The log cabin Democrat., 1916-11-20
SOUTHEASTERN BIRDS
 AS INSECT DfSTROYFRS
Boil Weeyils and Other Destructive Pests Eaten by Many of the 46O
 Species of Birds in the Region.

l W 'S 'oii' 4NoN. Zu-At least b6 species of birds found in the sopth- eastern United States are of service Tn destroying the cottonbool weeyiI. according to ornithologists of the United States department of agricul- ture. A much large number of the 4oo different species found in the southeast also render important serv- Ice to agriculture by feeding on vari- ous insects which attack field crops garden truck, forage pants and fruit throughout the region. These facts nave been determined by extensive held and laboratory studies made by the biological survey, the results of which have just been published by the department of agriculture as farm CTS bulletin ITS, Common Birds of Southeastern United States in Rela tion to Agriculture"
 The most active of the 66 feathered enemies of the boil weevil. it was found, are the orioles, which are among the few birds actually taking the insects from the squares of the cotton plant, and the swallows. which feed on the weevil while the latter are in flight seeking to extend their range. In winter the most efficient enemies of the boil weevils are blackbirds meadow larks, titlarks and Carolina wrens. The cotton worm is eaten by Il species of birds, of which the cuckoos are the most effective. These birds frequently consume from 100 to l5o of the worms at meal. Twelve southern birds attack the boil worm and feed on the cotton cutworm
 White grubs, which are serious pest not only to corn but to straw berries, garden crops and grasses, are eaten by 5 species of southeastern birds. Wire worms and their adult forms, click beetles. another pest of corn, are consumed by l2S kinds of birds, while B species feed on bill bugs, which also attack corn. Cut worms. which often occur in the southeast in summer and fall and at tack practically all vegetation, are eaten by SS species of birds
 Chinch bugs, which are extremely destructive to corn and wheat and which are supposed to have but few natural enemies. the biological sur vey found, are eaten by 24 species of birds. Of the other insects attacking corn. the southern corn root-worm. or spotted cucumber beetle is eaten by 25 birds, and the brown root chafer by 21. The southern fig eater. which feeds as well on other fruit. is de- stroyed by II species of birds, the crow leading in efficiency.
 Of the insect pests feeding on for age crops, practically all kinds are eaten by some group of southeastern birds. One of the most important of these pests-leafhoppers-are con sumed by 100 different kinds of feath- cred enemies in the southeastern states and a score or more species of birds feed on the various kinds of clover weevils.
 Theer are many bird enemies of truck crop pests also in the south east. From 19 to 33 species of birds were found to eat each of the follow ing: Flea beetles, sweet potato flea beetles, grapevine 1ea1 beetles. grape flea beetles. bean leaf beetles. rice weevils, Colorado potato beetles. and the 17-year locusts. The survey dis closed that 49 species of southeast ern birds feed on horse flies. which. while they do not attack plants, are exceedingly annoying to both humans and animals and even transmit some forms of disease.
 The biological specialists who made the survey of insect eating birds in the southeast draw the conclusion that the birds of this region are much more important to agriculture than lis generally supposed and that farm CTS should recognize the fact and do all in their power to protect their feathered friends The bulletin may be secured free of charge on applica- ton to the United States department .of agriculture as long as the depart ment's supply lasts.