INTRODUCTION. Vll 



the distribution of our resident and migratory 

 birds. I have not aimed at giving minute descrip- 

 tions, which may be found in the works of Messrs. 

 Yarrell, Jenyns, Gould, and other authorities. I 

 have merely endeavoured to state, as concisely 

 as possible, the name of the species, whether resi- 

 dent or migratory, the season of the year when 

 each is most frequently seen, the length of time 

 they remain with us, and the localities in which 

 they are to be found during their stay. In many 

 cases, also, I have added various particulars re- 

 specting their food and habits which I have noted 

 down at different times from actual observation in 

 the course of my rambles. 



Amongst our British birds are many spe- 

 cies so closely allied, and so nearly resembling 

 each other, that it requires a practised eye to dis- 

 tinguish them. Of these I may mention the 

 Willow Wren and Chiff Chaff, the Gold Crest and 

 Fire Crest, the Cole Tit and Marsh Tit, the Pied 

 and White Wagtail, and the Green and Wood 

 Sandpipers. With regard to these and a few 

 others, I have deemed it advisable to point out 

 the distinguishing characteristics, for the advantage 



