1914] Bryant: Economic Status of the Western Meadowlark 473 



2. The western meadowlark destroys a very small percentage 

 of beneficial insects. That one hundred grasshoppers are de- 

 stroyed to every parasitic ichneumon-fly is a very conservative 

 estimate. 



3. But one crop is attacked, for the only serious loss occa- 

 sioned by the western meadowlark is to sprouting grain. Damage 

 to fields of sprouting grain can be largely prevented by certain 

 protective measures, some of which have been proved by experi- 

 ment to be instrumental in producing better crops. Hence injury 

 to crops is not only limited but largely preventable. 



4. The western meadowlark destroys the seeds of some of 

 California 's worst weed-seed pests. During the fall months, when 

 insects are not available, this bird destroys large quanties of 

 weed seeds. Over two hundred weed seeds have been taken from 

 a single stomach. Napa thistle, Johnson grass, canary grass, fox- 

 tail, tarweed, pigweed, tumbleweed, mustard, turkey mullein, 

 sunflower, and nightshade are among the weed pests destroyed. 



5. The western meadowlark, by feeding in places not fre- 

 quented by other birds, procures many injurious insects which 

 would not fall prey to other animals. In so doing it fills a niche 

 in the economy of nature which apparently is not filled by any 

 other form of life. 



6. Investigations of the relations of birds to insect outbreaks 

 have demonstrated that the western meadowlark, by turning its 

 attention to the insect most available, becomes important as a 

 maintainer of a balance of insect life. As such it becomes a 

 defender and protector of crops. 



7. The western meadowlark has great esthetic value. A bird 

 of the meadow and pasture, it adds life and interest to treeless 

 areas. Its bright colors and beautiful song have made it one of 

 the best known birds in the state. The meadowlark even adds 

 to the value of suburban real estate. 



8. The western meadowlark cannot be considered a game bird. 

 The following quotation is from an article by D. G. Elliott 

 (1864), entitled "The Game Birds of the United States" : "Not 

 indeed every feathered biped, which a high breed of dogs will 

 instinctively point, can be included in our list ; for the meadow- 

 lark (Sturnella magna), that troublesome pest of every true 



