MR. J. HAMMOND ON FOOD OF BIRDS. 
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lings assembling round cattle on the meadows and ollands ; 
these birds on being examined were found to contain a large 
number of Heteroptera, Weevils and other insects. It seems 
probable that starlings assemble in these localities for the 
insects which are disturbed by the treading of the cattle, 
rather than for the reputed ticks. 
August. — Insects, chiefly Carabid beetles, Lepidopterous 
larvae, Weevils and Dipterous pupae form the bulk of the diet. 
Strawberries occurred twice, while towards the end of the 
month a few r elderberries were taken. 
September. — i he food during this month consisted mainly 
of insects, etc., and berries. Among the insects, etc., Carabid 
beetles, Earwigs, Lepidopterous larvae, Weevils and Spiders 
occurred in largest numbers. The most noteworthy point 
this month was the attack on elderberries, many of the 
stomachs and their contents being stained a deep purple. 
Blackberries were also taken in small quantities. In one 
case corn (wheat) was taken from the stubbles. 
October. — Of the insects which formed the greater portion 
of the diet, Staphylinid beetles, Weevils, Dipterous larvae and 
pupae, and Scarabid beetles were the most conspicuous. In 
the beginning of the month elderberries and blackberries 
were taken, and towards the end some corn husk was found. 
November. — This month was marked by the great amount 
of seed wheat and husk found ; 92 per cent, of the birds 
examined contained this material. The damage is done just 
as the blade is appearing through the ground. A hole is 
dibbled round the blade and the germinating grain pulled out 
and eaten ; as often as not the blade is broken off at the same 
time, this depending on the age of the plant. On examining 
the stomach contents of these birds one finds sound grain, 
that which has just germinated, the empty husks and usually 
embryos (scutela) often with the roots and occasionally 
the soft part of the blade attached. On no occasion was 
green wheat leaf found. At the same time, however, a 
