MEASUREMENTS OF BIRDS

By S. Prentiss Baldwin '92, Harry C. Oberholser, and Leonard G. Worley, Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland Museum of Natural History. October 14, 1931. ix. 165 pages.

This book is destined to become a most useful reference work in the field of systematic ornithology. It was compiled in collaboration with a number of bird experts following extensive studies instigated and directed by Mr. Baldwin. Until its advent, the methods of measuring external features of birds had never been standardized. Applying his characteristic vision and understanding of birds, Mr. Baldwin has brought harmony and system into an important field of feathered confusion.

"Measurements of Birds" is the seventeenth of a series of twenty publications issued by The Baldwin Bird Research Laboratory, located at Gates Mills, Ohio. The work of this laboratory is unique among the laboratories of the world. It was founded by Mr. Baldwin through his tireless interest and love for birds. Many unusual facts and methods of studying birds have originated at this laboratory, in fact, the book under consideration was compiled from necessity to facilitate investigations here. The scope of the book, however, is extensive and thorough. The important external features of practically any kind of bird in the world can be measured quickly and accurately by applying the standardized methods given in this book. Every useful method of making measurements whether of feathers, wings, feet, body, or other external features is fully described in simple language, and each method is concisely illustrated by an excellent drawing. There are in all 151 of these drawings showing the exact placement of the callipers or tape measure. There is now no further need for guesswork in this field of ornithology.

Mr. Baldwin's book is recommended to those whose interest in birds extends to the field of statistical studies based upon variations in bird measurements. There are many now-a-days who get pleasure from the trapping and banding of birds in cooperation with the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey. For lack of a better objective the primary interest in this work may be limited to the privilege of observing wild birds at closer range than is possible with field glasses. With "Measurements of Birds" now available, bird banders everywhere have a new tool with which to undertake numerous useful and interesting studies of birds such as individual variations, sexual and seasonal changes and many other matters.