20 Decrease of Birds 



Increase of Species 



One hundred and thirty-four replies were received to the 

 request for information as to the increase in numbers of 

 any species of birds and the causes. Twenty-six reported 

 none as increasing. The following list was given by the 

 remaining 108 observers, with the number reporting each: 



English Sparrows, 64; Blue Jays, 10; Meadowlarks, 9; 

 Quail and Doves, 7; Crows, 5; Mockingbirds, 5; Catbirds, 

 3; Blackbirds, 2; all where protected, except game birds, 

 2; all birds protected at all times, 1; Flickers, 1; Orioles, 

 1; Wood Ducks, 1; Bluebirds, 1; Brown Thrasher, 1; Red- 

 headed Wookpecker, 1; Nighthawk, 1; Wood Thrush, 1; 

 Summer Tanager, 1; Grackles, 1; White Herons, 1; Indigo 

 Buntings, 1; Chipping Sparrows, 1. 



It is alarming that the only bird which the reports 

 show to be increasing to any extent is the English 

 Sparrow, the most undesirable of all species. The 

 decrease of our native song birds is due largely to the 

 advent, rapid increase and aggressive qualities of this 

 pest. 



A careful comparison of the number of observers report- 

 ing increase in other species mentioned with the number 

 reporting these species as decreasing leads to the con- 

 clusion that the Blue Jay is the only specie which is hold- 

 ing its own or increasing over a wide area. 



Destruction by the Elements 



While no direct question was asked concerning the injury 

 to bird life from the extremes of weather, twenty-two 

 observers report decrease from heavy sleet and snow 

 storms, three cite extremely wet and dry breeding seasons 

 and one extremely cold breeding season as preventing the 

 increase of birds. Many young birds starve during long- 

 continued rains which prevent the parent birds from 

 finding food for their nestlings. 



In order to maintain their great activity, rapid circula- 

 tion and high temperature, birds require a large amount 

 of food. When, therefore, everything is encased in ice or 



