Viewing page 31 of 46

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-9-

In spring before new seed growths have ripened, this species is dependant upon supplies remaining from the previous year.  As the season advances the quantity available will become less as the seeds lying in favorable locations will germinate.  From the middle of April until the first week in June, the food supply of these birds must be so short that they will seize avidly on anything that is available.  At this season, therefore, it may be expected that they may trouble legumes and other crops that germinate in the same manner.  The birds observed at Arcola were feeding upon the seeds of a grass (Panicum sp.) that was just ripening.  These were pulled off and swallowed, with their glumes, before they were entirely ripe.  Mr. Hunter out an area in his fields grown with wild onion (Allium cernuum) and in so doing out a number of stalks of volunteer wheat with heads in the milk.  The doves attacked this fallen wheat at once pecking off the soft kernels.

Damage to Crops by Other Birds.

At the time of my visit to Arcola wheat was headed out and the kernels were in the milk.  On two occasions, pairs of blue grosbeaks (Guiraca c. caerulea) were seen in such fields and on watching them I found that they were eating the wheat kernels.  The birds perched on inclined stalked and reaching out twisted off the soft grains. These were freed from their coverings by the bill and then swallowed.  Usually one or two kernels were taken from each head and then the bird moved to another perch to repeat the performance.  I examined an area approximately