HOUSE FINCH. 13 



the southeastern Atlantic coast, of the blackbirds in the grain fields 

 of the Mississippi Valley, and of the linnets in the fruit orchards of 

 California. It is seldom that complaints are made of birds in gen- 

 eral; one or a few species are usually the culprits, the reason for 

 which is evident — too many individuals of the same species in one 

 locality eating the same things. But when many species are present 

 in normal numbers, such a variety of tastes is to be gratified that no 

 one kind of food is unduly drawn upon. 



BIRDS THAT INJURE- FRUIT IN CALIFORNIA. 



When a fruit grower in northern California is asked what birds are 

 most injurious to his crops, he almost invariably mentions first the 

 linnet, or house finch ; then successively the blackbird, the oriole, the 

 grosbeak, and the thrush. Or, if his ranch is in a narrow valley or 

 canyon, or near wooded hills, he may place the California jay or the 

 quail after the linnet as the next worst enemy to fruit. 



The writer is pleased to be able to testify to a healthy state of 

 feeling on the part of the great majority of California fruit growers 

 toward the bird population. While many of them stated that they 

 still suffered loss, none advocated measures for the extermination, or 

 even the material decrease, of birds. The feeling seems to be prac- 

 tically universal that birds as a class, notwithstanding their sins, 

 still do more good than harm. " We can't get along without the 

 birds," was the sentiment voiced by many and really indorsed by all. 



HOUSE FINCH. 



( Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis. ) 



The house finch, or linnet, has been perhaps the subject of more 

 complaint on the score of destroying fruit in California than all 

 other species of birds together. This bird occurs on the western 

 coast of the United States from Mexico northward to Oregon, and 

 extends eastward to the western edge of the Mississippi Valley. 

 Except in the mountains, it is a resident throughout most of Cali- 

 fornia, but in certain parts of the northern half of the State it dis- 

 appears for a few months during the winter season. In the southern 

 half and in the warm sheltered valleys of the north it is always 

 present. It is a hardy, vigorous species, well able to take care of 

 itself and maintain its ground wherever it obtains a foothold. It is 

 a prolific breeder, raising several broods in the season, and apparently 

 has no enemy (except man) that exercises any perceptible restrictive 

 influence upon its increase and distribution. It takes kindly to the 

 presence of man, and utilizes his improvements for shelter and food. 



