528 CORVUS CORONE. 



Remarks. — This species is easily distinguished from the 

 Raven, by its inferior size, and the shortness of the anterior 

 cervical feathers. From the Rook it is still more easily dis- 

 tinguished, the bristly feathers over the bill remaining entire 

 in it, while in that bird they are abraded ; the texture and 

 tints of the plumage are also different, as w^ill be seen on com- 

 paring the descriptions. The Carrion Crow is much more 

 nearly allied to the American Crow, Corvus Americanus, with 

 which it had been considered identical, until the differences 

 were pointed out by Mr. Audubon ; see Ornith. Biogr. Vol. II, 

 p. 323. I have carefully compared skins of the two species, 

 and am convinced that they are different. 



It is easily tamed, and in a state of domestication shews the 

 same thieving propensities as the raven and jackdaw, carrying 

 off to some hiding-place whatever articles strike its fancy. In 

 activity and liveliness he is intermediate between the birds 

 just mentioned ; like them he may be taught to imitate the 

 human voice ; and his actions afford amusement to those who 

 are fond of feathered pets, as he becomes very familiar with his 

 friends, repels his canine foes, and contrives to console him- 

 self for the loss of liberty in the best way he can, although if 

 his wings are left uncut he generally endeavours to regain his 

 freedom. 



According to Temminck, the Carrion Crow is dispersed over 

 the whole extent of Western Europe, but is rare in the eastern 

 parts. It has not been found in America. 



