No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 2Q3 



far more readily than any of the birds which become their 

 victims; and, in cases of this kind, man should help to restore 

 nature's balance by according protection to the weaker species; 

 not to their enemies." (Chapman, " Economic Value of Birds 

 to the State.") 



Regarding the Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos), 

 the evidence is about the same as with the Blue Jay; and it is 

 probable that the good this bird does in destroying grasshoppers, 

 cutworms, etc., is far outweighed by the evil in killing the young 

 of insectivorous birds. " There are few birds so well known as 

 the common Crow, and, unlike most other species, he does not 

 seem to decrease in numbers as the country becomes more densely 

 populated. 



" The Crow is commonly regarded as a blackleg and a thief. 

 Without the dash and brilliancy of the Jay, or the bold savagery 

 of the Hawk, he is accused of doing more mischief than either. 

 That he does pull up sprouting corn, destroy chickens, and rob 

 the nests of small birds, has been repeatedly proved. Nor are 

 these all of his sins. He is known to eat frogs, toads, sala- 

 manders, and some small snakes — all harmless creatures that 

 do some good by eating insects. With so many charges against 

 him, it may be well to show why he should not be utterly con- 

 demned. 



" The examination of a large number of stomachs, while 

 confirming all the foregoing accusations, has thrown upon the 

 subject a light somewhat different from that derived solely from 

 field observations. It shows that the bird's-nesting habit, as in 

 the case of the Jay, is not so universal as has been supposed ; and 

 that, so far from being a habitual nest-robber, the Crow only 

 occasionally indulges in that reprehensible practice. The same 

 is true in regard to destroying chickens, for he is able to carry 

 off none but very young ones, and his opportunities for capturing 

 them are somewhat limited. Neither are many toads and frogs 

 eaten ; and, as frogs are of no great practical value, their destruc- 

 tion is not a serious matter; but toads are very useful, and their 

 consumption, so far as it goes, must be counted against the Crow. 

 Turtles, crayfishes, and snails, of which he eats quite a large num- 

 ber, may be considered neutral, while mice may be counted to his 

 credit. 



