ECONOMIC VALUE OF BIRDS TO THE STATE. 



41 



noted for the intelligence and adaptability of its members, Crows and Jays can 

 adjust themselves to the changes incident to civilization far more readily than many 

 of the birds which become their victims, and, in cases of this kind, man should help 

 to restore nature's balance by according protection to the weaker species ; not to 

 their enemies. 



STARLINGS. Family Sturnidae. 



Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). — -The Starling was first successfully introduced into 

 this country by Mr. Eugene Schieffelin, under whose direction 80 birds were released 

 in Central Park, New York City, March 6, 1890; and 40 more on April 25, 1891. 

 There was evidently room in this new environment for these birds for they so 

 thrived that their descendants are now numbered by thousands ; flocks containing 

 several hundred being frequently seen in the upper part of New York City and east- 

 ward alongthe sound. 



The Starling, therefore, is now firmly established in this country, and if it 

 continues to multiply at the rate already shown to be possible, it will in compara- 

 tively few years become one of our most abundant birds. 



Whether this species will prove to be beneficial or injurious it is difficult to 

 surmise. In its own habitat it is said to be on the whole economically valuable; 

 but under wholly new surroundings, where its relations to other species are as yet 

 undetermined, one cannot predict what its place in nature will be. There can be 

 no question, however, that the present is the time to give this matter serious 

 consideration. In a few years Starlings will be as far beyond control as English 

 Sparrows are now. 



BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. Family Icteridae. 



In this family are included several species reputed to be the worst enemies, 

 among birds, to the farmer. The Blackbirds, of several species, are especially 

 condemned as grain destroyers. Raising only one brood they begin to flock early 

 in July and before the grain is harvested have gathered in enormous bodies 

 which unquestionably do much damage. It is, therefore, not without cause that 

 our law refuses Blackbirds protection at all seasons. The question is, shall we go 

 further than this? Shall we attempt to reduce the numbers of these birds? On 

 this point Professor Beal writes : * 



" In a treatise on the destructiveness of grain-eating birds it is natural that the 

 reader should expect at least a suggestion of a remedy. Unfortunately it is much 



*Birds that Injure Grain, Yearbook cf the Dept. of Agriculture, 1897, p. 353. 



