BIRDS OF KANSAS. 385 



Raven, Corvus corax sinuatics Wagl., the eggs of both of these 

 species being also represented by excellent series in the Museum 

 collection. The general average of the eggs of the White- 

 necked Raven is much lighter colored than the eggs of above 

 mentioned species — one set, indeed, is almost unspotted; and 

 usually there is one egg in each set vehich is much lighter col- 

 ored generally than the balance. All the eggs of this species 

 can readily be distinguished from those of the balance of the 

 CorvidcB which breed within the limits of the United States. 

 The usual shape of these eggs is an elongated ovate, and there 

 is a great variation in their size. 



"Three of the largest measure as follows: 1.92x1.33, 1.95x 

 1.25, 2.00x1.24 inches. 



"Three of the smallest measure: 1.57x1.17, 1.62x1.08 and 

 1.52x1.09 inches. Their average size is about 1.78 inches in 

 length by 1.16 in width. 



"From four to seven eggs are laid to a set, six being the 

 most common number found, and presumably but one brood is 

 raised a year." 



Corvus americanus Aud. 



AMERICAN CROW. 



PLATE XXV. « 



Resident; abundant in the eastern part of the State, not com- 

 mon in the western portion. Begin laying the last of March to 

 the first of April. 



B. 426. R. 282. C. 340. G. 143, 187. U. 488. 



Habitat. North America, from the fur countries to Mexico. 



Sp. Char. "Tail slightly rounded. Feathers of throat short, blended; 

 those of the neck, etc., dusliy grayish at bases. Adult: Deep black, with vio- 

 let gloss, the latter fainter on lower parts." 



Stretch of 



Length. wing. Wing. Tail. Tarsus. Bill. 



Male 19.00 38.00 13.00 8.00 2.30 2.00 



Female 18.50 37.00 12.50 7.90 2.30 2.00 



Iris dark brown; bill, legs, feet and claws black. 



As much as I love the birds, I cannot find it in my heart to 

 put in a plea for this well known nest robber and bird of ill re- 

 pute, for their thievish propensities are too great to attempt to 



