SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES. 



The following synopsis of species is intended to aid the stu- 

 dents in identifying our ISparrows, Finches, etc., when seen 

 living in adult plumage. 



The family characters as given on pages 1-6 should be care- 

 fully studied, in order that a member of this group may be 

 recognized, then the size, absence or presence of white on the 

 tail, color, and comparative length and form of tail as given 

 in the synopsis will serve to distinguish the species. 



No character is given which cannot readily be seen by the 

 ordinary vision at ten feet distant in a fair light, and with a 

 good field or opera glass the bird can often be brought much 

 nearer. 



Following, is given an example of the use of the synopsis 

 with a member of this family in sight. First, note its size, 

 which, after a little practise, can readily be determined. As 

 a rough guide, it may be well to state that the page upon 

 w^hich this is printed is about six inches long. If the bird is 

 about as long as this or a little longer, we turn to the synop- 

 sis, and find that it falls under C ; next, note if the tail has 

 white markings. Most birds spread the tail slightly, quite 

 frequently as they perch, and more widely as they fiy, hence, 

 by watching a moment the outer tail feathers, on which the 

 markings are, can be seen, especially from behind. Should 

 the white be seen, the species falls under A . 



Now note if there are streakings above and below. Should 

 there be, we find that we come to section a in the running type 



83 



