Some Common Birds in Their Relation to Agriculture

A practical survey of North American land birds that affect farming, presenting species-by-species accounts of habits, foods, seasonal behavior, nesting sites, and economic impact. The author compares insectivorous and seed- or grain-eating tendencies using stomach-content analyses, notes cases where birds both harm and benefit crops (for example losses to rice from bobolinks versus weed- and insect-eating by redwings), and discusses migration, colony nesting, and control measures. Illustrations and specific distributional notes accompany each account, with emphasis on evaluating when protective or suppressive actions are warranted for agricultural interests.