INTRODUCTION 



In preparing the present volume the authors have attempted to 

 meet the requirements of a varied public. The hunter wishes informa- 

 tion concerning the haunts and habits of our game birds ; the naturalist 

 wishes to have the completest possible data regarding their life 

 histories ; the legislator who appreciates the necessity of judicious game 

 laws wishes to have the facts that are relevant to his purpose presented 

 in concise form ; and the conservationist desires that information which 

 will assist him in his efforts to perpetuate our bird life for the ultimate 

 benefit of the greatest number of people. Whether the needs of these 

 various classes have been adequately met in the following pages 

 remains to be proved, but it may at least be stated here that none of 

 them has been overlooked. To each of the four categories of persons 

 above mentioned, this book is offered as a working manual. 



The authors also have appreciated the fact that the literature 

 relating to California game birds is widely scattered, and not accessible 

 for immediate use by the public ; an exhaustive review and compilation 

 was- necessary to make it easily available. Furthermore, they have 

 realized that many California game birds are rapidly disappearing, 

 and that any postponement of the time of writing the histories of 

 these species might mean losing entirely the opportunity to record 

 much that pertains to them. An effort has been made to organize 

 the material at hand in such a form as to provide a convenient sum- 

 mary of our knowledge of the subject to date. While the book may 

 thus prove of positive value to the active field naturalist, the writers 

 hope that the deficiencies apparent in the data presented will of them- 

 selves furnish an incentive to further research. A more thorough 

 observation of the bird life within our boundaries is urgently needed. 



In comparison with the Atlantic states California has thus far 

 produced but a small number of careful observers, and many more are 

 needed for the purpose of watching and recording the changes in 

 the population of the birds from year to year, of chronicling their 

 migrations, learning their food habits, and determining their relation 

 both to sport and agriculture. Should the present volume succeed 

 in enlisting even a few intelligent and active recruits in this work, an 

 excellent end will have been served. 



Many game birds in eastern North America had almost or entirely 

 disappeared before their value was realized or any attempts were 

 made to conserve them. Adequate knowledge and forethought would 

 have prolonged the life of these species and perhaps have saved many 



[1] 



