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Key: Animals of Orange County

Small mammals      Medium sized mammals      Large mammals      birds      reptiles       Amphibians      Invertebrates


Important Note:  Many of the photos below have been taken from the website ( http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/photos/ )The photos are being used for a non-commercial purpose.  For further photos you can visit the site above.  For use of any of these photos please notify cburroughs@CalAcademy.org. For commercial use, contact cburroughs@CalAcademy.org.

Small Mammals
The Vole, or Meadow Mouse (Microtus richardsoni)

Similar in size to a mouse but has a less pointed nose and smaller ears.  It is found in grassy meadows and hillsides.  Its presence can be detected by narrow runways through the grass.  The Vole is active both night and day.  Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys)

Kangaroo Rats vary in color from pale yellow to dark brown.  They have long hind legs, long tails, and short front legs.  the name 'kangaroo' comes from their excellent jumping ability. The Kangaroo Rat is nocturnal and is the one of the primary sources of food for predators such as owls, coyotes, and foxes.

Woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes)

Woodrats are about the size of a house rat.  Their nests consist of mounds of sticks and brush and are found at the base of dense brush or in live oak trees.  Woodrats are nocturnal and are one of the primary sources of food for predators such as owls, coyotes, and foxes.  Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.

Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

California Ground Squirrel (Citellus beecheyi)

The most common squirrel in the Cleveland National Forest is the California Ground Squirrel.  This active brownish-grey animal lives in burrows, not in trees.  It eats fruit, seeds or leaves.  Since ground squirrels are communal animals, they are covered with fleas, ticks and lice.  Photo by credit Sherry Ballard, California Academy of Sciences

Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus)

In the wooded portion of the forest, Northern Flying Squirrels can be found.  these tiny squirrels have glossy brown fur.  Aided by a layer of loose skin along each of its sides, a flying squirrel can glide from tree to tree.  Stricktly nocturnal, they are found only in deciduous or coniferous forests.  Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Western Grey Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)

the Western Gray Squirrel has a gray body, dark feet, and bushy tail.  It can be seen during the day primarily in oak woodland or mixed conifer forests.  It is primarily an acorn eater.  Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences

 

Merriam chipmunk (Eutamias merriami)

This inquisitive little chipmunk is a good illustration of Gloger's principle:  that mammals are less heavily pigmented in drier habitats than in humid areas.  You'll find this chipmunk in both chaparral and mixed oak/pine forests. Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.

brush_rabbit.jpg (56474 bytes) Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani)

The Brush Rabbit is a small brown rabbit with a small white tail.  it rarely uses a burrow, but stays close to thick brush for cover.  It makes runways through the brush to move about more freely.

Desert Cottontails (Sylvilagus auduboni)

These rabbits are larger and lighter in color than the Brush Rabbit.  They are found in foothills and low valleys and are mainly active during the late afternoons and evenings.  Photo by credit Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

blacktail_jackrabbit.jpg (58491 bytes) Blacktail Jackrabbits (Lepus californicus)

Blacktail Jackrabbits are members of the hare family and can be distinguished by their long ears, long hind legs and black-tipped tails.  They are most active at night.

ornate_shrew.jpg (37779 bytes) Ornate Shrew (Sorex ornatus)

These small mammals are found in the forest.  Shrews resemble mice but are primarily insect eaters.  Because of their high metabolic rate, shrews must consume their weight in food three times daily.  They will feed on snails, insects, worms, and other small animals.

gray_shrew.jpg (39974 bytes) Gray Shrew (Notisorex crawfordi)

These small mammals are found in the forest.  Shrews resemble mice but are primarily insect eaters.  Because of their high metabolic rate, shrews must consume their weight in food three times daily.  They will feed on snails, insects, worms, and other small animals.

 

Valley Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae)

A mound of dirt 8 to 20 inches long marks the burrow of the Valley Pocket Gopher.  Although mounds are often seen, it is rare to see the animal above ground.  Its long claws and sharp teeth are excellent tools for digging.

Longtail Weasel (Mustela frenata)

The Longtail Weasel is a slender animal 9 to 101/2 inches long.  The southwest version is characterized by a brown body, white underparts and white marks framing the face.  It is one of the most vicious animals in California and will prey on animals larger than itself.  Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences.

