DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 



211 



Survey his collection of a little more than 5,000 stomachs. Thus, 

 about 9,000 stomachs have been added to those now in stock, making 

 the total number on hand a little more than 45,000. 



During the year there have been examined 2,234 stomachs, distrib- 

 uted among various groups as follows: 



Ducks : 31 



Woodcock 20 



Gallinje 966 



Woodpeckers 41 



Flycatchers 155 



Jays 144 



Horned larks 31 



Icteridse 44 



Fringillidse 



Shrikes 



Wrens . _ - 



Titmice . 



Thrushes 



Miscellaneous - 



546 

 43 

 44 



27 

 97 

 55 



Total 2,234 



A bulletin on the food of the sparrows, by Sylvester Dwight Judd, 

 has been published. Its preparation occupied three years, and in- 

 volved the examination and tabulation of more than 4,000 stomachs, 

 besides a large amount of field work. It is believed that the results 

 are of interest and value to farmers throughout the land. For sev- 

 eral years Dr. Judd has also been studying the birds on a Maryland 

 farm, which he has visited for this purpose at frequent intervals and 

 at all seasons. The farm selected is one yielding a diversity of crops, 

 and is believed to be as nearlj^ typical as could be found within con- 

 venient distance from Washington. In pursuance of this work, Dr. 

 Judd has carefully studied the food of every species of bird on the 

 place, as well as could be determined by field observation, and at the 

 same time has noted the quantity and character of the visible supply 

 of bird food. He has observed the birds not only at all seasons of the 

 year, but at all hours of the day and in all conditions of weather and 

 temperature, and has also taken specimens at various times in order 

 to examine the contents of their stomachs. The object in view has 

 been to find out the relations and interactions of birds and insects 

 upon farm crops; to ascertain if any direct checks upon the ravages 

 of insects through the actions of birds are noticeable, and to judge 

 as nearly as may be what damage is done to crops by birds them- 

 selves, and to what extent this damage is offset by useful services 

 rendered. 



For many years the fruit growers of California have been com- 

 plaining of the destruction of fruit by birds. In order to gain definite 

 knowledge upon this subject. Prof. F. E. L. Beal visited California in 

 May, 1901, and remained there nearly four months studying the con- 

 ditions that prevail in the great fruit-growing sections. During this 

 time he visited some of the principal fruit-raising centers and studied 

 the habits of birds in the orchards when the fruit crop was at its best. 

 Incidentally, he traveled nearly 3,000 miles within the limits of the 

 State, and interviewed many of the principal fruit growers, who cour- 

 teously extended every facility for his investigations. He collected 

 more than a thousand stomachs of birds, mostly taken in orchards 

 when the fruit was ripe, and also such of the common insects, seeds, 

 and wild fruits as were deemed likely to serve as food for birds. Since 

 his return the stomachs have been examined, together with others 

 previously received from collectors in California. 



In view of the great interest now taken in game i^rotection, a study 

 of the food habits of game birds is of pressing need. It is desirable 

 to ascertain the true economic position of the different members of 

 this group in order to determine to what extent their i)reservation is 

 demanded by reasons other than those founded upon their value as 



