Two Problems in Identification 



WE reproduce, by permission, two of the many identification problems 

 which are submitted to us for solution. The first illustrates how, 

 even after seeing a bird repeatedly and having one's observations 

 confirmed by others, a person more than ordinarily informed may see colors 

 and patterns of coloration which do not exist. Fortunately, and what is much 

 rarer, it also illustrates how opportunity for continued observation may finally 

 convince one of the possibility of error and thereby make one more cautious 

 in the future; and it is this frank confession of faulty observation which 

 makes the experience of this bird student an especially valuable object lesson. 



The second problem we reproduce exactly as we received it, as a model 

 in exact observation and method of presentation. It required merely a glance 

 at Mr. Williams' pencil sketch, with its accompanying notes, to see that his 

 bird was the Troupial {Icterus icterus) of northern South America. This large, 

 fine Oriole is a favorite cage-bird and numbers are imported to this country. 

 Doubtless, therefore, Mr. Williams' bird, as well as one recorded by Audubon 

 from Charleston, S. C, over seventy years ago, had escaped from captivity. 



Mr. Williams' sketch illustrates so admirably the definite and satisfactory 

 results to be obtained by the method he employed that we may be permitted 

 to repeat here a plea already made for its general adoption : 



"Even better than a description is a figure colored with crayons or water- 

 colors. It may be the crudest outline and in ridiculous pose, but at least it is 

 definite. There is no possibihty of error through the wrong use of terms; the 

 observer draws or charts what he sees. Neither art nor skill is required. Any- 

 one can learn to make the outline of the normal bird figure as readily as he 

 can learn to make the letters of the alphabet, and a little practice will enable 

 one to give the shape of bill, wings and tail, and even a hint of characteristic 

 form and position. Typical, passerine outline figures may be made in advance 

 in one's field note-book, and the shape of the bill and color may be added 

 while the bird is under observation. A collection of diagrams or sketches of 

 this kind will be found to possess far greater individuality and value than mere 

 written descriptions. If the sketch cannot be completed, if essential details 

 are lacking, it is obvious that the subject has not been seen with that definite- 

 ness upon which satisfactory field identification should rest." — F. M. C. 



PROBLEM NO. 1 



Walters Park, Pa., July 9, 1912. 

 Editor of Bird-Lore. 



Dear Sir: Can you give me some information about a Black Hummingbird? 

 All the bird books state that only one species, the Ruby-throat, is to be found 



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