus ruber
Uncommon winter visitor, October through March, in Lowlands region. Rare resident in the Mountains region. Habitat: Coniferous forest in summer, all trees in winter. Best Locations: Doane Pond at Palomar Mountain State Park, Stonewall Mine.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris
Rare resident in Desert region. Habitat: Yucca and agave slopes above the Anza-Borrego Desert. Best locations: Tamarisk Grove, Culp Valley, Scissors Crossing, Agua Caliente County Park.

Nuttall's Woodpecker Picoides nuttallii
Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Habitat: Oak woodland, parks, riparian. Best locations: Widespread.

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Uncommon resident primarily in northern Coastal and Lowlands region. Habitat: Willow riparian. Best locations: Whelen Lake Bird Sanctuary, Guajome Regional Park, Kit Carson Park, San Elijo Lagoon, Mission Trails Regional Park—Kumeyaay Lake, Dairy Mart Ponds, Tijuana River Valley—Bird and Butterfly Garden.

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Uncommon to Rare resident in Mountains region. Habitat: Coniferous forest. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park, Stonewall Mine, Paso Picacho Campground, Agua Dulce Creek.

White-headed Woodpecker Picoides albolarvatus
Rare resident in the Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2012 (2), 2013 (3), 2014 (2), 2015 (none), 2016, (2), 2017 (1). Habitat: Ponderosa pine forest. Best locations: Hot Springs Mountain, Palomar Mountain State Park, Cuyamaca Peak.

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Common winter visitor, October through March, in all terrestrial regions. Uncommon resident primarily in Mountains region. Habitat: Open areas with tall trees, coniferous forests, oak woodlands; more widespread in winter. Best locations: Widespread.

Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
Vagrant fall visitor, primarily September and October. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (1 in September in Tijuana River Valley), 2012 (1 in September in Tijuana River Valley), 2013 (1 in October in Tijuana River Valley), 2014 (1 in April in Encinitas), 2015 (1 in March at Lake Henshaw). Habitat: Semi-open prairies. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley. Note: At least 10 reports prior to 2003 were undetermined as to whether they were wild birds or escaped birds from Tijuana (Unitt 2004). CBRC more accurately lists above eBird records as one returning bird September 2006 to January 2014 at Tijuana River Valley, March 2014 at Borrego Springs, one bird April 2014 at Famosa Slough and Encinitas, March 2015 at Lake Henshaw.

American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Common winter visitor, September through February, Uncommon resident, all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Tall trees adjacent to grasslands or open ground. Best locations: Widespread.

Merlin Falco columbarius
Rare to Uncommon winter visitor, October through March, in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Diverse; grasslands. Best locations: Rangeland Road and Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Uncommon winter visitor, October through February, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions; Uncommon resident, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Open country, coastal or mountain cliffs, often near water. Best locations: San Elijo Lagoon, Torrey Pines, Point La Jolla, San Diego River mouth, Point Loma.

Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus
Rare winter visitor and sparse resident, most frequent November through March, in northern Lowlands and Desert regions, nesting above 1000 feet especially on lower slopes of Mountains region bordering Lowlands and Desert regions. Habitat: Grasslands, cliffs. Best locations: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitor center and campground, Rangeland Road and Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

Red-crowned Parrot Amazona viridigenalis
Uncommon resident in urban southern Lowlands region. Habitat: Urban palm trees. Best locations: Famosa Slough, San Diego River mouth. Note: Very similar to Lilac-crowned Parrot. Misidentifications in eBird confuse actual status of both. Lilac-crowned Parrots are not "countable" by ABA rules.

Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
Uncommon migrant and summer resident, mid April through September, in Mountains Region. Habitat: Conifer forest. Best locations: Agua Dulce Creek, Cuyamaca Peak, Palomar Mountain State Park.

Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax
Vagrant winter visitor. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Conifers, eucalyptus. Note: The most recent record is an unusual California summer record: June 11-July 2, 2005 at Agua Dulce Creek.

Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus
Common spring migrant, in May, throughout all terrestrial regions. Uncommon summer resident, mid April to mid October, in Mountains and higher Lowlands regions. Habitat: Conifer forest, oak woodlands. Best locations: Palomar Mountain, Lake Cuyamaca, Mt Laguna.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris
Vagrant fall visitor. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Conifers. Note: Most recent record is October 1-7, 2007 at Point Loma.

Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii
Uncommon migrant, May (local subspecies) through June and mid August to mid October, throughout all terrestrial regions. Rare summer resident (a few pairs only), May through July, scattered about in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Habitat: Willow riparian. Best locations: None.

Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus
Occasional fall visitor, mid September to mid October, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2011, 2014, 2015. Habitat: Deciduous or mixed woodland edges. Best locations: None.

Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
Uncommon spring migrant, April through May, primarily Coastal, Mountains, and Desert regions. Rare fall migrant September and October, primarily Coastal region. Habitat: Conifer and mixed woods. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii
Rare migrant and winter visitor, September to early May, primarily in Desert, Coastal, and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Mesquite desert, open riparian scrub. Best locations: Anza-Borrego State Park Visitor Center, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri
Rare summer resident, mid April through June, in Mountains region. Habitat: Mountain meadow edges above 5200 feet elevation. Best locations: Summit of Cuyamaca Peak.

Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Common summer resident, April through June, in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains region. Uncommon migrant, March through April and July through October, in all terrestrial regions. Rare winter visitor, November through February, primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Oak woodlands and riparian woodlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Parks, ponds, residential, woodlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe
Rare to Occasional winter visitor, November through February, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (3), 2012 (5), 2013 (4), 2014 (1), 2015 (1), 2016 (3), 2017 (1). Habitat: Parks, ponds, woodlands. Best locations: None.

Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya
Common winter visitor and migrant, September through February, in all terrestrial regions, especially Desert and Lowlands. Uncommon summer resident, March through August, primarily in Desert region and Lowlands away from urban sprawl. Habitat: Bare ground, grasslands, desert, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, parks, golf courses. Best locations: Widespread.

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Rare to Uncommon winter visitor, October through January, primarily in Lowlands region. Rare visitor at any time of year, primarily in Lowlands and Desert regions. Rare local resident in Lowlands region. Habitat: Desert riparian, golf courses. Best locations: Bonsall. Note: Recent breeding in Bonsall, Jacumba, San Diego NWR, Escondido; perhaps now only nesting in San Luis Rey Downs Golf Club at Bonsall.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Vagrant winter visitor in Coastal and adjacent Lowlands regions. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: December 2011 to May 2012 at Carlsbad, May 4, 2014 at Famosa Slough, January 4-May 1, 2017 San Diego Botanic Garden, Carlsbad. Habitat: Pine-oak canyons, juniper. Note: CBRC also shows recent record June 2013 at Upper Otay Lake.

Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens
Uncommon summer resident, April through July, primarily in Lowlands, Mountains, and Desert regions. Rare fall migrant, August through October, primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Arid country and dry open woods, mesquite. Best locations: Widespread.

Great-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
Vagrant to Occasional fall migrant, September through October, in Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: October 9-12, 2013. Habitat: Deciduous forest edges. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. 

Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus
Rare summer resident, mid May through July, in Desert region. Habitat: Cottonwoods in desert riparian. Best locations: Scissors Crossing, roadrunner club in Borrego Springs. First found breeding in 2000.

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris
Vagrant fall migrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Sycamore/walnut/cottonwood canyons. Note: October 7, 1979 and September 16-20, 1983, both at Point Loma.

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Rare fall visitor, late September to early November, and occasional winter visitor, November through March, primarily in the Coastal region or Lowlands region near the coast. Habitat: Scattered trees, farms, towns. Best locations: Dairy Mart Ponds, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans
Common resident, primarily Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Suburbs with sycamore and eucalyptus. Best locations: Widespread.

