18 
FOOD OF BIRDS. 
than formerly, probably for the reason that modern improvements have 
taken the place of his favorite breeding places. Very few water-fowl re- 
main during the summer, compared with the number which formerly bred 
with us. As intimated, this is, no doubt, due more to the changes in the 
face of the country than to the fear of man or direct destruction by him. 
On the other hand, many birds have increased in numbers, and some 
have made their first appearance in the State within the last thirty years. 
Prominent among these are the Rough-winged Swallow, Loggerhead 
Shrike, Lincoln’s and the Lark Finch, Bobolink, Cow-bird, Black-throated 
Bunting, King-bird, Quail and Woodcock. It will be noticed that all the 
birds of these two groups are resident or summer resident, none of the 
birds which do not, or have not, bred with us being especially affected. I 
may further call attention to the fact that nearly it not all of the birds of 
the first group nest on trees or in secluded forests, while those which are 
increasing in number nest upon the ground or on low trees and bushes 
in open land. 
To recapitulate, we find that the food of birds is very largely of two 
kinds, insects and seeds, but that comparatively few birds are confined 
to either of these kinds, and we also find that the food habits of many 
species varies in such a mauner that they are insectivorous in spriug and 
summer, and gramuivorous iu fall and winter. 
The food of birds is- so abundant that the vast number of insects and 
seeds does not appear to be materially lessened during the times when 
birds are present in greatest numbers. So that it they confined them- 
selves only to such as are injurious, their influence in reducing the num- 
ber of these is less than that of innumerable other causes usuall> over- 
looked. 
And finally, by the changes brought about through the agency of man, 
a relation is shown to exist between birds and vegetation which appears 
to be self-regulating and favorable to agriculture. 
September 1 , 1875 . 
