toolscap 8vo, Cloth, gilt top, 160 pp. -\- blanks for Notes. 



A 



Pocket-book of British Birds 



BY 



E. F. M. ELMS. 



THIS little book is intended solely for the purpose of reference in the field, 

 and has been compiled from practical observations and notes made by 

 myself in various parts of the British Isles, coupled with aid from well-known 

 ornithological works. It is of small size, and should be carried in the pocket. 

 Information will be found about all British birds that breed in these islands, 

 and those that are regular visitors at one time of the year or another. 

 Kemarks as to a species being resident, intermigratory, or migratory are 

 given. The important subject of distribution is treated, setting forth the 

 districts in which a species is most frequently met with, and vice versa, and 

 the kind of locality it affects, under the heading of "Haunts." When a 

 species is at all likely to be confounded with another, a note under the 

 heading of "Observations" is given, briefly setting forth how it may be 

 distinguished. 



In description of Plumage the idea has been to characterize briefly the 

 predominant and striking features of a bird's appearance in breeding plumage 

 that most attract the eye, either with or without field-glasses. The winter 

 plumage is also given where necessary. The plumage of the female and 

 young bird is given, too, as in some cases the female is quite unlike the male, 

 and the immature bird does not always bear a very close resemblance to 

 its parents. 



The Language of a bird is another highly important matter, as sound 

 knowledge of its various cries — e.g. call-, alarm-, anxiety notes, &c. — are of 

 great help in identification, and attempt has been made to give them. 



Under the heading of "Habits " will be found a short description of any 

 characteristics or peculiarities with which a certain kind of bird is endowed. 

 A note is inserted on the subject of Food. 



For the purposes of this book the usual time of the year for Nidification, 

 under normal conditions, is given, and the sites for the nest most commonly 

 resorted to, and particulars of materials employed for construction of the nest. 

 Finally, the eggs are briefly treated ; the proper number in a clutch, and the 

 usual type as regards colouring, markings, and shape being described. 



A fuller description will be found in ' Birdsnesting and Bird- skinning,' 

 by the late Edward Newman, and revised by Miller Christy. Provided with 

 this and the ' Pocket-book of British Birds,' both the same size and comfort- 

 ably carried in the pocket, and "armed" with field-glass and note-book, the 

 observer will be enabled to recognize and identify the birds encountered 

 during the course of many a pleasant ramble, and thus add greatly to his 

 enjoyment of the country. 



London : 



WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, HATTON GAEDEN. 



Simpkin, Marshall & Co., Ltd. 



