Chapter VI 
NOTES 
Tue illustrations of nests in this book are from photographs, 
which, with few exceptions, were taken without disturbing either 
the nest or its surroundings. Ina few instances, such as the nests 
of the bluebird, downy woodpecker, and crested flycatcher, the 
branch was cut down, and an opening made in order to show the 
eggs. The photographs of both young and old birds are from life. 
Under the headings of breeding range the reference is only 
to the United States, and only the land birds that breed in the 
Eastern States are described. The description of the plumage 
of each bird is not meant to be very complete ; the principal char- 
acteristics are given so that the bird may be recognised. No 
attempt has been made to give the notes or songs of the birds. 
The number before the name of each bird is the number 
adopted by the American Ornithologists’ Union check-list, and 
will save looking through the index when referring to other works 
on birds. 
The book is arranged so that all the birds that build open 
nests on the open ground are in one chapter, those that build 
open nests in woods or thickets are in another chapter, and so on. 
In cases where a bird builds usually in a bush but sometimes in 
the open fields the description is given under the heading of nests 
in bushes, etc., and the name of the bird, together with the colour 
of the eggs, is referred to in its numerical order in the chapter of 
nests in open fields, etc. Thus, for example, if an arched nest is 
found in a field or swamp, it will be necessary to look in Chapter 
Ill. But it may be the nest of a seaside sparrow, which is rarely 
arched ; in that case you will be referred to Chapter I for the de- 
scription. All measurements of birds and eggs are given in inches 
and hundredths. 
The sign ¢ signifies male, and ¢ female. 
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