Thick-billed Kingbird Tyrannus crassirostris
Vagrant to Occasional winter visitor, November through March, in the Lowlands region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: Single bird every winter in Chula Vista from 2010-2016, December 2012 to March 2013 in Del Mar. Habitat: Sycamore stream sides.

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Common spring migrant, March through May, and Uncommon fall migrant September through October, in all regions. Uncommon summer resident, May through August, primarily in interior Lowlands region and lower Mountains region. Habitat: Tall trees next to grasslands, clearings. Best locations: Widespread.

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Occasional to Vagrant fall visitor, September and October, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 2014 (Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and Presidio Park), October 2015 (Liberty Station), August 2016 (Dairy Mart Ponds). Habitat: Wood edges, farms, roadsides. Best locations: None.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
Occasional visitor at any season, but most frequent mid August through November, primarily Coastal and Lowlands near the coast. eBird records since 2010: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (4), 2016 (4), 2017 (4). Habitat: Grasslands, semi-open country. Best locations: None. Note: Female in summer 2016 mated with Western Kingbird and fledged at least 2 hybrid offspring.

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus
Uncommon resident in Desert region, Uncommon winter dispersant throughout most terrestrial regions. Habitat: Grasslands, sage, open chaparral. Best locations: Mesquite Bosque at Borrego Springs, Jacumba, Rangeland Road at Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: July 19-September 24, 2012 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 17, 2012 at Santee, May 21-June 26, 2017 Point Loma. Habitat: Wood edges, brush. Note: CBRC lists September 2008 at Point Loma, June 2009 at Santee, May-June 2010 at San Luis Rey, July-October 2012 at Point Loma.

Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii
Uncommon summer resident, mid March to mid September, in primarily in the Lowlands region, locally in other regions including Desert riparian. Habitat: Riparian woodlands. Best locations: Dairy Mart Ponds, Mission Trails Park at Lake Kumeyaay, Camp Pendleton at Santa Margarita River, San Diego NWR—Otay-Sweetwater Unit.

Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior
Rare summer resident, April through July, in lower Mountains region. Very rare and local winter visitor in elephant trees in Desert region. Habitat: Dense chamise chaparral from 3000-5000 feet of elevation. Best locations: Kitchen Creek, La Posta Truck Trail.

Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni
Uncommon resident in Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Oak woodland, riparian woodland. Best locations: Widespread.

Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons
Occasional migrant, more frequent in spring, May-June and August-September, but with records every month of the year, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: April 26, 2010 near Boulevard, July 2, 2010 at Carlsbad, December 19, 2012 to March 20, 2013 at Coronado, November 28, 2014 at Encinitas, May 30 to June 3, 2015 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, June 12 to July 6, 2015 at Tijuana River Valley Bird and Butterfly Garden, August 10 to September 14, 2015 at San Elijo Lagoon, September 21, 2015 at Torrey Pines. Habitat: Deciduous woodlands. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Cassin's Vireo Vireo cassinii
Rare to Uncommon spring migrant, April through May, in all terrestrial regions. Rare fall migrant, September through November, primarily in Coastal and Mountains regions. Rare summer resident in the Mountains. Habitat: Oak and conifer woodlands above 4000 feet elevation for breeding. Best locations: Agua Dulce Creek, Doane Pond at Palomar mountain State Park.

Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius
Occasional fall migrant and winter visitor, primarily in the Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: A bird returning to winter for 3 of 4 years at Point Loma (February 4 to March 15, 2011, December 10, 2011 to January 18, 2012, November 16, 2013 to March 12, 2014), January 16, 2011 at Mast Park, September 11, 2012 at Lake O'Neill, December 27, 2015 at Bonsall, September 18, 2016 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Habitat: Open mixed woods. Best locations: Point Loma.

Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus
Rare migrant and winter visitor, September through May, primarily in Coastal region, less frequent in Lowlands and Desert regions. Habitat: Coniferous and mixed woods. Best locations: Greenwood Memorial Park (returning winter individual), Bird and Butterfly Garden, Famosa Slough.

Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus
Vagrant fall migrant, late September to mid November. eBird records since 2010: November 1-2, 2010 at Famosa Slough, October 2, 2016 Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Habitat: Deciduous and mixed woodlands.

Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Common spring migrant andUncommon fall migrant in all terrestrial regions, rare summer resident in Mountains region, March through October. Habitat: Mature riparian. Best locations: Widespread.

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Occasional migrant, May-June, September-October, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: June 24, 2012 in Tijuana River Valley, June 3, 2015 at Point Loma, May 23, 2017 Point Loma, June 20, 2017 Sorrento Valley, July 2, 2017 Encinitas. Habitat: Deciduous woods. Note: Found less frequently in the past two decades.

Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis
Occasional fall migrant, September through October, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 26, 2010 at Point Loma, September 26-27, 2012 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 21 to October 15, 2013 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 9 to October 17, 2014 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 20-22, 2014 at Presidio Park, September 9, 2016 Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Habitat: Open woods and edges. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
Occasional irregular winter wanderer, October through March, in the Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: October 18, 2011 to March 11, 2012 (up to 175 birds), May 22-23, 2012 (1), January 18, 2015 (1). Habitat: Juniper and Pinyon pine. Best locations: Stonewall Mine. Note: Breeds within 10 miles, both north and south, of San Diego County.

Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
Common resident in Mountains region. Habitat: Conifers and, in San Diego, dense oak stands. Best locations: Widespread.

California Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica
Common resident in all terrestrial regions except lower Desert. Habitat: Oak woodlands, open woods, suburbs. Best locations: Widespread.

Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana
Occasional irregular winter wanderer in Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: February 17, 2014 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (5 birds), February 16 to June 29, 2016 Laguna Mountains (3 birds), April 2 to June 20, 2016 (up to 13 birds), June 12, 2016 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (1 bird). Habitat: Subalpine forests. Best locations: Mount Laguna. Note: In the past, more likely in fall and winter (August through February), in recent decades more likely from late winter to early summer (February through June).

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Common resident in Coastal and Lowlands regions, less abundant in the southern portion of the county. Locally Uncommon resident in residential and open agricultural areas of Mountains regions. Rare winter visitor to Desert region. Habitat: Oak woodlands, agricultural lands, residential and urban areas. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Prior to 1985 only reached south to Carlsbad in the NW corner of the county (Unitt, 2004).

Common Raven Corvus corax
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: All, beaches, mountain forests, deserts, including common in residential and urban areas unlike the wilderness habitat it prefers outside southern California. Best locations: Widespread.

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
Uncommon resident widely in Coastal and Desert regions, more local in Lowlands and lower Mountains regions. Habitat: Sand beaches, bare fields, grasslands, desert floor. Best locations: Tijuana River mouth, Fiesta Island, Rangeland Road and Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Old Springs Road Open Space Preserve in Borrego Springs, Borrego Springs Settling Ponds.

Purple Martin Progne subis
Rare summer resident, April through August (migrants in September), in the Mountains region. Habitat: Isolated snags in mountain forests. Best locations: Doane Pond at Palomar Mountain, Lake Cuyamaca.

Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Common spring migrant and summer resident, March through June, in Coastal and Lowlands region. Uncommon fall migrant and winter visitor, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Rare migrant at lakes in Mountains and Desert regions. Habitat: Snags around lakes. Best locations: Lake Hodges, Lindo Lake.

Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Uncommon spring migrant, February through April, in all terrestrial regions, especially Coastal and Lowlands regions. Uncommon fall migrant, August through October, primarily in the Mountains region. Uncommon summer resident, April through August, in the Mountains region. Habitat: Mountain oak and conifer forests. Best locations: Widespread. Lake Cuyamaca.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Common migrant in all terrestrial regions, and summer resident primarily in Lowlands and Coastal regions, February through October. Habitat: Open country near water. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Besides traditional nest burrows in banks and road cuts, more frequently locally nest in drain holes under bridges.

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
Rare fall migrant, August to mid October, and Occasional spring migrant, April through May, averaging about 3 sightings per year (eBird records 2010-2017 range from 2-7 sightings per year primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Near water; fields, marshes. Best locations: None.

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Common migrant throughout all terrestrial regions, and summer resident primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions, March through September. Habitat: Semi-open lands, farms, residential areas, usually near water. Best locations: Widespread.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Uncommon spring and fall migrant, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions, and Rare summer resident in Coastal region, March through October. Rare and increasing winter visitor, December through January, in Coastal region. Habitat: Open lands near water, marshes, near buildings. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Actual nests are noteworthy. Formerly nested on sea cliffs at Point La Jolla and Point Loma. Do they still?

Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli
Common resident in Mountains region. Rare resident in suburbs in NW Lowlands region (Escondido, San Marcos), more widespread in winter (to Oceanside). Habitat: Conifers. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Laguna Mountains.

Oak Titmouse Baeolophus inornatus
Common resident in Mountains and Uncommon resident in Lowlands regions. Habitat: Oak woodlands, mixed woods. Best locations: Widespread.

Verdin Auriparus flaviceps
Common resident in Desert region. Habitat: Thorny scrub, mesquite, cholla cactus. Best locations: Widespread. Borrego Springs.

Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
Common resident in Lowlands and Coastal Regions. Uncommon resident in the Mountains region. Rare winter and spring visitor in the Desert region. Habitat: Oak scrub, chaparral, suburbs. Best locations: Widespread.

Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Rare resident in northern Mountains region. Irregularly Uncommon winter visitor, October through May, in Mountains and residential Lowlands/Coastal interface regions. Habitat: Conifers in forest or residential plantings. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park.

White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
Common resident in Mountains region, Uncommon to Rare in Lowlands region. Habitat: Oak and pine-oak woodlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea
Uncommon resident in south Mountains region. Habitat: Open pine forest. Best locations: Laguna Mountains, Stonewall Mine.

Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Rare resident in Mountains region. Habitat: Thick forest of big-cone Douglas fir and incense cedar above 4200 feet. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park.

Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus
Common resident in the Desert region. Uncommon resident and more widespread winter visitor in the interior Lowlands region. Habitat: Rocky canyons and outcroppings. Best locations: Widespread.

Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus
Locally Uncommon in Desert and interior Lowlands regions. Habitat: Boulders and cliffs. Best locations: Borrego Palm Canyon, Black Canyon Bridge and Sutherlin Dam, Kitchen Creek Road—Pacific Crest trail pullout.

House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Habitat: Oak woodlands, riparian woodlands, thickets in residential areas. Best locations: Widespread.

Pacific Wren Troglodytes pacificus
Occasional winter visitor, October through February, in Mountains and Coastal regions. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (2), 2012 (3), 2013 (2), 2014 (none), 2015 (1), 2016 (none). Habitat: Dense tangles in coniferous forests, often near water. Best locations: Doane Pond at Palomar Mountain State Park, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Winter Wren Troglodytes hiemalis
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: November 3, 2010 to March 15, 2011 on Point Loma. Habitat: Coniferous forest in summer, streambanks and tangles in winter. Note: December 3-15, 1990 in Tijuana River Valley.

Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Uncommon resident primarily in NW Coastal region south to San Elijo Lagoon, and then San Diego River valley from Lindo Lake to San Diego River mouth. Uncommon winter visitor, October through March, in Coastal and Lowlands regions near the coast. Rare, October through March, in Desert region. Habitat: Fresh and brackish marshes. Best locations: Guajome Regional Park, Whelan Lake, San Elijo Lagoon, Lindo Lake, Dairy Mart Pond.

Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii
Common Resident in Lowlands, Mountains, and Coastal regions. Rare winter visitor to Desert region. Habitat: Chaparral, oak woodlands, tangles, residential shrubs. Best locations: Widespread.

Cactus Wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Uncommon resident in Desert region (anthonyi subspecies). Rare resident in Lowlands (sandiegensis subspecies). Habitat: Dense cholla (both subspecies of Cactus Wren) and prickly pear cacti (sandiegensis). Best locations: anthonyi at Borrego Springs; sandiegensis at San Pasqual Battlefield State Park, Sweetwater Reservoir.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
Uncommon winter visitor, September through April, in Lowlands, Coastal, and Desert regions. Uncommon to Rare resident or summer resident in interior Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Oak woodlands, pinyon/juniper, riparian. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley, Lake Hodges.

California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica
Uncommon resident in Coastal and Lowlands (below 1000 feet elevation) regions. Habitat: Coastal sage scrub. Best locations: Lake Hodges, San Elijo Lagoon.

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Polioptila melanura
Common resident in Desert region. Habitat: Mesquite. Best locations: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, Borrego Springs Settling Ponds.

American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus
Occasional visitor in remote Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Rushing mountain streams with waterfalls. Best locations: Pauma Creek Trailhead off Nate Harrison Road. Note: Most recent records seems to be February 6, 2005 at 2000 feet elevation on Pauma Creek and March 27, 2007 at Three Sisters Falls. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Rare winter visitor, October through March, in Coastal and Mountains region. Habitat: Conifers on mountain tops or coastal Torrey Pines. Best locations: Point Loma, Laguna Mountains, Palomar Mountain. Note: Irregular numbers from year-to-year; 2011 and 2014 had numerous eBird reports, 2012 only 2. Occasional winter irruptions 1986-2000 deposited a few resident birds in the mountains for a few years; no summer eBird records for the past 10 years, however.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
Common winter visitor, October through April, in Lowlands, Mountains, and Coastal regions. Uncommon winter visitor, November through March, in the Desert region. Habitat: Riparian, oak woodland, residential yards. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Most common in the northern Lowlands.

Wrentit Chamaea fasciata
Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Habitat: Chaparral, oak woodlands understory. Best locations: Widespread.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Tundra for breeding, open country, barren fields. Note: October 18, 2001 at La Jolla Coast Preserve.

Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana
Common resident in Mountains and Lowlands region. Uncommon resident and winter visitor in northern Coastal region. Uncommon to Rare winter visitor, October through April, in Desert region. Habitat: Meadows among oak and pine foothills, farms, urban lawns. Best locations: Widespread.

Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides
Rare to Uncommon winter visitor, November through February, primarily in Mountains and interior Lowlands regions. Habitat: Grassy meadows, mountain clearings. Best locations: Rangeland Road and Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

Townsend's Solitaire Myadestes townsendi
Rare winter visitor, October through April, in the Mountains region. Habitat: Snags on mountain peaks. Best locations: Palomar Mountain, Cuyamaca Peak.

Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Woodlands. Note: October 1, 1986, October 2-10, 1987, September 10-11, 1990.

Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
Uncommon migrant, May to early June, September through October, throughout all terrestrial regions. Rare summer resident, June through July, in extreme northwest Lowlands or Coastal region. Habitat: Thick deciduous riparian. Best locations: Batiquitos Lagoon, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Note: Fall migrants often detected at night flying over, especially when overcast.

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
Uncommon winter visitor, October through April, in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Rare resident in Mountains. Habitat: Dense conifer understory for breeding; winters in chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian, shady residential landscaping. Best locations: Widespread. Doane Pond on Palomar Mountain for breeding.

Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: December 18, 2016 at Oceanside. Habitat: Understory in deciduous woodland. Note: Five or six county records, October-December.

Rufous-backed Robin Turdus rufopalliatus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Woods, dense thickets. Note: March 16 to April 16, 1996 (perhaps wintered undetected) at Borrego Springs.

American Robin Turdus migratorius
Uncommon resident with patchy distribution in Mountains, northern Lowlands, and southern Coastal regions. More widespread Uncommon irregular winter visitor, including Desert region. Habitat: Mountain forests, urban parks. Best locations: Widespread.

Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius
Rare irregular winter visitor, November through March, in Mountains region, Occasional irruptions into all other terrestrial regions. eBird records since 2010: winter 2009-2010 (3), winter 2010-2011 (none), winter 2011-2012 (2), winter 2012-2013 (3), winter 2013-2014 (3), winter 2014-2015 (45+), winter 2015-2016 (5). Habitat: Shady mountain forests, understory. Best locations: Palomar Mountain.

Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Occasional fall migrant and winter visitor, October through January. eBird records since 2010: 2013, 2014, 2015 (2), 2016, 2017. Habitat: Undergrowth, suburban gardens. Best locations: Point Loma, Borrego Springs.

Curve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Cholla cactus. Note: April 28, 2002 at Otay Mesa.

Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum
Occasional winter visitor, October to mid May, with some preference for the Coastal region, but records scattered in all regions and all months. eBird records since 2010: October 30 to November 7, 2014 in Jacumba, March 17, 2015 in Descanso, April 14, 2017 near Spring Valley. Habitat: Thickets. Best locations: None.

Bendire's Thrasher Toxostoma bendirei
Occasional migrant and winter visitor, November through March, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 15-17, 2005 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Habitat: Desert, cholla. Note: Nested at Ocotillo Wells in May 1993.

California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum
Uncommon resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains region. Habitat: Chaparral. Best locations: Widespread.

LeConte's Thrasher Toxostoma lecontei
Rare resident in Desert region. Habitat: Sandy creosote bushes. Best locations: Borrego Springs Old Springs Road Open Space Preserve, Clark Dry Lake.

Crissal Thrasher Toxostoma crissale
Rare local resident in Desert region. Habitat: Mesquite. Best locations: Mesquite Bosque in Borrego Springs.

Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus
Uncommon spring migrant, February through March, and Rare fall migrant and winter visitor, September through January, primarily in the Desert Region. Habitat: Sage. Best locations: Clark Dry Lake, Borrego Springs Settling Ponds, Borrego Springs Old Springs Road Open Space Preserve.

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Common resident in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Common summer resident in Desert region in wetter years. Uncommon winter visitor in Mountains and Desert regions, primarily near human habitation. Habitat: Residential areas, desert. Best locations: Widespread.

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Urban centers, agricultural areas. Best locations: Widespread.

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Wooded semi-open country. Note: Most recent record December 1974.

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Uncommon irregular winter visitor, October through May, in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Rare irregular winter visitor, November through April, in Mountains and Desert regions. Habitat: Open woodlands, fruiting trees, ornamental plantings in residential areas. Best locations: Widespread.

Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens
Common winter visitor and spring breeder, October through May, in Desert region. Common summer resident, March through June, in Lowlands and Mountains region. Uncommon winter visitor, November through February, in Lowlands. Habitat: Desert scrub, mesquite, oak woodlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
Uncommon resident in Lowlands region nearer the coast. Habitat: Grassy riparian edges. Best locations: Batiquitos Lagoon, Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, San Diego River at Mission Valley, Lake Murray, Santee Lakes. Note: Expanding rapidly.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Towns, farms, urban centers. Best locations: Widespread.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: February 10, 2013 in Chula Vista, April 23-26, 2017 at San Diego River mouth Ocean Beach. Habitat: Open terrain, gravel flats.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Occasional to Rare fall migrant, late September to early November, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (2), 2011 (1), 2012 (1), 2013 (3), 2014 (1), 2015 (3), 2016 (2). Habitat: Agricultural fields, bare fields. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley, Fiesta Island.

American Pipit Anthus rubescens
Uncommon winter visitor, October through April, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Bare fields, golf courses, lake shores. Best locations: Widespread.

Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: October 20 to November 1, 2010 on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay. Habitat: Alfalfa fields, bare fields.

Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus
Occasional irregular winter visitor, October through March, in the Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: winter 2010-2011 (1), winter 2011-2012 (none), winter 2012-2013 (3), winter 2013-2014 (none), winter 2014-2015 (2), winter 2015-2016 (none), winter 2016-2017 (1). Habitat: Conifers. Best locations: Mount Palomar, Paso Picacho Campground.

House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus
Common resident in all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Farms, towns, weedy areas, chaparral. Best locations: Widespread.

Purple Finch Haemorhous purpureus
Uncommon resident in Mountains and northern lowlands regions (Fallbrook). Irregular Uncommon winter visitor in Lowlands region. Habitat: Conifers. Best locations: Live Oak Park in Fallbrook, Palomar Mountain State Park, Paso Picacho Campground, Laguna Mountains. Note: Discovered breeding in 1998 in live oaks and sycamores in low elevations in the Fallbrook / De Luz Creek area.

Cassin's Finch Haemorhous cassinii
Occasional and irregular winter visitor to Mountains region. eBird records since 2010: Winter 2009-2010 (3), winter 2010-2011 (2), winter 2011-2012 (none), winter 2012-2013 (6), winter 2013-2014 (12+), winter 2014-2015 (7+), winter 2015-2016 (8+), winter 2016-2017 (none). Habitat: Mountain conifers. Best locations: Laguna Mountains.

Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: February 4-18, 2012 at Julian. Habitat: Birches, weedy fields.

Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Occasional and irregular visitor, September through April, primarily in the Coastal and Mountains regions. eBird records since 2010: Winter 2012-2013 in the Mountains region (plus two in September 2012 along the coast). Winter 2015-2016 in Coastal and Lowands regions near the coast. September 2016 (2 records in mountains). Habitat: Conifers. Best locations: None.

Pine Siskin Spinus pinus
Rare to Uncommon and irregular winter visitor, October through April, in Mountains and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Conifers, alders, sweet gum (liquidambar), mixed woods, weedy areas. Best locations: Julian, Laguna Mountains Visitor Center. Note: Winter 2012-2013 and 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 had numerous sightings, winter 2013-2014 only 1.

Lesser Goldfinch Spinus psaltria
Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountain regions. Uncommon and local resident in Desert region except following wet winter when Uncommon and more widespread in the Desert. Habitat: Oak woodlands, chaparral, gardens, near drinking water. Best locations: Widespread.

Lawrence's Goldfinch Spinus lawrencei
Uncommon and nomadic resident in the Mountains region. Uncommon and nomadic, February through June, in the interior Lowlands and Desert regions, otherwise Rare. Habitat: Chaparral, chamise, oak groves, creeks or water for drinking, fields of fiddleneck. Best locations: Lake Cuyamaca, Kitchen Creek Rd at Yellow Rose Spring.

American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
Uncommon resident primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions toward the coast, especially in the northern part of the county. Habitat: Riparian willows. Best locations: Los Jilgueros Preserve at Fallbrook, Batiquitos Lagoon, Kit Carson Park, San Elijo Lagoon.

Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus
Occasional fall migrant, October through November in southern Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: Every year since 2006. Habitat: Short grass, bare dirt. Best locations: Fiesta Island dog run in Mission Bay, Dairy Mart Road sod farms. Note: In 2004 (Unitt) the frequency was noted to be less than the 1970's (only 3 records from 1996 to 2003), but it has been annually at Fiesta Island since 2010 (maximum 5 birds, 1 or 2 is typical).

Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus
Occasional fall migrant, mid October through November in southern Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (2), 2011 (3), 2012 (1), 2013 (none), 2014 (3), 2015 (1), 2016(1), all single birds except 2015 when up to 4 were seen, and 2 birds in 2016. Habitat: Dry grasslands. Best locations: Fiesta Island dog run in Mission Bay.

McCown's Longspur Rhynchophanes mccownii
Occasional fall migrant, October through November, in southern Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2015 (1), maximum 2 birds. Habitat: Dry short grass and open ground. Best locations: Fiesta Island dog run in Mission Bay. Note: Not seen in the county from 1991 to 2003.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Prairies, dunes, shores. Note: April 30-May 7, 2009 at San Diego River mouth.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: In migration open habitat. Note: October 21-24, 1991 at Point Loma.

Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus
Rare migrant and winter visitor, September through April, throughout Desert, Lowlands, and especially the SW Coastal region. Rare local summer resident, mid May through August, in Mountains region. Habitat: Montane chaparral, low shrubs. Best locations: Cuyamaca Peak (only breeding location), Tijuana River Valley.

Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus
Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains region. Habitat: Chaparral, riparian, oak woodlands, backyard bushes except in dense urban areas of the city. Best locations: Widespread.

Rufous-crowned Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps
Uncommon resident throughout all terrestrial regions, especially in the Lowlands region. Habitat: Coastal sage scrub, burned or open chaparral. Best locations: Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Black Canyon Road—Ramona, Lake Hodges, Mission Trails Regional Park—NE Section, Kitchen Creek Road.

California Towhee Melozone crissalis
Common resident in Coastal, Mountains, and Lowlands region. Habitat: Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian undergrowth, residential yards. Best locations: Widespread.

Cassin's Sparrow Peucaea cassinii
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Desert grasslands, brushy fields. Note: A single male likely returning for multiple years in May and June at El Cajon in 1970, 1976, 1978.

American Tree Sparrow Spizelloides arborea
Occasional fall migrant, mid October through December, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Willow thickets, brushy roadsides. Best locations: None. Note: Most recent sighting was 1999.

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
Uncommon migrant, late March to mid May, late August to mid October, in all terrestrial regions but especially in the Desert region. Uncommon summer resident in Mountains region, local in northern Lowlands, and Point Loma. Uncommon winter visitor especially in north-central Lowlands region. Habitat: Pine-oak woodlands (breeding), parks with oaks and lawns, golf courses (winter). Best locations: Widespread.

Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida
Rare fall migrant, mid September to mid November, in Coastal region. Occasional through winter. Habitat: Brushy fields, thickets. Best locations: Point Loma.

Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri
Uncommon migrant, mid February to early April, September through October, and Rare winter visitor in the Desert region. Habitat: Sage, arid scrub. Best locations: Widespread in the Desert region. Note: Has bred in May 2001 near Ranchita.

Black-chinned Sparrow Spizella atrogularis
Uncommon summer resident, mid March to mid September, in interior Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Rugged chaparral foothills and canyons. Best locations: Kitchen Creek Road, Black Canyon Road at Ramona, Paso Picacho Campground.

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus
Rare winter visitor with patchy distribution, mid September to mid April, in Desert, Mountains, and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Grasslands, sage. Best locations: Lake Henshaw, Borrego Springs Settling Ponds, Jacumba, Ramona Grasslands Preserve.

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus
Uncommon resident in interior Lowlands regions. Uncommon summer resident in Mountains region. Uncommon winter visitor in Desert region. Habitat: Grasslands or pastures with shrubs. Best locations: Widespread. Warner Valley.

Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata
Uncommon resident in Desert region. Habitat: Rocky yucca and cacti slopes. Best locations: Widespread.

Sagebrush Sparrow Artemisiospiza nevadensis
Rare winter visitor to Desert region, at least mid November to mid February. Habitat: Sparse bushes on sandy soil. Best location: Old Springs Road Open Space Preserve in Borrego Springs. Note: Difficult ID separating from canescens form of Bell's Sparrow—Sagebrush Sparrow has stripes on back and weaker lateral throat stripe; many winter desert ”Sage Sparrows” must go unidentified.

Bell's Sparrow Artemisiospiza belli
Rare resident on interior hills in Lowlands region. Rare winter visitor in Desert region (paler canescens form). Habitat: Sparse chaparral or sage with open ground. Best locations: Kitchen Creek Road, Upper Otay Lake—east side, Old Springs Road Open Space Preserve in Borrego Springs (winter canescens).

Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys
Occasional spring migrant, April through May, in the Desert region. Occasional fall migrant, September through November, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: Spring: 2013 (1), 2015 (4), 2016 (2), 2017 (1). Fall: 2011 (2), 2012 (1), 2015 (1), 2016 (2). Habitat: Weedy vacant lots, agricultural fields, desert grasslands. Best locations: Jacumba, Borrego Springs Settling Ponds, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
Uncommon to Common winter visitor, late August to late April, in all terrestrial regions. Uncommon resident in Coastal region (Beldings). Habitat: Grasslands, pastures, salt marshes (Beldings). Best locations: Widespread.

Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum
Uncommon to Rare and local summer resident, late March to mid July, primarily in the Lowlands region. Habitat: Extensive short grasslands. Best locations: Lake Henshaw, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve—west, Mission Trail Regional Park—NE, Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Note: Occasional through the winter, but status unclear because of difficulty finding this furtive species when not singing in spring.

Baird's Sparrow Ammodramus bairdii
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Grasslands, weedy fields. Note: One record from October 1981.

LeConte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: October 25, 2013 at Borrego Springs. Habitat: Fresh water marshes.

Nelson's Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni
Occasional winter visitor, mid October through February, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: Winter 2012-2013 (1), 2013-2014 (2, up to 4 birds), 2014-2015 (1), 2015-2016 (2 up to 6 birds), 2016-2017 (2, 3 birds). Habitat: Salt marsh. Best locations: Kendall-Frost Marsh, Seacoast Drive.

Fox (Thick-billed) Sparrow Passerella iliaca megarhyncha
Uncommon winter visitor, late September through April, primarily in the Lowlands region. Rare and local summer resident, May through June, in Mountains region. Habitat: Bracken fern and ceanothus for breeding, chaparral. Best location: Breeds at Cuyamaca Peak between Deer Spring and Cherry Flat. Note: Gray head and back, thick wide bill with blue or horn base, sparse inverted black breast chevrons, metallic “chink!” call.

Fox (Slate-colored) Sparrow Passerella iliaca schistacea
Uncommon winter visitor, October to mid April, primarily in Lowlands and Mountain regions. Habitat: Chaparral. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Gray head and back, heavily spotted below, small bill, “smack!” call.

Fox (Sooty) Sparrow Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis
Rare winter visitor, October to mid March, primarily in Lowlands and Mountains regions. Habitat: Chaparral, heavy brush. Best locations: None. Note: Concolorous dark brown with dense heavy breast spots, small bill with yellow lower mandible, husky “chap!” call.

Fox (Red) Sparrow Passerella iliaca iliaca
Vagrant. eBird records since 2010: November 17, 2014 at Borrego Springs. Habitat: Brush. Note: Foxy red striped above, red breast streaking, two thin white wing bars, “smack!” call.

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Locally common in Desert region near permanent water sources. Habitat: Dense vegetation near water. Best locations: Widespread.

Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii
Uncommon winter visitor, mid September through April, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Grassy wetlands, damp weedy areas. Best locations: Widespread.

Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana
Occasional to Rare winter visitor, mid October to early April, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: Winter 2010-2011 (1), 2011-2012 (1), 2012-2013 (6), 2013-2014 (6), 2014-2015 (1), 2015-2016 (5), 2016-2017 (5). Habitat: Grassy marshes. Best locations: Famosa Slough.

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
Rare winter visitor, October through April, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Thickets, roadsides, wooded ponds, backyards. Best locations: Point Loma.

Harris's Sparrow Zonotrichia querula
Occasional winter visitor, December through March, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: Winter 2010-2011 (none), 2011-2012 (1), 2012-2013 (2), 2013-2014 (none), 2014-2015 (1), 2015-2016 (1). Habitat: Brush, hedgerows. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley.

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Common winter visitor, mid September to early May, throughout all terrestrial regions. Habitat: Overgrown fields, hedgerows. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Common form is gambelii with bright back striping, pink bill, white lores. Black-lored oriantha is rare spring migrant, late April to late May. Duller, white-lored, and yellow-billed pugetensis is rare winter visitor.

Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla
Uncommon winter visitor, October to early May, primarily in Mountains, Lowlands, and Coastal regions. Habitat: Montane chaparral, oak woodlands. Best locations: Palomar Mountain State Park, Paso Picacho Campground.

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Common resident in Mountains region. Common winter visitor in Mountains and Lowlands regions. Uncommon resident locally in Coastal region from Torrey Pines to Point Loma. Habitat: Conifers, oak woodlands, parks, well-vegetated residential areas. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Resident and most winter forms are the Oregon junco. Other forms are rare, more frequent in the mountains, including Slate-colored, “Cassiar” (cismontanus), Gray-headed, and Pink-sided.

Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens
Uncommon summer resident, April to early September, primarily in the NW Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Dense riparian woodland. Best locations: Kit Carson Park, Mission Trails Regional Park—Mission Dam area, Santa Margarita River Trail—Fallbrook, Batiquitos Lagoon—East, Mast Park.

Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Rare spring migrant, April to late May, primarily in Desert region. Rare fall migrant and winter visitor, primarily in Lowlands and Coastal regions. Habitat: Flooded freshwater marshes, cattle pens. Best locations: Borrego Springs Settling Ponds, Lindo Lake.

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Occasional fall migrant, mid September to mid October, primarily in the southern Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (2), 2012 (none), 2013 (2), 2014 (1), 2015 (1), 2016 (none). Habitat: Hayfields, agricultural fields. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley.

Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
Uncommon winter visitor, October to mid April, in all terrestrial regions. Uncommon summer resident primarily in Mountains and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Grasslands, sage, coastal marshes. Best locations: Widespread.

Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius
Rare fall migrant, mid September through October, and winter visitor, through April, in the Coastal region. Habitat: Woodland edges, orchards, residential areas. Best locations: San Diego Botanic Garden. 

Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus
Common summer resident, March through August, Uncommon to mid October, in Coastal, Lowlands, and Desert regions. Habitat: Residential palms, eucalyptus groves, riparian sycamores. Best locations: Widespread.

Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open arid woodlands. Note: Most recent of 3 records seems to be December 10, 1984 to April 29, 1985 at Pacific Beach.

Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullockii
Common spring migrant, March through May, in the Desert region. Uncommon summer resident, March to early September, primarily in Lowlands and Mountains regions. Rare summer resident, migrant, and winter visitor in Coastal region. Habitat: Open oak woodlands, riparian edges. Best locations: Widespread.

Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula
Rare fall migrant, late September through October, Rare spring migrant, May to mid June, and Rare winter visitor, through April, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands region near the coast. Habitat: Flowering eucalyptus, open woods, shade trees in towns. Best locations: Balboa Park, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Scott's Oriole Icterus parisorum
Uncommon summer resident, mid April to early August, primarily in Mountains and Desert regions. Rare through winter in Desert region and scattered in the Lowlands. Habitat: Mojave yucca in high desert and mountain chaparral. Best locations: Kitchen Creek Road, Scissors Crossing, Yaqui Well, Tamarisk Grove Campground, Culp Valley.

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Uncommon to Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Local and Uncommon in Desert regions. Habitat: Marshes, ponds. Best locations: Widespread.

Tricolored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor
Uncommon to Rare residents or summer residents in the Lowlands region. Nomadic in winter. Habitat: Freshwater marshes, pastures, dairies. Best locations: Rangeland Road at Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Warner Valley Grasslands, Lake Cuyamaca, Lindo Lake, Jacumba. Note: Population in southern California is crashing alarmingly.

Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus
Vagrant in spring and summer, mid April to mid July, primarily in the Desert region. eBird records since 2010: May 19 to June 8, 2013 in Borrego Springs. Habitat: Farmlands, cattle feedlots.

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Uncommon summer resident, April to mid July, in all terrestrial regions. Uncommon and local winter visitor in flocks, August through March, primarily in Lowlands region. Habitat: Farms, river groves, semi-open country, forest edges, dairies and parking lots in winter. Best locations: Widespread.

Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus
Vagrant winter visitor. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: River groves, wooded swamps. Note: December 27, 2008 to March 1, 2009 at Oceanside. Last prior record may have been 1987. The population of this once abundant blackbird in eastern and northern North America has crashed dramatically in recent years. Rate of vagrants reaching California has dropped as well. Re-added to CBRC in 2006.

Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
Uncommon Resident in all regions, especially Lowlands region. Habitat: City parks, shopping centers, ponds, open woods and fields. Best locations: Widespread.

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Farmlands, towns, groves. Note: Most recent record November-February 2008-2009 at Borrego Springs.

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
Uncommon resident, primarily in Lowlands and Coastal regions, also Borrego Springs and Jacumba in Desert regions Does not winter at elevations over 1000 feet. Habitat: Lakes, marshes, lawns, shopping centers. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Arrived in 1977 and still increasing.

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla
Occasional spring and fall migrant, primarily September through October, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (1), 2012 (1), 2013 (1), 2014 (3), 2015 (none), 2016 (2), 2017 (2). Habitat: Ground walker in deciduous or mixed woods, thickets. Best locations: None.

Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum
Occasional fall migrant, mid August through October, primarily in Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Dense undergrowth in deciduous woods. Best locations: Point Loma. Note: Most recent sightings CBRC: October 2007 at Anza Borrego SP, October-January 2008-2009 at San Dieguito Park, November-April 2008-2009 at San Diego Zoo, December 2008 in Tijuana River Valley.

Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Forest streams. Note: February 9 to March 21, 1990 at La Jolla.

Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis
Rare fall migrant and winter visitor, September through April, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Walks along water's edge in dense riparian woodland. Best locations: Dairy Mart Ponds.

Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Open Woodlands. Note: About 3 records, most recent May 1991 (and a hybrid May 2001).

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora cyanoptera
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Brushy hillsides, stream edges. Note: Two records, September 1964 and September 1969.

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
Rare visitor at any season, most records as fall migrants or winter visitors, mid September to mid February, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands near the coast. Habitat: Woods where it creeps nuthatch-like on tree trunks. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Nestor Park, Bird & Butterfly Garden.

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea
Occasional fall migrant, September through October, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2012 (1), 2013 (none), 2014 (1), 2015 (none). Habitat: Wooded swamps, lowland woods. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Tennessee Warbler Oreothlypis peregrina
Rare migrant, more frequent in fall, September through October, averaging about 4 sightings per year, primarily in the coastal region. Habitat: Mixed forests. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Orange-crowned Warbler Oreothlypis celata
Common migrant and winter visitor in all terrestrial regions. Common resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains region. Habitat: Brushy clearings in oaks, riparian, and conifer forests. Best locations: Widespread.

