554 : 
ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF OUR BIRDS. 
In the western part it occurs as far north as New Richmond. As in the Eastern 
States, it frequents agricultural districts, and is most abundant in the wooded 
sections. It is much upon the ground in open fields, but there is no piece of 
woodland through which it does not stroll. 
The wary, suspicious nature, so characteristic of the Crow in the Eastern 
States, appears to be wholly acquired, and is not possessed by the Crow of the 
Western Plains, nor of that of unsettled districts where it is not molested. How¬ 
ever desirable an unsuspicious and familiar nature may be in a bird like the 
Robin, when possessed by one likely to become rapidly abundant, when left to 
itself, and whose propensities are those of the Crow, it detracts from rather than 
adds to its usefulness. With all deference to the opinions of ornithologists, 
who should speak with authority on this subject, I must believe that they err 
when they advise the withdrawal of restraint from this species. Every element 
of its nature fits it for an almost unlimited abundance when fostered by the 
conditions of agriculture; no bird can take its food from it, and there is nothing 
edible which it may not eat. Its familiarity with man in regions where its 
rights have never been questioned, and the readiness with which young birds 
accept domestication, leave no doubt that it would take unbearable liberties 
about dwellings. Nesting, as it does, in high, inaccessible tree-tops, it has no 
natural enemies, in thickly settled districts, which could hold it within safe 
bounds. Its ability to overpower any of our small birds, its ravenous appetite 
for flesh, especially when young, and its fondness for the eggs and young of 
birds, would, under conditions of no restraint, make it more destructive to bird- 
life than all the Hawks and Owls combined. There are only a few large injuri¬ 
ous insects, like the may-beetles, which it can destroy better than other birds, 
while its large, clumsy body utterly disqualifies it for the vast work which is 
done by the birds whose life it would not permit. Viewed in this light, the 
Crow can but be regarded as one which must be held in the scantiest abundance. 
Food: Of two specimens examined, each had eaten corn, and one a small 
chrysalid. In the stomach of one were found two very small pieces of bones. 
Myriads of mice, moles, beetles, grubs, caterpillars and worms, young birds 
and their eggs. It robs hens’ nests and kills young chickens. In the spring it 
pulls young corn; sometimes whole corn-fields are laid waste by the feeding of 
a single flock lighting upon it at once (Wilson). Fish, immense numbers of 
grubs and grasshoppers, clams and oysters (Cooper). Follows the plowman for 
worms and larvae of insects; pulls corn; eats corn in the milk state, and kills 
young chickens, turkeys and goslings, and destroys every egg in its reach 
(De Kay). Fruits, seeds, vegetables, snakes, frogs, lizards, and other small rep¬ 
tiles; worms, grubs, insects, and eggs of birds (Aud.). Insects and various 
vermin, young Robins and birds’ eggs (Samuels). 
124. Pica rustica Hudsonica (Lab.), Ridg. AMERICAN MAGPIE. 
Group HI. Class b. 
This bird is said to visit Michigan, Wisconsin (Hoy) and Northern Illinois in 
the winter. These visits are only occasional, however, and by but a few birds. 
Food: Seeds, carrion, insects, etc., and the eggs and young of other birds, of 
which it destroys a great many (T. M. Trippe). Destroys plantations of young 
oaks by pulling up the acorns. Destroys great numbers of small birds and birds’ 
eggs. Alights on the backs of cattle to rid them of the larvae that fester in the 
skin. Eats carrion, worms, insects of every description, and grains (Wilson). 
Largely carrion, eggs, young birds and fruits (Cooper). Worms, grubs, young 
birds, birds’ eggs and carrion (De Kay). 