Ringtail Cat (bassariscus astutus)

Little is known about the Ringtail Cat population in the forest except that it exists.  These animals are about the size of a large squirrel.  They feed on mice, birds, and lizards, as well as fruit, insects and berries.  The Forest Service is currently studying these animals to estimate numbers and health of the population.  Photo by James T. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences

Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)

Looking like a large gray rat, the Opossum is often seen on the roadways at night.  These animals eat fruit, nuts, eggs, insects and carrion or dead meat.  The opossum is the only marsupial animal with a stomach pouch in the United States.  the young are born premature and complete their growth in the furlined pouch of the female.  Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences

Medium Sized Mammals
Badger (Taxidea taxus)

The Badger is a heavy-bodied, yellowish-gray mammal.  Note the white stripe on its head.  Its long claws are excellent tools for digging for lizards and small rodents and also for making its den.  It is mainly nocturnal.  Its den hole is 9 to 10 inches wide and oval in shape.  Be cautious around this animal; it's quick and fearless.  Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

"The Little Masked Bandit" or Raccoon has a black mask and bushy tail with dark rings.  Raccoons will eat almost anything.  They are usually found near water and are active at night.  Photo by credit Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences.

Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

The Striped Skunk has a white stripe on its head and running down its back.  Both the Striped Skunk and the Spotted Skunk feed on rats and mice and so are a help in controlling the rodent population.  Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

The Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)

The Spotted Skunk is marked with broken white stripes giving it a spotted appearance.  It is about the size of a half grown kitten.  Both the Striped Skunk and the Spotted Skunk feed on rats and mice and so are a help in controlling the rodent population.  Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences

Larger Mammals
Bobcats (Lynx rufus)

named for the short "bobbed appearance of their tail, Bobcats are mostly nocturnal.  They vary in weight from 15 to 35 pounds.  A bobcat's coat is tawny brown with dark spots.  The Forest Service is currently studying the status of this animal in the Santa Ana Mountains. Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Mountain Lion (Felis concolor)

The elusive and shy Mountain Lion has a tawny to gray coat.  It hunts usually in evening or early morning for deer and other mammals.  Recently the Forest Service estimated that 18 to 21 lions inhabit the Cleveland National Forest.  Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Coyote (Canis latrans)

A common animal in the area is the Coyote.  It resembles a dog with a grayish-tan colored coat.  Coyotes kill many rodents, thereby performing a valuable service to man.  Their eerie howl can often be heard at night.  Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

The Gray Fox is gray and rust in color.  This fox is quite shy and prefers dense woodland or chaparral.  When threatened it will climb trees to escape its enemies.  A slow runner, the gray fox can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour for short distances.  Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences

Vulpes macrotis; San Joaquin Kit Fox   

photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

 

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Mule Deer are usually seen in the early morning and evening.  They feed on grasses, shrubs and bark of certain trees.  Males shed their antlers yearly. Hunting deer in season is a positive factor for the deer heard.  By keeping the populations in control the herd stays healthy.  In a non-controlled situation, food shortages may occur and the members become sick and weak.  Photo by credit Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Beaver (Castor canadensis)

The Beaver was introduced to several streams in the Cleveland National Forest in 1948 by California State Fish and Game Department.  Evidences of dams, runways, dens, and downed trees indicate their presence.  Photo by Robert Potts, California Academy of Sciences

Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

Sightings of Black Bear prints have been recorded in recent years.  Although he black bear is not native, introduction could have come by private citizens releasing bears.  Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

 Common Birds
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Scrub Jay
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Larus occidentalis
Western Gull
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Brown Pelican
Photos by Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences
Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed Hawk

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Aphelocoma californica californica
Western Scrubjay

Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences.
Podilymbus podiceps
Pied-billed Grebe
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences
Aechmophorus occidentalis
Western Grebe
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Phalacrocorax auritus
Double-crested Cormorant
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard
Photos by Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Science and John White
Cathartes aura
Turkey Vulture
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Accipiter cooperii
Cooper's Hawk
Photo by Larry Blakely

Falco sparverius
American Kestrels
Photo by John R. Arnold, California Academy of Sciences and George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Callipepla californica
California Quail
Photo by H. Vannoy Davis, California Academy of Sciences
Casmerodius albus
Great Egret
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences
Ardea herodias
Great Blue Heron

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Actitis macularia
Spotted Sandpiper

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences.
Limnodromus sp.
Dowitcher

Photo byMarguerite Gregory, California Academy of Sciences
Gallinago Gallinago
Common Snipe

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.

