52 abstracts: ornithology 



should thus become Reguliis regulus satrapa Lichtenstein, and Regulus 

 regulus olivaceus Baird. The form of fox sparrow called by Riley 

 passerella iliaca altivagans has been discredited by most recent authors, 

 but is shown by further study to be a recognizable race. The same is 

 true of Melospiza melodia inexspectata Riley from Moose Lake, British 

 Columbia. H. C. O. 



ORNITHOLOGY. — -The crow and its relation to man. E. R. Kalm- 

 BACH. U. S. Dept. Agr. Bull. 621, 1-92; pis. 1-2; figs. 1-3. 1918. 



This bulletin concerns only the races of the common crow, Corvus 

 hrachyrhynchos, with its various subspecies. These together inhabit 

 practically all the United States and Canada. In the eastern United 

 States the species is common and ranges over all kinds of country. It 

 is one of the species that gather into roosts, particularly during the 

 winter season, and at such times as many as nearly 300,000 birds some- 

 times assemble. Its close association with man makes its economic 

 relations of much importance, and owing to its practically omnivorous 

 habits the study of its habits presents more complicated problems 

 than that of almost any other North American bird. In fact, not less 

 than 656 specifically different items have been identified in stomach 

 examinations. The present investigation is based on 21 18 stomachs 

 and some 3000 circulars of inquiry. The results show that the chief 

 food of the crow consists of com and insects; the latter chiefly Coleop- 

 tera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera (larvae), and Hemiptera. Some spiders 

 and crustaceans are also taken, as well as reptiles and amphibians, 

 together with small mammals, principally rodents. One of the crow's 

 most injurious habits is the destruction of wild birds and their eggs, 

 and young poultry; but the latter can be partly if not wholly prevented 

 by proper care. In some places, particularly in the southern United 

 States, the crow often resorts to carrion for food, and under similar 

 circumstances molests livestock. 



The conclusion regarding the economic status of Corvus hrachyrhyn- 

 chos reached through the present investigation is that when feeding 

 on injurious insects, crustaceans, rodents, and carrion it is beneficial; 

 but when destroying small reptiles, amphibians, wild birds, poultry, 

 corn and other crops, and disturbing livestock, it is injurious. Any 

 necessary means should be employed to prevent its depredations, but 

 the species is at times too beneficial to be entirely exterminated. It has 

 practically no natural enemies, and a reasonable reduction of numbers 

 by man in areas where there are too many crows is desirable. 



Harry C. Oberholser. 



