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The Black Phoebe as a Fisherman

A. B. Howell

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Upon May 18, 1924, having occasion to visit my former residence in Pasadena, I noted a Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) making sallies onto the surface of a pool in which goldfish are kept, and investigation disclosed an interesting state of affairs. This, presumably, was the same individual that has used this place as a hunting ground for the greater portion of the last two years. From a station on a nearby post, or plaster frog upon the margin, it was in the habit of making frequent sallies over the surface of the water in quest of the numerous insects to be found in such situations. My attention was particularly attracted on the above date by the fact that the bird was actually diving into the water, its head entirely disappearing in pursuit of prey at least two inches below the surface. After watching this action repeated with variations several times, I quietly investigated and discovered that there were numbers of young goldfish, about half an inch in length, swimming in the pond, but that there were no aquatic insects which I could discern similarly engaged. I am entirely satisfied in my own mind that this bird was capturing, or trying to capture, the young fish. The evidence, however, is purely circumstantial, for the actions of the fisherman were too swift for me to learn whether or no he was successful. As they were no longer my fish, and my sympathies lay entirely with the bird, I pursued the enquiry no farther.

Pasadena, California, June 7, 1924

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