EATON — BIRDS OF WESTERN NEW YORK. 9 



xMIGRATION AND RESIDENCE TABLES. 



In the following tables an 'attempt is made to give a graphic 

 presentation of the times of occurrence and relative abundance of the 

 birds definitely recorded for this region. The constant presence of a 

 species is indicated by a continuous line, uncommon or occasional 

 occurrence by a broken line, and rarity or accidental occurrence by a 

 dotted line. A heavy line indicates greater abundance, and the cul- 

 mination and decline in the numbers of any species is shown by a cor- 

 responding swelling and diminution in the width of its line. 



It has been found impossible to use a series of lines which will 

 show exactly the relative abundance of all species ranging between 

 the English sparrow and the bald eagle ; but between birds of the 

 same family or those of similar habits comparisons may be freely 

 made. It must also be borne in mind that the lines are intended to 

 show the presence of birds in their peculiar habitats, and consequently 

 some water-fowl of limited distribution in this region are given quite 

 as wide lines as birds of such universal distribution as the white- 

 breasted nuthatch and vesper sparrow, although the latter are much 

 more abundant when the whole number of birds throughout the region 

 is taken into consideration. 



The breeding range of each species has been stated as nearly as 

 could be determined by reference to Dr. Allen's "Origin and Distri- 

 bution of North American Birds" (Auk lo, 97-150); Dr. Merriam's 

 publications already noted ; the A. O. U. revised check-list ; Chap- 

 man's Handbook, and Coues's Key. 



The abbreviations refer to the Boreal, Austral and Tropical 

 regions ; to the Arctic, Hudsonian, Canadian, Transition, Upper 

 Austral and Lower Austral Zones ; and to the Alleghanian, Carolinian, 

 Austroriparian and Sonoran faunal areas, recognized by Merriam and 

 other writers. Those species which breed in all the regions are des- 

 ignated as North American (N. A. or E.N. A.), and those which be- 

 long to the sea or seacoast or interior are also designated by appro- 

 priate signs (pelag. , mar., int.) 



No attempt has been made to state exactly the breeding ranges 

 of our birds, but only to give a general idea of their distribution for 

 the benefit of those who are studying the faunal areas represented in 

 eastern North America, and especially in western New York. 



