— 8— v 



Life' History of the 



Black-capped Chickadee. 



The Chickadee is one of otir ' most /common and 

 interesting birds, familiar to every one, arid yet 

 how seldom we see matter relative to their habits. 

 It is a summer and winter resident" in nearly the 

 whole of the central U.S. V 



It retains its destinctive characteristics probably 

 better than any bird of such general distribution. 

 The Chickadee is a factor of economic importance 

 to the agriculturist and fruit grower. 

 In a recent conversation with the writer a promi- 

 nent horticulturist said, P-Iri my opinion the 

 Chickadee is the best bird friend the fruit grower ■ 

 ever had, they feed almost exclusively on the in- 

 sects infesting orchards, and unlike other birds of 

 similar food habits they destroy these pests,., at ail 

 seasons. In the warm days of winter I go over 

 the orchard, uncovering concealed places for their, 

 benefit, it is surprising how many eggs and grubs 

 they can destroy. Give me the Chickadee in 

 preference to any bird for the orchard." 

 When fruit men realize what a boon this bird is to 



