Bird Neighbors | Page 5

and home life; its choice of food; its songs; and of the season in which we may
expect it to play its part in the great panorama Nature unfolds with faithful precision year
after year. They are an attempt to make the bird so live before the reader that, when seen
out of doors, its recognition shall be instant and cordial, like that given to a friend.
The coloring described in this book is sometimes more vivid than that found in the works
of some learned authorities whose conflicting testimony is often sadly bewildering to the
novice. In different parts of the country, and at different seasons of the year, the plumage
of some birds undergoes many changes. The reader must remember, therefore, that the
specimens examined and described were not, as before stated, the faded ones in our
museums, but live birds in their fresh, spring plumage, studied afield.
The birds have been classed into color groups, in the belief that this method, more than
any other will make identification most easy. The color of the bird is the first, and often
the only, characteristic noticed. But they have also been classified according to the
localities for which they show decided preferences and in which they are most likely to
be found. Again, they have been grouped according to the season when they may be
expected. In the brief paragraphs that deal with groups of birds separated into the various
families represented in the book, the characteristics and traits of each clan are clearly
emphasized. By these several aids it is believed the merest novice will be able to quickly
identify any bird neighbor that is neither local nor rare.
To the uninitiated or uninterested observer, all small, dull-colored birds are "common
sparrows." The closer scrutiny of the trained eye quickly differentiates, and picks out not
only the Song, the Canada, and the Fox Sparrows, but finds a dozen other familiar friends
where one who "has eyes and sees not" does not even suspect their presence. Ruskin says:
"The more I think of it, I find this conclusion more impressed upon me, that the greatest
thing a human soul ever does in this world is to SEE something. Hundreds of people can
talk for one who can think, but thousands can think for one who can see. To see clearly is
poetry, prophecy, and religion -- all in one."
While the author is indebted to all the time-honored standard authorities, and to many
ornithologists of the present day -- too many for individual mention -- it is to Mr. John
Burroughs her deepest debt is due. To this clear-visioned prophet, who has opened the
blind eyes of thousands to the delights that Nature holds within our easy reach, she would
gratefully acknowledge many obligations; first of all, for the plan on which "Bird
Neighbors" is arranged; next, for his patient kindness in reading and annotating the
manuscript of the book; and, not least, for the inspiration of his perennially charming
writings that are so largely responsible for the ready-made audience now awaiting writers
on out-of-door topics.
The author takes this opportunity to express her appreciation of the work the National

Association of Audubon Societies has done and is doing to prevent the slaughter of birds
in all parts of the United States, to develop bird sanctuaries and inaugurate protective
legislation. Indeed to it, more than to all other agencies combined, is due the credit of
eliminating so much of the Prussianlike cruelty toward birds that once characterized
American treatment of them, from the rising generation. -- NELTJE BLANCHAN
I. BIRD FAMILIES
THEIR CHARACTERISTICS AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF EACH FAMILY
INCLUDED IN "BIRD NEIGHBORS'
Order Coccyges: CUCKOOS AND KINGFISHERS
Family Cuculidae: CUCKOOS
Long, pigeon-shaped birds, whose backs are grayish brown with a bronze lustre and
whose under parts are whitish. Bill long and curved. Tail long; raised and drooped slowly
while the bird is perching. Two toes point forward and two backward. Call-note loud and
like a tree-toad's rattle. Song lacking. Birds of low trees and undergrowth, where they
also nest; partial to neighborhood of streams, or wherever the tent caterpillar is abundant.
Habits rather solitary, silent, and eccentric. Migratory. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Black-billed Cuckoo.
Family Alcedinidae: KINGFISHERS
Large, top-heavy birds of streams and ponds. Usually seen perching over the water
looking for fish. Head crested; upper parts slate-blue; underneath white, and belted with
blue or rusty. Bill large and heavy. Middle and outer toes joined for half their length.
Call-note loud and prolonged, like a policeman's rattle. Solitary birds; little inclined to
rove from a chosen locality. Migratory. Belted Kingfisher.
Order Pici: WOODPECKERS
Family Picidae: WOODPECKERS
Medium-sized and small birds, usually with plumage black and white, and always with
some red feathers about the head. (The flicker is brownish and yellow