The Farmer's Feathered Helpers 



225 



fc San Diego Society Nat. Hist. 



FIG. 177. Head of intermediate sparrow (left), and head of its young. 

 This is a typical seed-eating bird. Notice the thick bill. 



weeds. The English sparrow, however, is so destructive 

 to grain fields that it is considered unfortunate that it 

 was ever introduced into this country. 



It is thought by some scientists that it would be im- insects 

 possible to raise 



crops without the .< birds 



help of birds that 

 destroy harmful in- 

 sects. Most birds 

 eat insects, and 

 even those that 

 care least for them 

 often feed them to 

 their young, for 

 young birds require 

 food of this kind. 

 From daylight till 

 dark the parent 



birds are On the San Diego Society Nat. Hist. 



alert tO Capture ^ IG ' x ^* Head anc ^ f ot f nighthawk. The 

 mouth is adapted to catching insects on the wing. 

 WOrmS and bugs. The foot is poorly adapted to perching. 



