. Bulletin - Biological Survey. Zoology, Economic. 22 BIRDS OF A MARYLAND FARM. nose^ and mouth. No birds were collected, for it was evident that all were feeding on crane-flies, which formed the onh^ abundant supply of insect food. Several species of sparrows, including song sparrows, white-throated sparrows, and chipping sparrows, were observed greed- ily eating them. A pair of kingbirds left their perch on an apple-tree spra}^ ever}^ now and then to snap up the insects, and a Marj^land yel- low-throat, several meadowlarks, .and a pair of bobwhites feasted on the swarming prey. These insects
. Bulletin - Biological Survey. Zoology, Economic. 22 BIRDS OF A MARYLAND FARM. nose^ and mouth. No birds were collected, for it was evident that all were feeding on crane-flies, which formed the onh^ abundant supply of insect food. Several species of sparrows, including song sparrows, white-throated sparrows, and chipping sparrows, were observed greed- ily eating them. A pair of kingbirds left their perch on an apple-tree spra}^ ever}^ now and then to snap up the insects, and a Marj^land yel- low-throat, several meadowlarks, .and a pair of bobwhites feasted on the swarming prey. These insects fly feebh^ and are easily caught; and since there is hardh' an insectivorous bird that is not known to take them, it seems safe to conclude that when they are abundant they are eaten in great numbers. Coming as the}^ do in the spring, when other food is scarce, they are a boon to birds. They supply both the newly arrived species and those that are about to journey to their northern nesting grounds. The destruction of crane-flies b}^ birds is a benefit to the farmer, as they are injurious to grain and grass. Their larvae, repulsive, leathery-looking objects, feed underground, largely on roots. Crane-flies are said to do great damage in Europe, but are much less important in this country. MAY-FLIES. Of all the insects on the farm, the May-fly (fig. 5), during the period of its aerial life, is undoubtedly the most abundant and the most con- spicuous. The respective numbers of other spe- cies fluctuate greatly from 3^ear to 3^ear, but the mj^riads of this plague are nearly alwa3"s constant. Fortunately the life of the adult lasts only from a few hours to two days. As a water nymph, how- ever, the insect lives from one to three years. When the locust trees are dropping their blos- soms, usually about the middle of May, the nymphs rise to the surface of the Potomac, trans- -May-fly (from f^^.j^^ j^^o adults, and flutter to the shore. The suddenness with which they appear and th
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