ii8 OUR RARER BIRDS 



When the eggs are being hatched, and in fact throughout 

 the whole nesting period, the Eaven relinquishes very little 

 of its accustomed wariness. But it is by no means cowardly, 

 and often beats off marauding Eagles and Hooded Crows that 

 may chance to fly too near its home. Both birds assist in 

 incubating the eggs, but the female performs the greater part 

 of the task. The male often brings food to the nest, and 

 when the young are hatched, both parents tend them with 

 unceasing care. It is now that the Piaven becomes a perfect 

 pest in some districts, and levies an endless tribute on the 

 poultry-yard, the game covert, and the sheep farm. Nothing 

 which they can master is safe from their attacks. When the 

 young can forage for themselves, which is not for some time 

 after they leave the nest, they quit the neighbourhood of 

 their birthplace for ever, and the old birds take to their 

 roving life again, for but one brood is reared in the season. 



