134 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. 



THE RAVEN. 



CoRVUS CORAX. 



PLATE XXIV. FIG. 51. 



Cotvus cotax, Lin. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 113, pi. 75, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol.2, p. 56i 

 Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. I, p. 102. Audubon, folio, pi. 101. Emmons, Cat. Mass. p. 9» 

 Doughty, Cab. Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 278, pi. 21. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 290. 



C. catototl. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 28. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 78, pi. 224. 



C. corax, The Raven. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 149. 



Characteristics. Black. Back glossed with bluish purple. Feathers of the throat and 

 breast loose and long. Tail much rounded ; third primary longest. 

 Larger than the preceding. Length, 26 inches. 



Description. The same remark made in reference to the characters of the Common 

 Crow, will apply to this species ; the strongest diagnostic character being limited to the 

 specific phrase. The nasal feathers are half the length of the bill ; the feathers of the breast 

 elongated, lanceolate and prominently pendant. Bill notched near the tip. 



Color. Bluish purple with greenish tints, less glossy beneath. Bill and feet black. Irides 

 dark chesnut brown. Young, frequently pied white and black. 



Length, 25-0-26"0. Alar spread, 50' 0. 



This species is rare in this State, except in the northern district, where I have noticed it 

 to be common, and where it breeds. The eggs are greenish blue, with blotches of light 

 purple and yellowish brown at the larger end. It is omnivorous, feeding on grain, field-mice, 

 grubs and worms. It is considered by most ornithologists to be common to Europe and 

 America, although Wagler and Bonaparte treat it as a distinct species. It occurs from the 

 Polar sea to Mexico, rarely appearing in the Atlantic States near the seashore. Mr. Giraud 

 states that a few occur on the seacoast of New-Jersey, and that it is occasionally seen soaring 

 in wide circles over the shores of Long island. 



