viii PREFACE 



possesses such a feature. If then, by reading hori- 

 zontally, he finds that the descriptions of the other charac- 

 teristics of the bird in question its upper parts, movements, 

 haunts, &c. also agree with his observations, his search is 

 ended ; if they do not, it must be carried a little further. 

 To meet cases of general resemblance, there is a column 

 giving distinguishing features. 



The arrangement of the birds in approximate order of 

 size has been adopted to reduce the amount of searching 

 required ; the observer can begin (working in both direc- 

 tions when doubtful) from some bird which he knows, 

 and with which he finds himself able to compare the 

 size of the unknown bird. By this arrangement, also, 

 birds which resemble each other come as a rule nearer 

 together than they would if tabulated alphabetically ; 

 while a scientific grouping according to " orders," or one 

 based upon features requiring minute investigation, would 

 be inconsistent with the object of the book. 



A reader desiring to consult the description of any 

 species of bird can find it easily and rapidly by referring 

 to the alphabetical index at the end of the volume. 



As space is limited by the necessity of making the book 

 portable, only the salient points and general colour are 

 given in the tables, and it has not been found practicable 

 to include immature plumage. But in order to assist the 

 process of rapid identification, appendices have been 

 added containing lists of birds grouped according to the 

 localities in which they are likely to be found, and calendars 

 with the birds arranged according to the month in which 

 they may be seen or heard. 



