PREFACE xiii 



In selecting the birds as subjects of the stories in this 

 book, an attempt has been made not only to choose one 

 or more from each of the important families- but to select 

 as far as possible those that are widely known in the 

 United States. If, in telling the story of a bird, I do not 

 mention the slightly different species of the same group, 

 it is in order that the book may not become confusing to 

 the reader. For this collection of stories is not intended to 

 be a complete guide to the birds of America. It is hoped, 

 however, that any boy or girl who reads the book may 

 learn to what order any bird he or she sees belongs. To this 

 end the keys are intended to be complete enough to enable 

 him to identfy the family of most of the common birds. 



The plan is the same as that of the author's "Knowing 

 Insects Through Stories," and that book has been so 

 kindly received by the public that it is hoped they will 

 also like "Knowing Birds Through Stories." 



I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. Harry 

 C. Oberholser for making the keys, reading the manuscript 

 and offering many helpful suggestions; to A. F. Ganier, 

 Frank G. Pellett, T. E. Musselman, H. S. Vaughn and 

 A. H. Eastgate for lending photographs to be used for illus- 

 trations ; and to Mr. E. E. Kalmbach for able work in draw- 

 ing the colored illustrations. 



