CROW, AMERICAN 



If we have an eye for the picturesque, we place a certain 

 value upon the broad strong dash of color in the land- 

 scape, given by a flock of crows flapping their course above 

 a corn-field, against an October sky. 



Neltje Blanch an. Bird Neighbors. ^^ 



The crow is not without beauty. His coat of glossy 

 black with voilet reflections, his dark eyes and sagacious 

 expression of countenance, his stately and graceful gait, 

 and his steady and equable flight, all give him a proud 

 and dignified appearance. 



Flagg. a Year With the Birds.^^ 



He is one of the drollest, most intelligent and individual 

 of birds. His sedate walk, his gestures and conversation, 

 proclaim him a bird of originality and reflection, who 

 will repay our closest study. 



Florence A. Merriam. Birds of Village and Field. ^ 



In spite of the current opinion that the crow's calls 

 are restricted to caw, he has an extended vocabulary. 

 .... That he can converse fluently no one who has 

 listened to him will question. Of the variants of caw, 

 each with its own significance, there seems no end; but 

 if you would be impressed with the crow's eloquence you 

 must hear him when, in the fancied privacy of his own 

 flock or family, he discusses the affairs of the day. His 

 notes then are low, and so varied in tone that one cannot 

 doubt their conversational character. 



Chapman. Bird Life.^^ 

 58 



