THE MEXICAN RAVEN. 



Of all students of bird-life in the West. Captain Bendire has enjiiyed the 

 best opportunities for the study i.if the Ivaven ; and his situation at Camp Har- 

 ney in eastern Oregon was very similar to such as may be found in the south- 

 eastern part of onr own State. Of this species, as observed at that point, he says : 



"Thev are stately and rather sedate-looking birds, remain mated thru 

 life, and are seemingly very nmcli attached to each other, but apparently more 

 unsocial to others of their kind. On the ground their movements are delib- 



Takcn near IValltila. 



THE RANEN'S FIEF. 



Photo by the Author. 



erate and dignified ; their walk is graceful and seldom varied by hurried hops 

 or jumps. They appear to still better advantage on the wing, especially in 

 winter and early spring, when pairs may be frequently seen playing with each 

 other, performing extraordinary feats in the air, such as somersaults, trying 

 to fly on their backs, etc. At this season they seem to enjoy life most and to 

 give vent to their usually not very exuljerant spirits by a series of low chuck- 

 ling and gurgling notes, evidently indifferent efforts at singing. 



"Their ordinary call is a loud Craaclc-craock. \aried sometimes by a deep 



