Food of the Crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos Brehm, in South-central Kansas

This work offers a close‑up look at the feeding habits of crows living in south‑central Kansas during the early 1950s. Over two years the researcher collected more than six hundred regurgitated pellets from both resident and wintering birds, cataloguing each find with careful notes on plant and insect remains. By focusing on a region where tall‑grass prairie meets short‑grass prairie, the study captures how the birds’ diet shifts with the changing landscape and seasonal crops.

The author explains why analyzing pellets—rather than stomach contents—provides a practical window into what crows eat, especially when large winter roosts make samples abundant. Detailed tables break down the bulk percentages of seeds, grains, insects, and other material across biweekly periods, revealing patterns tied to drought, harvest cycles, and the mix of native versus cultivated foods. Listeners will gain insight into the ecological role of these adaptable birds and the meticulous field methods that bring their hidden meals to light.