COLOR AND HAUNT AND HABIT. 41 



Pacific coast races are darker or more lieavily streaked 

 or barred than any of their congeners. It is of impor- 

 tance to observe that these differences are shown by 

 young birds in fresh pbimage — evidence that the charac- 

 ters acquired through chmate have been inlierited. 



There are many similar cases, but some species seem 

 more easily affected than others, and throughout their 

 ranges are markedly affected by the conditions under 

 which they live. Thus we have nine races of Screech 

 Owl, eleven of Horned Lark, six of Juiico, etc. 



These races, or sul)species, are species in process of 

 formation. The extremes are still connected by inter- 

 mediate or natural links, but if, through any cause, these 

 intermediates should disappear, the extremes would then 

 be left as distinct species. 



Color and Haunt and Ilahit. — The relation of a 

 bird's color to its haunts and habits is a comjjlex sub- 

 ject. Any attempt at its explanation should be based on 

 so exact a knowledge of ihe facts in the case, that I can not 

 too strongly emphasize here the necessity for obseiwations 

 in the field. Only a close study of the living bird will 

 justify us in advancing theories to account for its coloration. 



Many explanations have been offered to account for 

 certain colors and markings of birds, but often, I fear, 

 without adequate knowledge of the bird's habits. I 

 shall speak of only four classes of colors ; they are 

 jjrotective, deceptive, recognition, and t<exucd colors. 



Protective colors render a bird inconspicuous in order 

 that it may escape its enemies. Deceptive colors render 

 it inconspicuous in order that it may more easily approach 

 its prey. In both cases the bird should harmonize in 

 color with its immediate surroundingrs. 



A survey of the T)irds of tlie world shows that on the 

 whole this is true. Thus almost all ground-inhabiting 

 birds, such as Snipe, Plover, Quail, Grouse, Sparrows, 



