INTRODUCTION. 



Although familiar for the past th' ty years with most of the birds 

 described, I have had but little experience in writir 5 their history, 

 and while so engaged have had frequent occasion to apply toothers 

 for information and advice ; in every case I received a prompt and 

 hearty response, even beyond what I could have anticipated. 



To all who have thus contributed to the work, I now beg to 

 tender my best thanks ; to Dr. Coues I am under special obligation 

 for permission to use his writings, of which I have taken full advan- 

 tage, most of the technical descriptions being from his pen. 



Valuable aid has also been received from J. A. Allen, President 

 of the American Ornithologists Union, and from Messrs. Ridgeway, 

 Merriam, Brewster and Wheaton, I have received useful suggestions. 

 In Canada comparatively little attention has been given to the study 

 of Ornithology, yet, Dr. Gamier, of Lucknow, W. E. Saunders, of 

 London, W. L Scott and Geo. R, White, of Ottawa, and others 

 have readily responded to all enquiries regarding the birds of their 

 respective districts. I do not suppose that the list in its present form 

 is complete, but look forward to having it increased by the addition 

 of such casual visitors, or rare summer residents as may have escaped 

 observation. 



Should this list furnish a starting point for some future Ornitho- 

 logist when preparing a more comprehensive work on the subject, 

 or supply to such as may desire it, the means of identifying any 

 bird that may be found in Ontario ; or be the means of leading any 

 of our young people to turn occasionally from the excitement of city 

 life to seek for rest and recreation among the deep and mysterious 

 haunts of the Black Squirrel and the Blue Jay, the writer will feel 

 amply repaid for all the labor he has bestowed on it. 



CAIRNBRAE, } 



HAMILTON, AUGUST 20th, 1886 j T. McILWRAITH. 



