BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN STATES 279 
ABBREVIATIONS 
M. — Migrant, to be seen only on its spring and fall migrations. 
P.R. — Permanent Resident, found in our region throughout the year. 
S.R. — Summer Resident, breeds in our region and goes south for the winter. 
W.V. — Winter Visitant, comes to our region in winter from the North. 
S.R. and P.R. — Some birds of this species reside here only during the summer, 
but others are seen the year round. 
‘ 
Field Key for Identification of our Commonest Land Birds 
1. Birds Usually Found Near Our Homes 
Cueck List 
NUMBER 
English Sparrow — most common of all birds. See p. 314. 
961 Robin — known by his rusty red breast. 
721 House Wren — small; olive brown; a tireless singer. 
560 Chipping Sparrow — likes bushes and vines. 
766 Bluebird — dull blue above; brownish beneath. 
456 Phoebe — dusky olive above; calls Phebe. 
613 Barn Swallow — nests inside of barns. 
612 Cliff Swallow — builds nest under eaves. 
510 Brewer Blackbird — often walks around in our dooryards. 
O11 Purple Martin — nests especially in martin houses. 
2. Birds of Open Fields, Prairies, and Pastures 
sor, 5016 Meadowlark — yellow breast with black crescent. 
514-615 Many Sparrows — especially Vesper Sparrow, Grasshopper 
Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, Smith’s 
Longspur. ; f 
4746 Prairie Horned Lark — black and white head. 
495 Cowbird — a brownish headed blackbird. 
604 Dickcissel — yellow on breast and near eyes; black throat 
patch. 
494 Bobolink — black bird with white on the back. — 
605 Lark Bunting — a black bird with white wing patch. 
273 Killdeer — a shore bird found far away from water. 
378 Burrowing Owl — nests in badger holes, etc. 
367 Short-eared Owl — very tame; ‘‘ ears ” not usually seen. 
420 Nighthawk — usually seen on the wing. 
