Preface ix 



In my treatment of the various phases of the bird's 

 physical life I have been considerably influenced by the 

 many questions which I have heard asked by visitors to 

 the New York Zoological Park. The short list of books 

 in the Appendix will indicate the sources whence much 

 more detailed information may be obtained by those who 

 desire it. 



Some two dozen of the illustrations are from outside 

 sources, and for permission to use these I am indebted 

 to Dr. William T. Hornaday, the American Museum 

 of Natural History, Prof. A. Smith-Woodward, Prof. R. 

 S. Lull, A. E. Brown, Esq., Mr. R. H. Beebe, Mr. T. H. 

 Jackson, Mr. Harold Whealton, and Mr. E. H. Baynes; 

 and for the use of specimens to Dr. F. A. Lucas, Dr. 

 Robert Ridgway, and Dr. Jonathan Dwight, Jr. Unless 

 otherwise indicated, the illustrations were taken by the 

 author. 



The work of Mr. Walter King Stone in the paint- 

 ing for the frontispiece and a number of text cuts is 

 gratefully acknowledged; and for the skilful printing of 

 many of the photographs my thanks are due to Mr. E. 

 R. Sanborn. 



To my wife, for constant and valuable help, criticism, 

 and suggestion in all departments of the book, I render 

 my sincere appreciation. 



To take a few dead facts and clothe them with the 

 living interest which will make them memorable and full 

 of meaning to any lover of birds, and at the same time 

 to keep them acceptable in tenor and truth to the most 

 critical scientist this has been my aim. 



