/ BIRD MIGRATION. 1 9 



Excluding for the moment the wading and swimming birds, as well as all 

 land birds which are habitually nocturnal or crepuscular, I find that the 

 migratory birds of our Atlantic States may be divided into two classes as 

 follows : 



1. Birds which migrate exclusively* by night embrace Turdidm (except 

 Merula and Sialia), Sylviidce, Paridce, Sittida, Cei'thiidm, Troglodytida, 

 SylvicolidcB, Tanagridce, V/reon/da, FringillidcB (except Pinicola, Carpo- 

 daciis (.?), Loxia, y£giol/uis, Chrysomitris, d.x\d Plectrofhenax), Stu?-nella, 

 Icterus, TyrannidcB (except Tyramius), CiiciilidcB, and Picidce. 



2. Birds which migrate freely, chieflj-, or exclusively by day are 

 Merula, Sialia, Otocoris, Anthiis, Atnpelis, HirundinidcE, Lanius, Icteridm 

 (except Stiirnella and Icterus), ChcBtura, Trochilus, Corvidce. FalconidcB, 

 and Columbidce.^ 



While at Point Lepreaux I adopted an arrangement similar to the above 

 for systematizing and comparing notes relating to the birds observed there. 

 I had hoped that it might lead to something definite, and this proved to be 

 the case, for it quickly suggested the following generalizations which, as far 

 as I can now extend and test them, seem to be without flaw. 



1. Species which migrate exclusively by night habitually feed in or near 

 the shelter of trees, bushes, rank herbage or grass, and when not migrating 

 are birds of limited powers of flight and sedentary habits, restricting their 

 daily excursions to the immediate vicinity of their chosen haunts. As a rule 

 they are of timid, or at least retiring disposidon, and when alarmed or pursued 

 seek safety in concealment rather than by extended flights. 



2. Species which migrate chiefly, or very freely by day, habitually feed 

 in open, exposed situations, and in their daily excursions for food often 

 cover considerable distances. As a rule they are of bold, restless disposition, 

 and when alarmed or pursued seek safety in long flights rather than by con- 

 cealment. 



3. Species which migrate exclusively by day, habitually feed either on 

 the wing or over very extensive areas. In disposition they are either trust- 

 ful and unsuspecting, or wary and self-reliant. Without exception the}' are 

 birds of strong, easy flight, and rely solely on their wings for escape from 

 danger. 



If these premises are accepted, and I do not see how they can be rejected, 

 they lead easily, if not irresistibly, to the conclusion that : 



Timid, sedentary, or feeble-winged birds migrate by night because they 



* Several of the species included in this category unquestionably migrate, to some extent, by 

 day ; but their diurnal flights are never more than short flittings, as from one piece of woods or 

 headland to the next. 



t The manner of migration of our Kingfisher is unknown to me. 



