CHAPTER XI 



SOME COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 



OUR commonest British birds afford the very best of materials 

 for those engaged in the teaching of " Nature Study." For 

 birds, though presenting a remarkable uniformity in so far as 

 their general characteristics are concerned, have proved plastic 

 enough in adapting themselves to various modes of life, thereby 

 lessening the struggle for existence. 



The forest and the swamp, the desert and the fertile plain, 

 the mountain, inland streams, and the open sea, are alike 

 seized upon by birds. But according as they elect to live in 

 the one or the other, so they have to adapt themselves to the 

 physical conditions of each environment. That is to say, the 

 desert-dwelling birds must conform in coloration to their arid 

 surroundings, the stream-dweller must be able to wade or swim, 

 while such as live by rapine must develop sharp-pointed beaks 

 and claws, and great powers of flight. But these points will 

 become more clear as we proceed. In some birds this adaptation 

 is striking in character, in others less so. But besides the physical 

 characters which distinguish different groups of birds, there are 

 also seasonal changes of plumage to be studied, and the differences 

 which commonly distinguish the sexes, and birds of different 

 ages. 



In so far as the practical work of teaching is concerned, those 

 who live in towns are placed at a distinct disadvantage. But 

 even the largest towns are never altogether bird-less. The 

 house-sparrow, like the poor, is always with us ; and besides, the 

 starling and thrush are occasional visitors. But in most towns 

 the list is a much larger one ; while, in the public parks various 

 kinds of water-fowl and peacocks are commonly kept, and failing 

 these there are always pigeons and other domesticated birds. 



Having in view the needs of teachers both in town and country, 



