RELATIONS OF BIRDS TO MEADOWS 293 



had been eaten by one bird, and others had devoured 

 crane flies. 



Studies in other places show similar results and bring 

 out the fact that in autumn when insects become more 

 scarce the Meadow Lark feeds freely upon the seeds of 

 weedy plants. It consequently is of great value wherever 

 it is found, and should be given the most careful protection. 



The Bobolink is one of the most delightful of meadow 

 birds. It is also one of the most useful, for it feeds freely 

 on grasshoppers, caterpillars, and 

 other insect pests as well as on the 

 seeds of weedy plants. In the 

 North it is eminently beneficial, 

 though on its way southward it 

 often becomes a pest in rice fields. 



While it cannot fairly be claimed ^^^^ grasshoppek 

 that the Crow and the various 



Blackbirds are entirely beneficial, there is no doubt that 

 they do much good to offset some harm. So far as their 

 actions concern meadows and pastures, these birds are of 

 benefit, for they devour vast numbers of grasshoppers, 

 cutworms, army worms, white grubs, June beetles, and 

 other pests. The harm they do is chiefly in grain fields, 

 either at the time of planting or that of harvesting. 



There are several kinds of Sparrows that live more or 

 less on the ground in pastures and meadows. The more 

 important are these : the Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, 

 Vesper Sparrow, Savanna Sparrow, and the Dickcissel. 

 All of these birds feed freely upon grass insects, destroying 

 vast numbers of crickets, grasshoppers, cutworms, and other 

 caterpillars, as well as the seeds of weedy plants. The 

 young are also fed with similar insects, so that these birds 

 are eminently beneficial. 



