New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-22
MIGRATION OF BIRDS.
FRANK NJ. cHAPMAN's LECTURE AT THE
>Fr-sEY-> OF NATr-pAY ursToPy

NJ.
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.
The Distribution and Migration Of Birds"
the subject OF recent lecture by Frank NJ Chap
held at the Museum of Natural History.
The distribution OF birds considered under
two heads-geographical and seasonal The for
mer, II said. presents more phases than the
distribution of any other group Of animals Mgrat-
ing birds in their regular travelled lines OF flight,
tell where former land connections existed birds
populate oceanic islands. and through their
lationships furnish with clews the geologic
history of their homes or. in their notifications.
illustrate the effects of insular isolation while with
the mere sedentary species we may define natural
life areas
Maps of the geological realms of the world and
the regions provinces and fauna of North Amer
lea were then shown and the chief factors govern
ing the geographical distribution Of birds
stated to be, first, climate. expressed most sensiby
In temperature and humidity they control the
food supply; second the barriers to extension of
range presented by mountain chains and bodies OF
water. and third. the INTERPOLATION of specie. In
treating of seasonal distribution the lecturer
minded his audience that he was speaking not only
OF birds in but of birds part OF nature
to quote Henry Dyke. the most eloquent ex-
preston of natures beauty and joy and freedom
In order to keep before them the woods and fields,
the panorama of the seasons, in which birds
the moving figures and with which they
closely associated. he illustrated this portion of
MS lecture with lantern photographs eolored from
scenes of each month Of the year. At the same
time an outline Of the significant features of the
shutting review of the birds and seasons OF the
Only 10 per cent Of our birds. the lecturer said.
are resident through the year, and but few of
slant variation in our avi-fauna which gives to the
5a4y 90 OF f d in nature its charm One
out duplication Of experience Seasonal distribu-
January being the only month in the year when
some evidences Of migration might not be observed.
% M a11hj onf 81 bird
had attracted the attention of men Numerous have
Of birds l %hlcb m}ted gees
snciens Birds We're thought to migrate TO the
formed into winter birds. while the theory which
sent bros 10 hibernate at the bottom of ponds and
quarters Of ali SUMNER BIRDS Became dehneiy
2nGw b The currently accepted explanation which
o. Q. the glacial period is not accepted by Mr. Chap
descent Of birds. believes that birds with reptiles,
originated IN the warmer parts Of the earth, and
n sg9sd and sRsr vim i dispeFsa hey
he R0 eor t an IadP
respectively, increased the habitable area OF the
cooden With the resting season When Rst1 the
0es b foF seciusion common 10 all animals fur
g!9ns where competition was less keen
some island within their winter habitat Mr.. Chap
man gave as an instance Of migration uninhuenced
70 reach place where the young might be raised
~ SdiTlg ne mtsratlon5 OF Shad, salmon or her
TIE TIE 70 tneir spawning grounds and OF seals to
the rooHerles were considered parallel Maps
were shown illustrative of the routes followed by
migrating BIRDS, and the effects OF changing eli
nate on the present distribution were discussed.
The details of migration were then described and
me current theories accounting for the manner in
which birds perform their extended journeys pre-
sented, and, in conclusion. it was said that one
must look TO the paeontoogist for further in
formation bearing on the geographical origin Of
NE to the china tologist for exact knowledge
OF past climates to the psychologist for clearer
understanding OF the senses animals. and the
ornlthoIoFist for more extended the
phenomena Of migration itself before one can salts
factor1ly explain its many and varied phases.