h 



rl92 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



For the purpose of supplementing his own observations and 

 obtaining data froin all parts of the state, he prepared during the 

 following winter bulletin 33, N. Y. state museum. Check list of 

 New York Urds, which was published in April. A circular letter 

 was sent to the press and to bird students in all sections of the 

 state, asking for assistance in our bird work. In this way a corps 

 of about 200 volunteer observers was secured. To all of these 

 our check list and copies of our migration schedule were sent, and 

 we have by this method received material assistance in our work 

 and have collected a large amount of data on the local distribu- 

 tion, time of migration, breeding habits, and other phases of bird 

 life in all sections of the state. The following is a synopsis of the 

 detailed report, now well under way, as it is being developed. 



Birds of New York 



A descriptive catalogue of the birds that have been observed 

 within the borders of the state with an account of their 'habits^ 



Introduction. 



Physiography of New York state. 



Life zones (with map showing faunal areas) and the influence 

 of climate on the distribution of birds. 



Bird migration. 



Key to New Y^ork birds. 



Following the above topics, each species that has been taken 

 within our limits will be discussed with regard to the succeeding- 

 points. 



Characters, including form, size, coloration and measurements. 



Kange or habitat. 



Time of arrival at and departure from the various sections of 

 the state. 



Time of nidification, nesting habits, material and locality of 

 nest; size, shape, color and number of eggs; number of broods in 

 -a season, etc. 



Comparative abundance of the species in the different section* 

 of the state. 



Food habits at different seasons of the year and under different 

 conditions, showing the economic value of birds to man. 



