4 _ BIRDS OF OHIO. 
THE TASK. 
The task of revision involves far more than merely a re- 
arrangement of the groups and species to conform to the 
present accepted alignment. Many names have been 
changed wholly or in part, species have been divided into 
two or more forms, the status of each of which must be de- 
termined ‘where they affect Ohio birds. There have been 
changes in the distribution of some species in the state. 
Questions of the validity of records of species occurring 
in Ohio, old as well as new, have presented themselves. The 
influences of more complete settlement have needed atten- 
tion. Twice as much time as has been allotted me for this 
task could have been used profitably, but it is hoped that 
some worthy results are here presented. 
THE PLAN. 
While Dr. Wheaton used a somewhat modified form of 
Dr. Elliot Coues’ system of 1874, the present catalogue con- 
forms pretty strictly to the nomenclature and arrangement 
of the American Ornithologists’ Union, revised to date. 
The scientific names, with the authority for them, as well 
as the English names, conform to the above-named Check- 
List. Under the caption “Synonyms” are given first, the 
scientific, and second, the English names which have been 
used to designate the species in other works, the names used 
by Dr. Wheaton in his 1882 catalogue being given prefer- 
ence where they differ from the present names. 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 
Under the caption “Bibliography” only the first published 
reference to the species as occurring in Ohio is given. While 
the author has endeavored to verify all references and make 
certain of accuracy here, his limited reference library must 
account for inaccuracies. The bibliography of Ohio birds 
is less extensive than that of many other states, but it is 
scattered over many minor publications which are difficult 
to secure. In the appendix will be found as complete a bib- 
liography as the writer has been able to compile after much 