Lucy's Warbler Oreothlypis luciae
Rare and local summer resident, mid March through May, in Desert region. Habitat: Mesquite. Best locations: Mesquite Bosque at Borrego Springs.

Nashville Warbler Oreothlypis ruficapilla
Uncommon spring migrant, April through May, in all regions—especially the Desert region. Rare fall migrant, August through October, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Open mixed woods. Best locations: Agua Caliente County Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center.

Virginia's Warbler Oreothlypis virginiae
Occasional fall migrant, September, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2015 (2), 2016 (1). Habitat: Oak canyons. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Connecticut Warbler Oporornis agilis
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Walks on ground in lowlands woods near water. Note: About 5 records; most recent report seems to be September 1990.

MacGillivray's Warbler Geothlypis tolmiei
Uncommon spring migrant, late March to mid May, in the Desert region, less numerously in all other terrestrial regions. Still Uncommon, but less numerous, mid August to early October, primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Dense low vegetation. Best locations: Agua Caliente County Park.

Mourning Warbler Geothlypis philadelphia
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: November 3, 2013 in Tierrasanta, September 14-16, 2015 in Encinitas. Habitat: Dense thickets.

Kentucky Warbler Geothlypis formosa
Occasional fall migrant, mid September to mid November, and less frequent spring migrant, May, primarily in the coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 25-26, 2011 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 8, 2013 at Tamarisk Grove Campground, September 24, 2014 at Borrego Springs. Habitat: Woodland undergrowth. Best locations: Point Loma.

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Common winter visitor in all regions, especially in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Common resident in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Marshes and riparian areas. Best locations: Widespread.

Hooded Warbler Setophaga citrina
Occasional spring migrant, mid April through May. eBird records since 2010: April 28-30, 2010 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 24, 2011 at Jacumba, April 17, 2013 at Agua Caliente County Park, May 1, 2014 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetry, May 12, 2015 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, May 22 to June 5, 2016 at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Habitat: Forest undergrowth. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
Rare fall migrant, September through October, and Occasional winter visitor and spring migrant, with records throughout the year, primarily in the Coastal region and Lowlands region nearer the coast. Habitat: Riparian woods and edges. Best locations: Bird & Butterfly Garden, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina
Occasional fall migrant, mid September to mid November, in the Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: November 2, 2014 at Point Loma, June 5, 2017 at Famosa Slough. Best locations: Point Loma. Note: 28 records to 2003; most records from mid 1970's to mid 1980's. Re-added to CBRC in 2011.

Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulea
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Deciduous forests. Note: Most recent record is apparently June 1992.

Northern Parula Setophaga americana
Rare visitor, any time of year, primarily in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Habitat: Humid woods; any type of trees in winter. Best locations: None. Note: 2-6 reports in eBird annually from 2010 to 2016.

Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia
Occasional fall migrant, late September to mid October, primarily in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2012 (1), 2013 (1), 2014 (2), 2015 (none). Habitat: Low conifers or deciduous trees in migration. Best locations: Point Loma.

Bay-breasted Warbler Setophaga castanea
Occasional and Irregular fall migrant, mid September to mid November, primarily in Coastal region.
eBird records since 2010: December 30, 2012 to April 13, 2013 at Lower Otay Lake, November 29, 2013 to March 1, 2014 at La Jolla, November 6-9, 2016 at El Cajon, June 4-8, 2017 at Point Loma. Habitat: Woodlands, conifers. Best locations: None. Note: Nearly annual from 1973-1987, then significantly less frequently.

Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca
Occasional fall migrant, September through October, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: October 15, 2011 at Bird & Butterfly Garden, September 26, 2012 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, October 2, 2012 at Lake O'Neill, September 21-22, 2014 at Friendship Park, October 12-26, 2014 at Nestor Park, October 13, 2014 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 10, 2016 at Cabrillo NM, September 30-October 2, 2016 at Bird and Butterfly Garden, October 2, 2016 at Guajome Regional Park, March 20-April 26, 2017 at Vacation Isle. Habitat: Woodlands. Best locations: Point Loma.

Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia
Common spring migrant, April through June, throughout all terrestrial regions. Uncommon summer resident in Coastal, Lowlands, and Mountains regions. Uncommon fall migrant in all terrestrial regions, especially in the Coastal region. Rare in winter, November through March, primarily in Coastal region. Habitat: Riparian woodlands. Best locations: Widespread.

Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica
Rare fall migrant, mid September through October, primarily in the Coastal region. Habitat: Brushy thickets and edges. Best location: Point Loma. Note: Ranged from 3-6 eBird reports per year 2010-2015.

Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata
Occasional fall migrant, late September to mid October, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (1), 2012 (5), 2013 (1), 2014 (3), 2015 (none), 2016 (1). Habitat: Conifer and alder canopy. Best locations: None. Note: A frequent fall migrant in the 1960's and 1970's that has become rather scarce.

Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens
Occasional late fall migrant, October through November, primarily in the coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (2), 2011 (2), 2012 (2), 2013 (2), 2014 (2), 2015 (none), 2016 (1). Habitat: Dense undergrowth in deciduous forest. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum
Rare fall migrant, October through November, or winter visitor, to mid April, in all terrestrial regions, but primarily in Coastal and Lowlands nearer the coast. eBird records since 2010: winter 2009-2010 (1), 2010-2011 (1), 2011-2012 (5), 2012-2013 (10), 2013-2014 (3), 2014-2015 (9), 2015-2016 (8). Habitat: Open scrub, bare ground. Best locations: Fiesta Island, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Tijuana River Valley.

Pine Warbler Setophaga pinus
Occasional fall migrant, October to mid November, in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: December 18, 2010 to January 23, 2011 in Chula Vista, October 8, 2011 at Bird & Butterfly Garden, November 30, 2012 to March 4, 2013 in Coronado, March 20-22, 2013 in Chula Vista, January 1-25, 2013 at Greenwood Memorial Park, November 24, 2013 to March 11, 2014 at Greenwood Memorial Park, October 11-12, 2016 Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside, November 11-13, 2016 Nestor Park. Habitat: Open pine woods. Best locations: Point Loma, Tijuana River Valley.

Yellow-rumped Wabler Setophaga coronata
Common winter visitor, September to mid May, in all terrestrial regions. Rare summer resident on highest peaks. Habitat: Woodlands, backyard trees. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Most are Audubon's subspecies, a few Myrtle's are detected in winter primarily in the coastal lowlands.

Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica
Occasional migrant, mid April to early June, late September to early November, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: November 27 to December 25, 2010 at Lindo Lake, June 18-22, 2014 in La Jolla. Habitat: Open woods, oaks, pines, sycamores. Best locations: Point Loma.

Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor
Occasional fall migrant, most records early September to mid October, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (3), 2011 (none), 2012 (2), 2013 (1 remaining from winter 2012), 2014 (1), 2015 (none). Habitat: Bushy pastures. Best locations: Point Loma, Tijuana River Valley.

Grace's Warbler Setophaga graciae
Occasional fall migrant, September through October, primarily in the Coastal region. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: Winters of 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, and March of 2015 at Greenwood Memorial Park, September 3, 2012 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, December 27, 2012 to March 23, 2013 at Spring Valley, September 6-15, 2014 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Habitat: Pine-oak forest. Best locations: Point Loma.

Black-throated Gray Warbler Setophaga nigrescens
Uncommon spring (late March through April) and fall migrant (mid August through November) in all terrestrial regions. Rare winter visitor in Coastal and Lowlands regions. Former Rare summer resident in Mountains region. Habitat: Oaks. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Has bred on all mountain peaks above 4200 feet. Only summer eBird record in mountains since 2010 is a single bird on Nate Harrison Road on July 9, 2016. Bred from 1995 to at least 2003 along the San Luis Rey River below Lake Henshaw at 2300-2700 feet elevation when up to 70 pairs surveyed (Unitt 2004). Do any still breed here?--There appears to be no access here right along the highway.

