192 OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. 



GREAT CROW-BLACKBIRD. 



(Q^isca Jus major, Vieill.Bonap. Am. Orn. vol. i. p. 35. pi. 4. fig. 1. 

 [male.] fig. 2. [female.] Philad. Museum, No. 1582, 1583.) 



Sp. Charact. — Glossy -black ; tail wedge-shaped, reaching very 

 far beyond the wings (nearly 5 inches) ; bony keel (of the upper 

 mandible) small; length IG inches. — Female light brown, be- 

 neath and eye-brows whitish : length 12^ inches. 



This large and Crow-like species, sometimes called 

 the Jackdaw, inhabits the southern parts of the Union 

 only, particularly the states of Georgia and Florida, 

 where they are seen as early as the close of January or 

 beginning of February, but do not begin to pair before 

 March, previously to which season the sexes are seen in 

 separate flocks. But about the latter end of November, 

 they quit even the mild climate of Florida, generally, and 

 seek winter quarters probably in the West Indies, where 

 they are known to be numerous, as well as in Mexico 

 and Louisiana ; but they do not ever extend their north- 

 ern migrations as far as the Middle States. Previous to 

 their departure, at the approach of winter, they are seen 

 to assemble in large flocks, and every morning flights of 

 them, at a great height, are seen moving away to the 

 south. 



Like most gregarious birds, they are of a very sociable 

 disposition, and are frequently observed to mingle with 

 the common Crow-Blackbirds. They assemble in great 

 numbers amonor the sea-islands, and neishbouring marsh- 

 es on the main land, where they feed at low- water, on the 

 oyster-beds and sand-flats. Like Crows, they are omniv- 

 OTous, their food consisting of insects, corn, and small 

 grain, so that by turns they may be viewed as the friend 

 or plunderer of the planter. 



