BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



TRoOk. 



The Rook {Corvus fnigilegus, Linnaeus) is a widely distri- 

 buted resident in the British Isles in localities that provide 

 suitable trees for nesting purposes, and in districts where 

 a plentiful supply of food can be obtained. It is also 

 generally distributed in most parts of the Western Pale- 

 arctic Region, ranging eastward into India. The adult 

 rook is easily distinguished by the purplish-black plumage 

 and bare grey face; bill and legs, black; irides, brown. 

 Length, from seventeen to twenty inches. The young are 

 duller in colouration, and the region round the base of the 

 bill is feathered. 



