COLOR AND HAUNT AND HABIT. 41 
Pacific coast races are darker or more heavily streaked 
or barred than any of their congeners. It is of impor- 
tance to observe that these differences are shown by 
young birds in fresh plumage—evidence that the charac- 
ters acquired through climate have been inherited. 
There are many similar cases, but some species seem 
more easily affected than others, and throughout their 
ranges are markedly affectel Ly the conditions under 
which they live. Thus we have nine races of Screech 
Owl, eleven of Horned Lark, six of Junco, ete. 
These races, or subspecies, are species in process of 
formation. The extremes are still connected by inter- 
mediate or natural links, but if, through any cause, these 
intermediates should disappear, the extremes would then 
be left as distinct species. 
Color and Haunt and Habit.—The relation of a 
bird’s color to its haunts and habits is.a complex sub- 
ject. Any attempt at its explanation should be based on 
so exact a knowledge of the facts in the case, that I can not 
too strongly emphasize here the necessity for observations 
in the field. Only a close study of the living bird will 
justify us in advancing theories to account for its coloration. 
Many explanations have been offered to account for 
certain colors and markings of birds, but often, I fear, 
without adequate knowledge of the bird’s habits. I[ 
shall speak of only four classes of colors; they are 
protective, deceptive, recognition, and sexual colors. 
Protective colors render a bird inconspicuous in order 
that it may escape its enemies. Deceptive colors render 
it inconspicuous in order that it may more easily approach 
its prey. In both cases the bird should harmonize in 
color with its immediate surroundings. 
A survey of the birds of the world shows that on the 
whole this is true. Thus almost all ground-inhabiting 
birds, such as Snipe, Plover, Quail, Grouse, Sparrows, 
