When it is realized that no less than 475 species, and 

 sub-species, of British birds are now recognized, it will be 

 apparent that it would be impossible to do more than briefly 

 epitomize the commoner species, and some of these, like the 

 robin and the wren, need no interpreter. 



The aim of this chapter is primarily to give, as far as 

 possible, the salient features of our commoner native birds, 

 as seen during' flight. But some species merely " flit," from 

 one place to another, and that so rapidly that no details of 

 coloration can be distinguished. They can only be examined 

 at favourable, and often fleeting moments, when at rest, and 

 clear of foliage. Only such as are frequently encountered 

 are included here. To attempt more would be to lead to 

 confusion. Enough, it is hoped, will be said to help the 

 beginner. Experience wiU soon lead to an ever-increasing 

 proficiency — and with this will come an ever-increasing 

 conviction that the identification of birds, during flight, is an 

 extremely difiicidt task. Whoever essays it should, whenever 

 possible, supplement his efforts by the aid of a pair of good 

 field-glasses. These, indeed, are indispensable. 



The small perching birds are, perhaps, the most difficult 

 to name at sight, and this because their flight presents so 

 little to distinguish one species from another. All fly with 

 rapid wing-beats, alternating with a period during which 

 the wings are practically closed, causing the body to travel 



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