TERRITORY IN BIRD LIFE

TERRITORY IN
BIRD LIFE

BY H. ELIOT HOWARD

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY
G. E. LODGE AND H. GRÖNVOLD

NEW YORK
E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY
1920

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PREFACE

When studying the Warblers some twentyyears ago, I became aware of the fact thateach male isolates itself at the commencementof the breeding season and exercises dominionover a restricted area of ground. Further investigation,pursued with a view to ascertainingthe relation of this particular mode of behaviourto the system of reproduction, led to my studyingvarious species, not only those of close affinity,but those widely remote in the tree of avianlife. The present work is the outcome ofthose investigations. In it I have endeavouredto interpret the prospective value of the behaviour,and to trace out the relationships inthe organic and inorganic world which havedetermined its survival. Much is mere speculation;much with fuller knowledge may befound to be wrong. But I venture to hopethat a nucleus will remain upon which a morecomplete territorial system may one day beestablished.vi

I have to thank Mr. G. E. Lodge and Mr.H. Grönvold for the trouble they have takenin executing my wishes; I also want to recordmy indebtedness to the late E. W. Hopewell;and to Professor Lloyd Morgan, F.R.S., I ambeholden more than I can tell.

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CONTENTS