44 The Food of Some British Wild Birds. 



Field Observations. 



All my observations in the field tend to confirm the opinion 

 generally held, that this bird feeds mainly upon the seeds of weeds. 



Food of Nestlings. 



The stomach contents of the eight nestling birds consisted 

 entirely of animal matter, the bulk of the food being the larva of 

 some small Lepidopterous moth and spiders. 



Conclusion. 



In districts where it has been allowed to increase it un- 

 doubtedly does a certain amount of harm, but these cases are few ; 

 generally speaking, it may be regarded as a beneficial bird. 



STARLING. 



Sturnut vulgaris, Linn. 



A very divided opinion exists with reference to this bird, and 

 I cannot do better than quote the opinions of some of those who 

 have paid attention to the nature of its food and habits. 



Gilmour (54) who examined the stomach contents of one 

 hundred and ninety birds, states as the result of his investigation, 

 that this species " is a bird rather to be fostered than destroyed; 

 he is a benefactor rather than a foe to the farmer. . . . the 

 starling, as a perusal of the record of his food will show, comes out 

 of the examination with flying colours, and must be regarded most 

 certainly as a friend of the farmer." 



During the intervening eighteen years there has undoubtedly 

 been an enormous increase of these birds, due very largely, I 

 believe, to the preservation that is afforded them in other countries 

 (103). 



French (50) writing of this bird in Victoria,, Australia, states : 

 " There can be no doubt about the starling being a most pernicious 

 enemy to the fruit-grower and viticulturist in this State. The 

 starlings are increasing a thousand times faster than their natural 

 food, hence they must avail themselves of such as is obtainable. 

 Once driven to this an appetite is acquired, and fruit diet being 

 easily obtained, they will not seek any other, even if available. It 

 is pleasing to note that the Shire Councils are offering a bonus for 

 starlings' heads and eggs. . . . Valuable insect-eating birds, 

 such as kingfishers, diamond-birds, tree creepers, and tree swallows 

 are being driven out of their nesting places in tree-hollows by 

 swarms of starlings, and before long these insectivorous birds, 

 useful to the farmer and orchardist, will be driven out of the 

 State." 



