INTRODUCTION. 



The following list of birds includes all species which have 

 been taken in the State. A very few of the species given are no 

 longer found in Vermont. 



A larger number Jiave been found only occasionally, and some 

 may never appear again. The larger part, however, of those 

 listed are usually found within the boundaries of our State, and 

 it is very probable that more extended study of our bird fauna 

 will add a not inconsiderable list to that here given. This is 

 probably most true of the water birds, for it has been difficult to 

 obtain information as to these. 



One of the main objects in publishing this list which the 

 authors wish regarded as in no sense final, but only provisional, 

 is that fuller information as to our resident and migratory birds 

 may be gained. On this account additions, corrections and facts 

 concerning our birds are greatly desired. As to the present list 

 all that we or any one can say of it is that it is as complete as it 

 is possible to make it in the present state of our knowledge of the 

 birds of Vermont. 



Before anything like a complete and final list can be prepared 

 much Held work must be done. 



While it is not impossible that errors have crept into the list, 

 the authors have intended to make it as accurate and trustworthy 

 as possible. Very few species have been included which have 

 not been actually seen by the authors or examined by some 

 competent authority. Species which are known in the State 

 only as they have been seen during flight or at rest, but have 

 not been taken, are not included. 



Most of the species given in the list are represented in our 

 museums — that of the State at Montpelier, that of the University 

 at Burlington and the Fairbanks Museum at St. Johnsbury. The 

 notes given after each species sufiiciently show the authority upon 

 which it is included if it is likely to be considered doubtful. 



So far as possible, the assistance of students of ornithology 

 residing in the State has been sought and it has been in all cases 

 most cordially given. We are under especial obligation to the 

 following: Mr. W. E. Balch of Lunenburg, who for years has 

 studied the birds of his vicinity, has furnished a complete list 

 of the species observed by him. Of this he says: " What I have 

 listed I know hav^e been taken in the State and some of the rarest 

 I have shot myself." Miss Mary E. Ide of the Fairbanks Museum 