Larus glaucescens
Glaucus-winged Gulls

Photo by Dr. G Dallas and Margaret Hanna, California Academy of Sciences and Sherry Ballard, California Academy of Sciences
Larus occidentalis
Western Gull

Photo by California Academy of Sciences.
Larus californicus
California Gull

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Larus argentatus
Herring Gull

Photo by credit Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Rissa tridactyla
Black-legged Kittywake

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.
Columba livia
Rock Dove (domestic pigeon)

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove

Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences

Geococcyx californianus
Greater Roadrunner

Photo by Jules Strauss, California Academy of Sciences 
Otus asio
Common Screech Owl

Photo by John White

Bubo virginianus
Great Horned Owl

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Tyto alba
Common Barn-owl

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences.
Calypte anna
Anna's Hummingbird

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences
Melanerpes formicivorus
Acorn Woodpecker

photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Hirundo pyrrhonota
Cliff Swallow (nests)

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.
Cyanocitta stelleri
Steller's Jay

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Scrub Jay
photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Corvus corax
Common Raven

photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Mimus polyglottos
Northern Mockingbird

Photo by Gordon H. Philip, California Academy of Sciences
Sialia mexicana
Western Bluebird

Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences.
Sturnus vulgaris
European Starling

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Agelaius phoeniceus
Red-winged Blackbird

Photo by Lorraine Elrod, California Academy of Sciences
Icterus cucullatus
Hooded Oriole

photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Carpodacus mexicanus
House Finch

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences
Passerculus sandwichensis
Savannah Sparrow

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco

Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences.
Common Reptiles

Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

California Alligator Lizard  

Photo by Jens V. Vindum, California Academy of Sciences

Lampropeltis getula californiae
California Kingsnake

photo by credit Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis
California Red-sided Garter Snake

Photo by Ted Brown, California Academy of Sciences.
Masticophis flagellum
Coachwhip

Photo by California Academy of Sciences

Thamnophis elegans terrestris
Coast Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans terrestris
Coast Garter Snake, Female

Photo by credit Ted Brown, California Academy of Sciences

 

Phrynosoma coronatum
Coast Horned Lizard

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences.

Sauromalus obesus
Common Chuckwalla

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences and Charles Webber, California Academy of Sciences
Dipsosaurus doroalis
Desert Iguana

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Gopherus agassizii
Desert Tortoise

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Pituophis melanoleucus
Gopher Snake

Photo by California Academy of Sciences
Pituophis melanoleucus catenifer
Pacific Gopher Snake

Photo by John H. Tashjian, California Academy of Sciences

Crotalus atrox
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Photo by John H. Tashjian, California Academy of Sciences and Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis
Northwestern Fence Lizard

Photo by Jens V. Vindum, California Academy of Sciences and credit J. Taylor, California Academy of Sciences

Clemmys marmorata
Western Pond Turtle

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences and Joyce Gross
Eumeces skiltonianus
Western Skink

photo by credit R. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences.
   
   
Amphibians
   
   
Invertebrates

Lactrodectus mactans
Black Widow Spider With Egg Sack

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
Bombus sp.
Bumble Bee

Photo by Marguerite Gregory, California Academy of Sciences
Ladybug, Ladybird
Photo by Albert P. Bekker, California Academy of Sciences.
Anatis rathvoni
Ladybird Beetle (pupa)

Photo by T. W. Davies, California Academy of Sciences.

Danaus plexippus
Monarch Butterfly

Photo by Albert P. Bekker, California Academy of Sciences
Pepsis sp.
Tarantula Hawk

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Dragonfly
Photo by Albert P. Bekker, California Academy of Sciences.
Procambarus clarkii
Freshwater Crayfish

Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences.
Apis mellifera
Honey Bee

Photo by credit Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences
Lubber Grasshopper
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences

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Page last updated January 07, 2012

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