| dc.description | The author discusses how birds feed upon insects and how they are a natural control method for insect populations. Several species of birds, especially
woodpeckers, have been observed feeding on the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. The degree of bird predation appeared to be influenced by the amount and distribution of borer damage, and by the location of the corn field, near or removed from trees. The investigation indicated that avian predation reduced corn borer populations
during the borer overwintering season. Evidence of bird activity in the spring (peck holes in
cornstalks) was more abundant in corn plots with the largest borer populations the previous fall. The downy woodpecker, Dendrocopos pubescens (Swainson), was the most common avian predator. | |
