FOOD HABITS OF THRUSHES. 19 
white grubs that destroy the roots of so many plants, were eaten to 
the extent of 3.44 per cent. Snout beetles, among the most harmful 
of insects, were taken to the extent of 3.13 per cent. Among these 
was the notorious plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) found in 
two stomachs taken in the District of Columbia in April of different 
years. Two other 
species of the same 
genus also were 
found, as well as 
the clover weevil 
(Epicerus imbri- 
catus). The Colo- 
rado potato beetle 
(Leptinotarsa de- 
cemlineata) and 
the striped squash 
beetle (Diabrotica 
vittata), with a 
number of other 
species of less no- 
toriety, were 
found in several 
stomachs. Thus, 
in spite of the 
bird’s retiring 
habits, it comes 
in contact with 
some of the pests 
of cultivation. 
The ants de- 
stroyed—12.46 per 
cent of the food— 
keep up the repu- 
tation of thrushes 
as ant eaters. 
They were taken 
constantly every ~-\ 4 
month, with the kg " B2085-73 
greatest number Fic. 2.—Hermit thrush (Hylocichla guttata). 
from May to September; a falling off in July is partly accounted for 
by the fact that more fruit is taken in that month. Other Hymenop- 
tera (bees and wasps) were eaten to the extent of 5.41 per cent, a 
suprising amount for a bird that feeds so largely upon the ground, 
as these insects are usually of fleet wing and live in sunshine and 
open air. 
