<: LIFE-HISTORIES OF HIRDS 



giriica. and many species of the ^octuida 1 . In about three 

 weeks from the time of hutching, they arc able to leave the 

 nest, and ten days later, are sufficiently matured to take care 

 of themselves. 



The food of the old birds varies somewhat according to 

 the season. An examination of many stomachs, in the 

 months of February and March, revealed traces of both in- 

 sect and vegetable diet. The legs and slightly macerated 

 bodies of CEdipoda ncbulosa, (11. sulphured, Calopteints 

 feniiir-riibriDu, Acheta nigra, and Ha r pains pcnsylva- 

 iiicns, were noticed in great abundance, besides nearly 

 mature forms of Pang-its caliginosits and RhyncJucuits 

 strobi. Of a vegetable character were clearly identified 

 fragments of grasses, and the seeds of Linaria vitlgaris, 

 Ambrosia artemisitefolia, Phtns inops, P. rigida, Ania- 

 r ant us albus, A. hybrid us* and some species of Panicnm. 

 Later in the season, Scaritcs subterraneus, Diccclus dila- 

 tatus, Lachnosterna hirticula, L. quercina* Cratonychus 

 cinereus, Plus/a precatioitis, Ac r any eta oblitiita, Spilo- 

 soma virginica, Zerene catenaria, Hybernia t Hi aria, Li- 

 macodes scapha, Halesidota tesscllaris* and the fruits of 

 yuniperus Virginiana, J. commimis, Fragaria Virgin- 

 iaua, Pnurns Ccrasiis, P. scrotina, and various species of 

 Ribes. In the autumn and winter, the fruits of Liquidambar 

 styraciflua, Lonicera Periclymenum&nA Vaccinium stami- 

 neum. 



No species has been more persecuted by man than the 

 one under consideration. Notwithstanding the mischief 

 which these birds commit in early spring upon the corn after 

 it has been planted, during the germinating process, after it 

 has attained the height of a few inches above the ground, and 

 even on the ripened ear in the standing shock, combined with 

 their frequent raids to the poultry yards, the immense good 

 which they accomplish in the destruction of noxious insects, 

 and small animals, should gain for them immunity from dan- 

 ger, and commend them to public recognition and favor. Be- 

 sides subsisting upon insects, small animals, carrion, grass, 



