*II INTRODUCTORY NOTE 



species has been divided into two or more geographical races or 

 subspecies this name may still be used when it is not desired to 

 particularize the subspecies. The precise appellation of each 

 species and subspecies which we admit to the British list is preceded 

 by a number. The nomenclature employed is that of " A Hand- 

 List of British Birds" (1912), revised and brought up to date, 

 and is in strict conformity with the " International Rules of 

 Zoological Nomenclature " and the " Opinions " published by the 

 International Commission. Explanatory notes are given where 

 considered necessary. 



Synonymy. In every case a reference to the original description 

 is given and the date and typical locality are added. A reference 

 quoted as " Yarrell " is also given to Yarrell's " Histor}^ of British 

 Birds," 4th edition (1871-85), edited by A.Newton and H. Saunders, 

 and to " An Illustrated Manual of British Birds " by Howard 

 Saunders, 2nd edition (1897-9), quoted as " Saunders." When a 

 bird has been added to the British list since the publication of the 

 latter work, we have given a reference in the synonymy to the 

 first record. References AA'ill also be found to names given 

 specially to British birds, whether now considered distmct or not. 

 " British Birds " (magazine) has been quoted throughout as 

 " Brit. B." A full bibliography will be given in the last part of 

 this work. Every reference has been carefully checked, and Me 

 are much indebted to Mr. E. E. Riseley for having performed 

 this most useful task. 



Descriptions. These are more complete than any hitherto 

 published in a book on British birds. A description giving the 

 sequence of plumages and moults from the nestling to maturity 

 and from season to season of each British bird has for long been 

 a keenly felt want. This we have endeavoured so far as possible 

 to supply. The difficulty of such descriptions is that, beyond 

 the great labour involved, very large series of skins collected at all 

 times of the year must be minutely examined. The task would 

 have been impossible had not those responsible for this section 

 been given every facility by the generosity of the Hon. Walter 

 Rothschild in making use of his magnificent collection. The 

 British Museum collection has also, by the kindness of the 



