How to Learn a Bird's Name 



In the case of closely related species, and particularly subspecies, the 

 subjects of range and season are of the utmost importance. Most subspecies 

 resemble their nearest allies too closely to be identified in life by color alone. 

 and in such cases a bird's name is to be learned by its color in connection with 

 its distribution and the season in which it is seen. 



During the breeding period, unless one chance to be in a region where 

 two races intergrade, subspeeific names may be applied to the bird in nature 

 with some certainty, for it is a law that only one subspecies of a species can 

 nest in the same area; but during migrations and in the winter, when several 

 subspecies of one species may be found associated, it is frequently impossible 

 to name them with accuracy. 



For example, during the summer one need have no hesitancy in calling 

 the Robins of the lowlands of South Carolina the Southern Robin (Planes- 

 tieus migratorius achrusterus) but later, when the Northern Robins (Planes- 

 ticus migratorius migratorius) begin to appear, it would be difficult, if not 

 impossible, to distinguish them in life from the resident birds. 



If it were possible to impress the student, who proposes to name the bird 

 in the bush, with the absolute necessity for careful, definite observation he 

 would be saved many disappointing and discouraging experiences. 



It is not possible to examine your bird too thoroughly. Never be satisfied 

 with a superficial view and a general impression. Look at your bird, if you 

 can, from several points of view; study its appearance in detail, its size, bill, 

 crown, back, tail, wings, throat, breast, etc., and at once enter what you 

 see in a note-book kept for that purpose. In this way, and this way alone, 

 can you expect to compete with those who use the gun. 



It does not follow, however, that because one does not collect specimens 

 of birds one cannot study them scientifically. While the student may not be 

 interested in the classification of birds purely from the standpoint of the 

 systematist, he is strongly urged to acquaint himself with at least the arrange- 

 ment of the Orders and Families of our birds and their leading structural 

 characters. 



