Bird Species of Cal Poly Pomona

by David J. Moriarty

The list below consists of 100 species of birds that have been seen on the wildlands of Cal Poly Pomona. A study was initiated in 1981 to examine the response of the bird community to fire, and this list is the result of well over 100 hours of field work by students and faculty. This is not a list of all bird species found on the campus, indeed some common campus birds such as the Rock Dove (Columba livia, better known as the “Pigeon”) are not on this list because they do not occur in the wildlands.

The wildlands are important to the birds in different ways: about 20 of these species live on the wildlands all year—they use it for nesting and for surviving the winter until the next breeding season. About five species regularly breed on the wildlands during the spring and summer, but spend their winters elsewhere. Another three species are found regularly only during the winter (nonbreeding season). The remaining 72 species use the area occasionally—most during migratory flights which take them through the area during fall and/or spring. The importance of the wildlands to these migrants should not be underestimated. Migration is a difficult, exhausting task for birds, and the availability of habitat suitable for resting and finding food is very important.

A species of particular importance in the list below is the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). This species is listed as threatened by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Gnatcatchers are attempting to establish a breeding population on the Cal Poly wildlands. Any disturbance such loss of habitat, or golfers "playing through" would be very disruptive to the birds. If there is too much human activity in the area, they will simply abandon their nests. Hopefully, these birds will be allowed to conduct their activities in peace.