PREFACE 
This list was originally prepared for use in collecting data for a 
bulletin on the birds of New York, but, inasmuch as no check list 
of the birds of the entire state is available for the student of our 
avi-fauna, it has been thought advisable to publish it in this form, 
hoping that it may be of some use to students in ornithology and 
serve as a convenient means of keeping notes on the various species. 
My purpose has been to include all the birds known to occur or 
to have occurred in our state, and only those forms have been 
admitted that have actually been taken in New York. Thus the 
list contains not orily our regular summer and winter residents and 
migrants, but also those that occur as irregular visitants or strag- 
glers. A number of the species recorded have been taken only once 
or twice in the state and this is in nearly every case indicated in 
a foot note with the proper reference. It is believed that nearly, 
if not quite all the birds of our state, that have been recorded, are 
included; but for any corrections or additions the author will be 
grateful. 
The list is divided into two parts, the first containing those birds 
that have actually been taken in New York, the second including 
those of which we have no satisfactory state records, but which, 
having been taken in adjoining states, may be looked for in New 
York. 
Strict adherence is given to the nomenclature of the American 
ornithologists union check list of 1895 and the supplements of 
January 1897 and 1899. The number of the species in this list is 
followed by the American ornithologists union number in paren- 
theses or brackets, and as the pamphlet is designed for the use of 
students rather than advanced workers, the common name is given 
first. 
My obligations are due to Dr F. J. H. Merrill, whose kind aid 
and criticism have been a source of inspiration in my work. Also 
to Dr J. A. Allen and Mr William Dutcher of New York, Dr 
William Brewster of Cambridge, and Dr A. W. Butler of Indian- 
apolis, who have been so kind as to give me notes and suggestions 
on several species. 
Marcus S. FARR 
New York state museum Assistant zoologist 
& Feb, 1900 