Townsend's Warbler Setophaga townsendi
Uncommon spring migrant, mid April through May, in all terrestrial regions but especially the Desert region. Uncommon fall migrant, August and September, and winter visitor, October through March, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands region. Habitat: Conifers. Best locations: Widespread.

Hermit Warbler Setophaga occidentalis
Uncommon spring migrant, mid April to mid May, and Rare fall migrant, mid August through October, primarily in Coastal and Mountains regions. Habitat: Conifer forest. Best locations: Paso Picacho Campground, Stonewall Mine, Point Loma Nazarene University, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens
Occasional fall migrant, mid September to early November, and winter visitor (frequently returning for multiple winters) and remaining into early April. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (1), 2012 (none), 2013 (2), 2014 (2), 2015 (3), 2016 (3), 2017 (1) including a bird at Greenwood Memorial Park in winters 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-2017. Habitat: Conifers. Best locations: None (or, wherever they were last winter).

Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis
Occasional fall migrant, early September to mid November, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: September 15-19, 2012 at Lake O'Neill, October 29, 2014 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, May 26, 2015 female banded at Cabrillo National Monument, June 4, 2015 male at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, September 9, 2016 Fernbrook, October 30, 2016 at Nestor Park. Habitat: Shady thickets. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla
Common spring migrant, April through May, in all terrestrial regions. Uncommon fall migrant, August through October, primarily Coastal and Mountains regions. Rare winter visitor, November through March, primarily in Coastal region. Occasional summer resident along Santa Margarita River at Camp Pendleton. Habitat: Dense shrubs. Best locations: Widespread.

Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: August 9, 2012 in Laguna Mountains. Habitat: Pine-oak. Note: Recent records (August or September 2005, 2007, 2012) in the Mountains region, older records (1977, 1982, 1996) from Point Loma in May and September.

Painted Redstart Myioborus pictus
Occasional ro Rare fall migrant, September through October, and winter visitor (sometimes in successive winters) through March, primarily in Coastal region. Has summered (and nested) in the Mountains region (most recent 2008). eBird records since 2010: Different birds: 2010 (1), 2011 (3), 2012 (1), 2013 (3), 2014 (3), 2015 (4), 2016 (4), 2017 (1). Habitat: Oak, pine-oak. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Agua Dulce Creek (summer).

Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava
Occasional winter visitor, October through March, primarily in Coastal region, often returning for several consecutive winters. eBird records since 2010: Winter 2010-2011 (1), 2011-2012 (2), 2012-2013 (2), 2013-2014 (4), 2014-2015 (1), 2015-2016 (1). Habitat: Pine and oak forests. Best locations: Balboa Park, Imperial Beach.

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
Rare local summer resident, May through August, in Desert region. Rare winter visitor, October through March, Rare late spring migrant, mid May to mid June, primarily in the Coastal region and Lowlands region near the beach. Habitat: Desert riparian cottonwood for breeding, exotic flowering trees in urban parks in winter. Best locations: Scissors Crossing (breeding), Balboa Park, Point Loma. Note: The summer resident is a larger and paler subspecies (cooperi) than the migrant and wintering Eastern form (rubra).

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea
Occasional fall migrant, October to mid November, primarily in the Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (none), 2011 (4), 2012 (none), 2013 (4), 2014 (1), 2015 (none). Habitat: Forests, oaks. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Common spring migrant, late April to mid May, throughout all terrestrial regions. Uncommon summer resident, June through September, in the Mountains regions. Uncommon fall migrant, July to early October, throughout all regions but primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions nearer the coast. Rare winter visitor, November to March, in Coastal and Lowlands region nearer the coast. Habitat: Pine-oak, urban parks in winter. Best locations: Widespread.

Pyrrhuloxia Cardinalis sinuatus
Vagrant or escapees? CBRC. eBird records since 2010: None. Habitat: Mesquite, hedgerows. Note: Unitt (2004) notes 4 records, 1 of which accepted by CBRC, 1 rejected for questions of natural origin. Another record, not in Unitt is of a bird April 1, 1989 at San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
Rare spring and fall migrant, mid May to mid June and late September to early November, Rare in winter, primarily in the Coastal and Lowlands regions nearer the coast. Habitat: Deciduous woods, orchards. Best locations: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus
Common migrant, April through May, and Uncommon summer resident and fall migrant, late July through October. Habitat: Oak and riparian woodland. Best locations: Widespread. Note: Less likely in winter than Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea
Uncommon summer resident, mid April to mid August, Rare to late September, primarily in the Lowlands region. Uncommon spring migrant, late April through May, in Desert region. Habitat: Damp swales, riparian areas. Best locations: Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve—West, Mission Trails Regional Park—NE, Lake Hodges—Rancho Bernardo.

Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena
Uncommon summer resident, April through September, primarily in Mountains and interior Lowlands regions. Habitat: Mountain meadows, riparian, grasslands, burned chaparral. Best locations: Mission Trails Regional Park—NE, Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Paso Picacho Campground, Cuyamaca Peak, Kitchen Creek Road.

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
Rare spring migrant and summer resident, May to mid July, primarily in Mountains and interior Lowlands region. Occasional fall migrant, September through October, in Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (2), 2011 (1), 2012 (5), 2013 (3), 2014 (3), 2015 (5), 2016 (4), 2017 (3). Habitat: Brushy wood edges. Best locations: None; Point Loma (migrants). Note: Most summer records are males paired with female Lazuli Buntings.

Varied Bunting Passerina versicolor
Vagrant. CBRC. eBird records since 2010: Females: October 13, 2015 at Fiesta Island Dog Run, November 1-2, 2015 in residential Point Loma. Habitat: Streamside thickets, brush.

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris
Vagrants or escapees? Most accepted records are juvenile fall migrants, late August through November, primarily in the southern Coastal region: Tijuana River Valley and Point Loma. eBird records since 2010: Female or juvenile male August 20, 2011 in Tijuana River Valley Community Gardens, juvenile September 12-13, 2015 at Point Loma, female October 10, 2015 at Dairy Mart Ponds, female August 1, 2016 in Tijuana River Valley Community Gardens, adult male September 11-12, 2016 Famosa Slough, adult male October 8, 2016 UCSD. Habitat: Woodland edges, gardens. Note: This is the most common cage bird in Tijuana—both males and females.

Dickcissel Spiza americana
Occasional fall migrant, September through October, in the southern Coastal region. eBird records since 2010: 2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2012 (1), 2013 (none), 2014 (3), 2015 (1), 2016 (1). Habitat: Grasslands, agricultural fields. Best locations: Tijuana River Valley, Point Loma.





Escapees and domestic
Swan Goose Anser cygnoides
Graylag Goose Anser anser
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Mallard (domestic) Anas platyrhynchos
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Chukar Alectoris chukar
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Lilac-crowned Parrot Amazona finschi
Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis
Yellow-headed Parrot Amazona oratrix
White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons
Blue-crowned Parakeet Thectocercus acuticaudatus
Red-masked Parakeet Psittacara erythrogenys
Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus
Black-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta colliei
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
Gray Thrasher Toxostoma cinereum
Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
White-collared (Cinnamon-rumped) Seedeater Sporophila torqueola torqueola
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

No comments:

Post a Comment

I really want to hear from you! I've changed settings (again) in order to try to make commenting easier without opening it up to spammers. Please note, however, that comments to posts older than 14 days will be moderated. Thank you.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)