62 



BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



of grain and vegetables consumed by them in severe 

 weather, when the ordinary supplies are cut off. It would 

 surely be worth while to feed them at such times. Length, 

 about 20 inches. 



Jackdaw. — This is the smallest of the true crows that 

 inhabit Great Britain. It has a kind of crest, the back 



Fii;. 22.-rhc Jachlaw. 



part of which, as well as the back of the head and the 

 nape, are grey ; the remainder of the plumage is black, with 

 steel blue shading ; the legs, toes, and nails are burnished 

 black. 



The female is smaller than the male, has much less crest, 

 and very little grey on her hea<l. 



Pied and pure white individuals arc not uncommon ; 



