24 



THE RAPTORIAL BIRDS OF IOWA 



h. The narrative deals first with the general habits of the spe- 

 cies, after which field observations of the migration, nesting and 

 feeding habits follow. 



i. Whenever such data are obtainable, the records of stomach 

 contents of birds of prey secured in Iowa, are listed, such records 

 constituting the most dependable evidence of the economic status of 

 each bird in question. 



y. The maps represent the distribution of the species as actually 

 recorded in ornithological literature, and as observed by dependable 

 naturalists. The maltese cross indicates cases of the occurrence of 

 the bird, and the star instances of its nesting. 



k. The key is intended to make easy the identification of the 

 hawks and owls of the state. 



/. The illustrations are for the most part from mounted speci- 

 mens in the Coe College Museum, due credit being given in each 

 instance when specimens have been found elsewhere. 



m. The bibliography includes those books consulted by the writ- 

 er, including many references to Iowa birds of prey compiled by 

 Dr. Paul Bartsch in his thesis, in manuscript, Literature of Iowa 

 Birds (1899), marked by an asterisk, and the recent bibliography of 



Fig. 4. The palisades of the Cedar near Mount Vernon (Norton). 



