British Birds in New Zealand.



73



The Blackbird is universally condemned by fruit-growers

and “ its name linked with that of the Sparrow.”


The Skylark is found to pull up spriging wheat and other

seedlings, and is also condemned by the colonists.


The Song Thrush is considered to do more harm than good.

Though one observer is quoted who speaks very highly of its

usefulness in destroying worms, slugs and insects.


“ The Greenfinch is described sweepingly as the farmer’s-

greatest enemy when grain is ripening.”


The Goldfinch has not aroused much enmity and some say

that it does more good than harm. The Redpoll is generally

considered harmless; but “the Yellowhammer is classed with

the Sparrow in descriptions of the damage done to seed in newly

sown bush-burns in the North Island.”


“ Praise of the little Hedge-Sparrow is almost unanimous,”

while “ there is hardly any limit to the good words said of the

Starling,” for which bird numbers of farmers erect nesting-boxes.

Some alarming stories are told, however, of Starlings having

taken to eating fruit; a habit that will not surprise those who-

know the bird in the Old Country.


One of the questions asked in the circular was, “ Generally

speaking, have the introduced birds done more good than harm,

or more harm than good ? The following replies are typical of

the majority of those received : “As with most aliens, it would

be better if they had stayed at home”; “A terrible mistake ” ;

“For Goodness’ sake don’t make it worse by importing more of

them,” and so on. “The consensus of opinion,” the author

remarks “is expressed in too clear, concise, and emphatic a

manner to leave any shadow of doubt as to the strong antagonism

felt towards English birds.


“ Many farmers, however, modify iheir condemnation by

expressing an opinion that if the birds could be kept in check

they would be converted from enemies into friends. I cannot

help thinking that this is the proper attitude to adopt. The

birds are far from being altogether bad. A forgetful generation

may have a bad memory, but great services given in the past

must not be ignored when the birds are on their trial.”


It has often been stated that the introduced birds have



