380 OBSERVATION OUTLINE 



OUTLINE FOR FIELD OBSERVATIONS 



OBSERVATION OUTLINE. In studying birds in the nest- 

 ing season, there are many points to keep in mind in 

 fact, all the questions involved in the life-histories' of birds. 

 Observations here, if made with conscientious accuracy, are 

 especially valuable, as few birds have ever been studied 

 exhaustively in the field. The following hints may prove 

 suggestive to the student who is beginning field-work : 



Points to note to assist in identification. 



I. Size (compared with Robin, Fig. 5, p. 17). 



II. Colors. 



Bright (exs. Oriole, Fig. 25, p. 56 ; Cardinal, Fig. 28, 



p. 65). 

 Dull (ex. Sparrow, Fig. 58, p. 117). 



III. Markings. 



Top of head (ex. White-crowned Sparrow, Fig. 93, 



p. 176). 



Back (ex. Red-headed Woodpecker, Fig. 67, p. 131). 

 Breast (ex. Meadowlark, Fig. 45, p. 106). 

 Wings (ex. Nighthawk, Fig. 99, p. 189). 

 Tail (ex. Kingbird, Fig. 35, p. 83). 



IV. Shape. 



1. BODY. 



Long and slender (ex. Cuckoo, Fig. 83, p. 161). 

 Short and stocky (ex. Bobolink, Plate VII. p. 104). 



2. BILL. 



Short and stout for cracking seeds (ex. Sparrow, Fig. 



119, p. 193). 

 Long and slender for holding worms (ex. Oriole, Fig. 



112, p. 192). 

 Long and heavy for drilling holes in trees or holding 



fish (exs. Woodpecker, Fig. 108, p. 192 ; Kingfisher, 



Fig. 114, p. 192). 



