the case of the trsxit , failm-e cf thB food supply played an -unexpected part. 

 Destruction of nestintr- sites and reduction in the n^oinher of hirds returning 

 to hrGcd could have but one results—reduction in rsnge. 



i'^ort-.matoly there have DCGn factors that have encouraged some species 

 of raterfovv'l to nest heyond the linits of their former ranges. Large ref- 

 uges established by the Federal G-overrunent and many other areas under State __ 

 or private control have been the most nota.ble factors, but irrigation proj- 

 ects and vrater-power impoimcTmcnts also have provided now nesting sites. 

 These additional habita,ts, hov;cvor,' are insignif ic:..nt compared v-ith the 

 vast areas th^t have been destroyed. 



Among upland gajne species, also, ranges have been reduced by settlement 

 nxid cultivation. Market hunting and shooting for sport diu-'ing an open season 

 that extended into the breeding period or that opened before the young birds 

 v/erc fullj?- grown oliminatod species from some areas and reduced their n-ombcrs 

 clsoi^hcre. Also taking their toll of uplajid species v/ere disease and in- 

 clement weother conditions. 



Settlement and changes in agriciiltixal practices,, inimical to the in- 

 terests of some upland game species, have enabled oth..rs to occupy new terri- 

 tory, the extension cf the prairie chicken northwesterly being an example. 

 Introduction of game birds into nor localities also has resulted in an in- 

 creased ran;:o for some species, altho^^igh in most cases this practice has ended 

 in failure. 



Through the accompanying series of 37 maps (pp. 3-2l) , an attempt is 

 made to picture the original breeding range or the area occupied oir the birds 

 before the disturbing hand of man was active to any great e;;:tent. To contrast 

 original and current conditions, the present range a.lso is given. In some 

 cases this illustrates the success attained in preserving the "ancestral" 

 range, but in too rnsny instances it illustrates the depletion that has oc- 

 curred in the ranks of vdldlife. 



Undoubtedly the maps are incomplete for seme species, although no at- 

 tempt nas been made to shov/ sxcidental or occasional records. To supplement 

 known facts, r;ith a view to making the information miore generally available, 

 additional data are requested from all field workers. Since mr-ny nonbreed- 

 5.ng birds, especially ducks, are frequently seen during the breeding season 

 in areas where it is Imcwn that they do not nest, all breeding records should 

 be substantiated by reports on the location of a nest with eggs or on the 

 observation of young incapable of flight. A definite' locality and date 

 shon.ld alwo.ys bo given, with any other pertinent data. Through this cooper- 

 action it is hoped that a„ more exact knowledge of the pa.st and present distri- 

 bution and populo.t ion trends of our game birds may be 'obtained. 



2 



