320 
MR. J. HAMMOND ON FOOD OF BIRDS. 
A large number of insects, etc., were taken by birds which 
had been following the plough. 
March. — The food consisted chiefly of insects, etc., of which 
Staphylinid beetles and their larvae, Carabid beetles, Click 
beetles, Weevils, Gastropods, Spiders and Mycetophilid fly 
larvae were present in greatest numbers. The corn husk 
taken was almost entirely from dung. Weed seeds occurred 
very occasionally. Tea leaves with odds and ends of rubbish 
found in several birds indicate their habit of searching in 
dust heaps. A large number of insects, etc., were consumed 
by birds frequenting meadow land which seemed to be a 
favourite habitat during this month. 
April. — A short spell of cold weather at the beginning of 
the month coincided with the period at which some of the 
spring sown corn was coming up, and as a result, much grain 
and husk (both barley and wheat) was taken. At the same 
time, however, many insects, etc., were eaten, the majority 
being Staphylinid and Carabid beetles, Leather-jackets, Ants, 
Wireworms, Click beetles, Weevils and Gastropods. On two 
occasions dnring the frosty weather pieces of swede bulb 
were taken. 
May. — The food was almost entirely of insects, many of 
which, however, were beneficial. The food of the young con- 
sisted for the most part of Carabid beetles, Leather-jackets, 
Click beetles and Weevils. 
June. — The bulk of the- food consisted of insects, of which 
the most important were Carabid beetles, Leather-jackets, 
Ants and their pupse, Click beetles and Weevils. A little 
grain (hemp and canary grass) occurred ; this was possibly 
stolen from pheasants food, although there was probably a 
plentiful supply of insects. 
July. — The food again consisted mostly of insects. Grain 
(hemp, etc.) was taken in small quantities, and fruit (straw- 
berries) was found on three occasions. It was quite a 
common sight at this time of the year to see flocks of star- 
