264 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



species under controversy. Results so far indicate that the propor- 

 tion of commercial food fishes taken by most species of fish-eating 

 birds is small. 



DAMAGE TO RICE BY WILD DUCKS AND BLACKBIRDS. 



Owing to a delay in the harvesting of rice in Arkansas in the fall 

 of 1917, caused by unfavorable labor and weather conditions, the 

 crop was subjected to the depredations of large numbers of wild 

 ducks. The loss suffered b}' a single owner amounted to $12,000. 

 This was an extreme case, but a bureau investigator found that 

 serious damage occurred very generally in the region of Stuttgart 

 and DeWitt. The case under consideration is the first reported that 

 has been of real importance in this region and it is thought that re- 

 currence can be avoided by making special efforts to harvest the rice 

 before the arrival of large numbers of ducks. 



Blackbirds are complained of in Arkansas, Texas, and many other 

 States because they feed upon grain newly sown, in the milk, and in 

 the shock. In the aggregate far more damage is done by blackbirds 

 than by the wild ducks. Destruction of grain, including rice, by 

 blackbirds is exceedingly difficult to control. The bureau has sought 

 in the past to find useful protective methods and will continue in- 

 vestigations and experiments to find practical means to decrease 

 such losses. 



DAMAGE TO DUCK-FEEDING GROUNDS BY SWANS. 



Some damage to the feeding places of waterfowl about ducking- 

 club holdings in Currituck Sound, N. C, and Back Bay, Va., has 

 been done by swans, because of the increase in the numbers and espe- 

 cially in the tameness of these birds. Their increase has been due 

 to the continuous protection they have received for a term of years. 

 The birds are very wary. Under the migratory bird treaty act, their 

 depredations can be controlled in places where it becomes necessary. 



THE CROW AND THE STARLING. 



A report on " The Crow in Relation to Man," has been published. 

 Besides going into considerable detail regarding the many-sided 

 problem of the crow, this bulletin gives suggestions for the control 

 of these birds, which have become extremely destructive in some 

 States. 



Material for a similar report dealing with the European starling 

 has been collected. Extensive field observations and the laboratory 

 analysis of over 2,600 stomachs have furnished accurate information 

 regarding the food habits of the starling in this country, and its 

 influence on agriculture. Heretofore prejudice and the exaggeration 

 of local grievances have been the cause of many erroneous impres- 

 sions regarding the bird. The starling was found to be one of the 

 most effective bird enemies of ground insect pests in the Eastern 

 States. On the other hand its attacks on cherries demand that 

 farmers be permitted to take aggressive measures against it during 

 the ripening season of that fruit. 



ECONOMIC STATUS OF OTHER BIRDS. 



Examination of bird stomachs by groups was continued to the ex- 

 tent permitted by other assignments of the staff, which has been re- 



