PREFACE 



The great interest taken in birds to-day, and the many inquiries 

 which have reached me for a cheap, popular, and handy British Bird 

 book, has resulted in the preparation of this little volume. 



At best, the short account of each species is limited, but it is hoped 

 that nevertheless many points will be found of interest and service 

 to the student of our wild birds, and it is my fervent wish that many 

 young people especially will be encouraged to observe the feathered 

 population around us as a result of the publication of this book. 

 I find there are many people interested in birds who rarely have an 

 opportunity or the necessary knowledge or enthusiasm for studying 

 them. On occasions, however, they do observe birds whose names 

 they would like to know, and of whose life and habits they are desirous 

 of acquiring some information. Primarily it is for these, and young 

 people generally, that this book has been prepared. It will be found 

 quite simple and understandable. Long scientific words have been 

 omitted whenever possible, and when they have of necessity been 

 used, they are included in a Glossary given on page 15, where their 

 meaning is made clear. 



Attention may also be directed to the Index of more than one thousand 

 local, old-fashioned, and correct names of birds, for by means of these 

 it should be easy to trace any British nesting species even if only its 

 local name is known. 



Every species of wild bird at present known to nest in our country 

 has been accorded a place, and whilst it affords satisfaction to be able 

 to include the Little Owl, and to note the increase in a number of our 

 smaller birds, such as the Goldfinch, Lesser Whitethroat, and others, 

 there are several species included which are on the verge of extinction 

 as British Nesting Birds, and need immediate protection. Any book 

 on birds, worthy of the name, should prove most valuable as a work 

 of reference. This it is hoped will be accomplished by the present 

 volume, but it should be emphasised that the keenest and best enjoy- 

 ment to be derived from birds, and the best way to study them, is 

 having personal contact with them. This having been achieved, 

 intelligent observation is bound to follow, and this in itself is sure to 

 prove of inestimable value to those species which are threatened with 

 extinction unless efforts are at once made to save them. 



W. PERCIVAL WESTELL. 



Letchworth, Herts, 

 Spring 1 910. 



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