Aves. 107 



Attitude. Note closely the attitude assumed by the bird when 

 at rest. In the case of tree birds observe whether they rest cross- 

 wise or lengthwise on a branch, whether erect or nearly horizontal, 

 whether they prefer large branches or small ones, etc. Where 

 and how do the different kinds of birds spend the night ? What 

 birds are astir at night ? 



Color. Note the relation of a bird's color to its ordinary sur- 

 roundings. What differences in the color and markings of the 

 male and female? How do you account for these differences? 



INDOOR STUDY OF BIRDS. 



While the writer does not wish to encourage the caging of birds, 

 it may sometimes be profitable to keep a bird in confinement for 

 a time to study some of its habits that might escape observation 

 in the free bird. A pigeon or canary will serve very well for this 

 work. Suitable cages should.be provided, and the bird should 

 be well cared for. Try to make the bird feel as much at home as 

 possible. Find what it prefers to eat, and learn its habits of eating 

 and drinking. Learn how a bird winks. How does it sleep? 

 How does it perch ? Watch the breathing movements. Count the 

 respirations for a minute when the bird is not especially excited. 

 If possible, test the temperature of a bird by holding a clinical 

 thermometer under its wing for a few minutes. (In this experi- 

 ment be careful not to let the bird knock the thermometer out of 

 your hands.) Close all the doors and windows and let the bird 

 fly about the room to see how it flies. Study the actions of the 

 wings and tail. Hold the bird by the body and when it flaps its 

 wings learn what you can of their action. Can you determine 

 definitely how the wing is moved in what we call the " down 

 stroke "? At what angle is the wing held during this stroke? In 

 the same way study the up stroke. Hold the bird above you and 

 below you, with the head toward you and with the tail toward 

 you, and note in which direction it fans the air most strongly. 



In this work make use of canaries, parrots, and other of the com- 

 monly caged birds. Study the birds found in zoological gardens. 



