Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1921-12-01

hundred species in the United States, as a whole
shows u good economic record The sparrows, or
hnches, are essentially seed EATERS but they con-
sumo also fair proportion Of insects, and in gen
eral must be regarded as beneficial
The tanagers and swallows are almost exclusive
ly beneficial the latter especially being tireless
destrOyers of great variety of insects.
If soft plumage and harmonious colors were the
criteria of bird worth, the cedar waxwing would
stand near the top. Economically, however it is
in the doubtful, even the very doubtful class. 1t
is too fond of flowers buds, and fruits, especially
cherries and it consorts in such large aocks while
gratifying these tastes that the interests of man.
kind suffer considerably
The butcher Birds or shrikes, which have the
curious habit of hanging part of their prey upon
thorns, in crotches, in other suitable places.
destroy birds, but on the whole are beneficial.
About 10 kinds of smooth green-coated vireos
and SIS kinds Of warblers of varied and brilliant
but neat plumages constitute the especial guardi-
ans of the foliage of our trees There are millions
of warblers and vireos in North America, and the
aggregate destruction Of insects by them is beyond
conception.
Allied in service to the warblers the bark
climbing creepers, the industrious and nquisitive
nuthatches the restless and active chickadees and
titmice, and the tree-scanning knglets and gnat-
catchers, of which groups there are In the United
States more than 25 species.
Mocsingbirds, catbirds and thrashers are dis
tinguished by unusual ability songsters Eco
nomical1y considered, all rather too fond Of
cultivated fruits, but as rule they do good
than harm
Closely related to the Knockers and thrashers are
the wrens of which we have. II species These lit
tie birds incessantly active, treess, and good
singers, almost wholly insectiyorous, and conse-
quently beneficial to a high degree
Only family of small land birds remains to
be mentioned, namely that including the thrushes
robin
istic woodland Species and while not Of great eco
nomic Importance are for the most part commend
able in their relation to man. Robins and blue
birds the most familiar species about our
homes, and SO beloved are they that they are al
most immune from persecution. The bluebirds
strictly deserve this high consideration, but the
robins take large toll from cultivated fruits, and
probably are too numerous in many localities.
To understand the economic value Of birds, not
only must the feeding habits Of species and famil-
les be known but also the collective effect of birds
upon pests and crops. Most Of their damage re-
suits from local overabundance either of one spe-
cies of number Of species of similar feeding
habits, and 1t is inflicted chiefly upon fruit and
grain crops.
If birds by their united effort are potent to &C.
complish great harm, they are for the same rea-
son able to do great good in the destruction of
insect pests. Fortunately, many more species are
helpful than harmful. Unusual outbreaks Of pests
upon which birds can feed are always attended by
gatherings of the bird clans.
The American Ornithoogists' union model law
for the protection of birds has been adopted by AZ
of the As States of the Union The migratory-bird
treaty act putting into force treaty with Great
Britain for the protection Of migratory BIRDS sup
plements and re-enforces the state legislation.
1t remains only for public opinion to back the
law at every point and for citizens to put into eff
feet every practicable measure for the increase
and conservation of bird life. The essentials o
bird attraction are the suppression Of enemies ant
the provision of water, food and nesting sites
Material increase in the numbers of birds admit
tedly is a twosided problem: Some birds of mega
tive value should not be increased, while others
not noticeably destructive, may become 81
when they are more abundant. On the other hand
there is no doubt that the majority of birds ar
more beneficial than injurious and that by increas
ing their numbers shall do ourselves and on
country valuable service.