PREFACE. 5 



An original feature of the work — the vernacular synonymy* — 

 will enable the reader to more readily identify, by reference to the 

 index, any bird whose local name is known to him but whose 

 scientific name he has not learned. The biographies are necessarily 

 short, but it has been endeavored to mention the more prominent 

 characteristics of each species. 



For all faults of omission or commission, the author begs the 

 indulgence of the generous reader. It has been with him so truly 

 a "labor of love" that no effort has been spared to make the work 

 as complete as the circumstances would allow; and it is hoped that' 

 it may prove in some degree useful to those who are engaged in 

 the study of our birds. 



Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 

 July 2, 1885. 



*A vernacular synonymy of North American birds was at cue time contemplated by 

 Mr. Earnest IngersoU, wife, in the Bulletin of the Nultall Ornithological Club, Vol. VIII, 

 April, 1883, pp. 72-78, called attention to the desirability of such a work, and gave a very 

 interesting list of the numerous local names of the Colaptes auratus. Mr. Ingersoll's 

 plan, however, was unfortunately never carried out; but it is to be hoped that may 

 eventually be consummated. 



