Y6 FIELD KEY TO COMMON BIRDS. 



It should be borne in mind that living birds do not 

 look as long as thej really are. The measurement of 

 "length" is taken with the bird's neck and tail out- 

 stretched in a straight line. In life the tail may be raised 

 or drooped, while the neck is drawn in or curved, making 

 the bird look shorter than measurement shows it to be. 

 Remember that the Robin measures ten inches, the House 

 Sparrow six and one-fourth inches, and the Ruby-throated 

 Humming-bird three and three-fourths inches in length, 

 and you will have a basis for comparison. 



FIRST GROUP. 



BIRDS THAT FEED OX THE WIXG FOR LOXG IXTERVALS OF TIME 

 WITHOUT PERCHIXG. 



{Swallows, Swiff, Nighthawk, Whip-poor-will.) 

 I. Size large, length over 9-00 inches : the spread wings over 15"00 

 inches in extent ; generally seen only late in the afternoon or at 

 dusk. 



1. A bird of tlie air, flying high, often over liousetops in cities ; a conspicu- 

 ous white spot in each wing ; note, a loud, nasal peeat ; sometimes dives 

 earthward with a booming sound ; May to Oct. . Nighthawk, page 144. 



2. Haunts, near the ground, not often observed wliile feeding; call, given 

 from a roclv, stump, or similar perch, wh'qi-pioor-will, vigorously repeated ; 

 Apl. 25 to Oct AVhip-poor-will, page 146. 



II. Size smaller, length under 9'0() inches ; the spread wings less than 

 15'00 inches in extent ; may be seen at any time of the day. 



1. Plumage entirely black. 



a. Length 5'50 inches; plumage sooty black; u.-ually nests in chimneys; 

 Apl. 25 to Oct ChijMNEY Swift, page 14(3. 



b. Length 8'00 inches; glossy, bluish black; nests in gourds or houses 

 erected for its use ; Apl. 25 to Sept. . . . Pi'rple Martin, page 210. 



2. Plumage nut entirely black; A})1. to Oct. . Swallows, pages 214, 215. 



SECOND GROUP. 



CLIMBIXG AND CREEPIXG BIRDS. 



{Nuthatches, Creepers, Woodpeckers.) 

 I. Birds ivithout stiifly pointed tail-feathers, tliat climb either up or 

 down. 



1. Length C-00 inches ; back gray, cap black, cheeks and under parts 

 white; note, a nasal ynnk, yank; a permanent resident. 



VVhite-brkastei) NiTHATi II, page 250. 



