18 
INTRODUCTION 
ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE 
The ornithological literature of eastern North America is rich and 
varied; that of the western parts is slightly less so. However, there are 
extant a number of works concerning the birds of various provinces or 
localities, or those of adjoining areas, which may be consulted with advan- 
tage for details of various species other than those here given. The follow- 
ing manuals are recommended : 
Bird Guides — Western Bird Guide, Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific. Water 
and Game Birds East of the Rockies (including Hawks and Owls). Land Birds East 
of the Rockies. By Chester A. Reed. Doubleday, Page, and Co., Garden City, N.Y. 
Price each $1 in cloth, $1.25 in leather. 
These are small, almost vest-pocket editions in limp bindings, 31 by 5J inches, 
very convenient for carrying in the pocket. They contain brief descriptions and small, 
coloured illustrations of all the birds of both sexes. Considering their size, convenience, 
and price, they are excellent. 
Colour Key, North American Birds, by Frank M. Chapman and Chester K. Reed; 8vo., 
Doubleday, Page, and Co., Garden City, N.Y. 
Similar in plan to above, but more detailed and instructive. 
A Field Guide to the Birds, Including all Species Found in Eastern North America, by 
Roger Tory Peterson; Houghton, Mifflin, and Co., 1934. Exceptionally well illus- 
trated. A book of field marks, very excellent for the amateur and of value to any 
field man. 
The Handbook of the Birds of Eastern North America, by Frank M. Chapman: 12 mo., 
D. Appleton & Co., price $3.50. 
This is an almost complete text book on the birds of eastern North America and 
is invaluable for the advanced as well as the beginning student. It contains detailed 
accurate descriptions of all plumages, measurements, and migration dates, and an 
immense amount of interesting and valuable detail with a most valuable introduction 
on birds and bird study. As soon as a student is familiar with the rudiments of orni- 
thology, he should supply himself with this handbook. 
Handbook of Birds of the Western United States, by Florence Merriam Bailey; 8vo. 
Revised edition, 1920, Houghton, Mifflin, & Co., Boston. 
This does for the western United States nearly what the previous book does for 
the east, and is of especial value for use in British Columbia. However, its field being 
limited to the United States, there are a few Canadian species with which it does not 
deal. In spite of this it is invaluable to the far-western observer. 
Ivey to the Birds of North America, by Elliot Coues; 5th edition, 1903, 2 vols., large 
Svo., Dana Estes & Co. 
This is perhaps the most generally accepted authority on American birds. It is 
primarily intended for the advanced student, but it contains a mass of information 
that can be found nowhere else and is a final court of appeal for the majority of orni- 
thologists. 
Birds of the Northwest, by Elliot Coues, Department of the Interior, United States Geo- 
logical Survey of the Territories. Miscellaneous Publication No. 3, Washington. 
Government Printing Office, 1874. 
This is a handbook of the ornithology of the region drained by Missouri River 
and its tributaries. It contains an immense amount of technical and popular inform- 
ation regarding a great number of birds of interest to the Canadian observer. It is 
notable as much for its literary style as for its scientific accuracy. Unfortunately it 
is out of print. 1 
Birds of the Colorado Valley, Part I, Passeres to Laniidse (all that was ever published), 
by Elliot Coues, Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey of the 
Territories. Miscellaneous Publication No. 11, 1S78. 
This is similar and supplementary to the above. In addition it contains an 
important Bibliography to American Ornithology. It, too, is out of print. 
* Books that are out of print are usually difficult to obtain. Fortunately there are a number of dealers who 
specialize in various second-hand books. Many of these dealers issue periodical catalogues of volumes they have 
for sale, and any of them when given particulars of books desired will make every effort to fill the order. 
