EDITOR’S NOTE 
That branch of the field of science, which deals with the naming 
and describing of new birds has practically reached the point of 
exhaustion in the United States. It would seem safe to make the 
statement that within our borders there is not left one species of 
bird that has gone unnamed or undescribed. 
Many students of ornithology, therefore, are turning their at- 
tention more especially to that realm which deals with the habits 
and activities of birds. This vast field of research is open, not 
only to those of scientifically trained minds, but to all who love 
birds and whose interest in the subject extends even slightly be- 
yond the range of casuality. There is a world of facts to be learned 
about the habits and movements of even our most common birds. 
Does the House Wren have the same mate every year until one 
of the pair succumbs, and to what age does it live? Does the same 
pair of birds return to your bird box year after year? You may 
think so, but what is your proof? Wliy have the Cliff Swallows 
in many parts of the country decreased in numbers, while the Barn 
Swallows, whose habits of nesting and feeding are very similar, 
have held their own in these same regions? Of a flock of ducks 
raised in a Minnesota slough, why do some fly to Canada, some to 
California and others to the coast of Virginia? Who knows where 
the Chimney Swift goes in autumn and where does it spend the 
winter months? 
To a man who cares little for technical ornithology, but who 
enjoys having the birds about his home, the subject is a source of 
never-failing interest, and his zeal increases as he reads of their 
activities or watches their movements. 
This book, consisting of the first fifty Educational Leaflets issued 
by the National Association of Audubon Societies, deals in a large 
measure with the habits and movements of fifty of our native birds. 
The articles are written by men and women of much field experience 
who are attempting to stimulate the further study of birds by pass- 
ing on various observations that have to them proven so absorbing. 
The colored illustrations, made from water-color drawings by 
America’s leading bird artists, will greatly aid the student in identi- 
fying these particular species. The outline drawings contained in 
this volume will furnish the child with an opportunity forthe use 
of crayons or water-colors. 
It is intended that this volume shall be followed from time to 
time by others of a similar nature. 
T. Gilbert Pearson. 
