Merriam, C. Hart (Clinton Hart)

The principal method used by the Biological Survey in investigating the food habits of birds is an examination of the contents of stomachs, the material for which is obtained from all parts of the United States. In case of each species the separate data accumulated by examining as many stomachs as possible are tabulated and show the food of the bird in question to consist of various proportions of certain elements.

The native sparrows are the most abundant and widely distributed of the small birds inhabiting the rural districts of the United States. Wherever there are farms these characteristic little birds may be found nesting in orchard, berry patch, vineyard, or hedgerow, enlivening the shrubbery from dooryard to outlying field with their songs, or in winter rising from the ground and fluttering from bush to bush before one who invades their haunts.