DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 



NEW SOUTH WALES. 



SCIENCE BULLETIN, No. 15. 



THE FOOD OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. 



An Investigation into the Character of the 

 Stomach and Crop Contents. 



J. B. OLE LAND, M.D., Pincipal Microbiologist, Department of Public Health. 



Introduction. 



WHEN systematic investigations were undertaken with the object of 

 attempting to control the blow-fly pest in sheep, it was realised that various 

 birds might play an important part in keeping these flies in check. It was, 

 therefore, decided to make an examination, as extensive as possible, of all 

 birds in sheep -breeding districts which might play a possible part in this 

 direction . 



As a considerable amount of data had already been accumulated with 

 regard to the food of Australian birds in general, it was decided to incorporate 

 in one complete Bulletin all the information in our possession as regards 

 the food of wild birds in Australia, which would comprise also the information 

 obtained more directly in connection with the blow-fly investigations. 



The present Bulletin is the result of an analysis of the various data thus 

 collected. In addition to proving of value to breeders of sheep, it is trusted 

 that it will be found of considerable use to orchardists, wheat growers and 

 gardeners, as well as to those in charge of our forests. 



The information has been arranged in various ways, so as to meet the needs, 

 as far as possible, of those consulting the Bulletin. There is, first of all, a 

 short summary of the food of, and a verdict on, various birds or groups of 

 birds, the most important being taken first. This is followed by lists 

 indicating the birds which feed on particular kinds of food of more or less 

 economic importance, the birds in some cases being injurious to human 

 interests, and in other cases aiding the work of man. 



In Appendix I will be found a tabulated examination of the contents 

 of the stomachs and crops of each species of bird examined. Full details 

 are given of the animal and vegetable food, and remarks are appended 

 opposite the species, amplifying these details. Appendix I has been com- 

 piled from detailed information given in Appendices II and III, which latter 

 show the actual food found in the case of each individual bird examined. 



