Under the heading "Field Marks," the features by which the species 

 may be recognized in life are mentioned. In these the writer has been 

 guided largely by his own experience and has stated the points that seem 

 to him most characteristic. In species with which he has had little experi- 

 ence in life he has relied upon other writers. 



Under "Discussion," as many facts of general interest relating to the 

 species have been included as the importance of the species warrants. 

 Scattered among the various species, where applicable under this head, 

 numerous matters are discussed and general laws governing zoological life 

 are stated. Many of these apply to a number of species and some might 

 well be repeated under each specific heading were it not for the constant 

 repetition that it would necessitate. An attempt has been made to 

 encourage a wholesome protective attitude from an aesthetic viewpoint. 



"Nesting" is merely a brief description of the nest and its situation. 

 Much of this is drawn from other authors, especially from the invaluable 

 "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America." 



Under "Economic Status" is given a summary of present knowledge 

 of the species in their relation to man. Most of this is drawn from the 

 admirable work done by the United States Biological Survey. Of necessity 

 only a brief outline of the data upon which conclusions are founded can be 

 given and the reader is referred to ornithological literature, on page 13, 

 for greater details. 



Under "Distribution," it has been deemed best to give the distri- 

 bution in such general and well understood terms that all can get at least 

 a general conception of the ranges of the species. The result may be a 

 little vague owing to the lack of sharply-defined boundaries of the ranges, 

 but the centres of distribution are made clear. For definite ranges the 

 reader is referred to the "Catalogue of Canadian Birds" by John and 

 James M. Macoun, issued by this department in 1909. 



Throughout it has been the endeavour to avoid the use of technical 

 terms, substituting familiar words wherever possible. Some technical 

 terms, however, have no general vernacular equivalent and a glossary of 

 these is given on page 232. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



The writer wishes to acknowledge valuable assistance received in the 

 course of his work from the following sources: 



Mr. Frank M. Chapman, whose "Handbook" has been invaluable in 

 filling in gaps in the writer's personal experience; in suggesting ideas of 

 construction, and plan and methods of execution. 



The United States Biological Survey for data on the economic relations 

 of birds. 



Mr. J. H. Fleming, of Toronto, and Mr. W. E. Saunders, of London, 

 who have been untiring in giving advice and assistance from the time of 

 the inception of this work until its completion. 



Frank C. Hennessey, of Ottawa, and Claude E. Johnson, of this depart- 

 ment, who are responsible for the illustrations; the former for the coloured 

 pictures and the latter for the line details of the key. 



The late James M. Macoun, of this department, who was a constant 

 source of helpful advice, and who assisted in preparing the following pages 

 for the printer's hands. 



