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White-tailed Kites in Sonoma County

C. W. Edge

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North American White-tailed Kites (Elanus leucurus majusculus) have been observed as residents of Alexander Valley, about five miles north of Healdsburg, for a number of years. During the falls of 1924, 1925 and 1926, while hunting quail along the Russian River, I have on many occasions seen from one to five kites. It is believed they nested there until at least 1928. I have never seen a nest but think that is due to the fact that I did not try to locate one at that time.

Of a group of five kites seen in 1925, two appeared to be mature and three young. A resident of the valley states they bred there until 1928 after which date no mated pair was seen in his vicinity. They occupied the valley between the Russian River and the foothills about a mile and a half distant. Much of the valley is in prune orchards and the remainder is pasture land in which are many large valley oaks. The kites were often seen in trees or flying along the river.

During the past year only one has been seen. It still occupies the same territory and is observed on almost every visit to this locality. Whether the other kites have permanently migrated to another region or have fallen victims of gunners or other misfortunes is not known. Unlike other species of the hawk family, they were rather tame and allowed close approach. Some gunners shoot hawks without distinguishing between those that are beneficial and those that are harmful. There are a-few hinters who, simply for practice, will shoot any large bird in flight. As quail are found in the territory of the kites I am afraid these rare, beautiful, and beneficial birds have been reduced in this section to a solitary survivor.

Healdaburg, California, December 9, 1930

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