The Jackdaw 



Practically omnivorous, he experiences no difficulty in 

 procuring a living wherever he may be, but will usually 

 be found associated with Eooks or Starlings on the pastures, 

 often perching on the backs of sheep to rid them of the 

 parasites with which they are infested. Holes in trees, 

 walls, or ruins, church towers, chimneys, or cavities in rocks, 

 provide suitable nesting-sites. A rough nest is built of 

 sticks, lined with an abundance of fur, rabbit fleck, wool, 

 and any other soft material. 



The six eggs are pale blue in colour, with large distinct 

 spots of olive brown. 



Although this species is to be found among us at all 

 times of the year, considerable migration both to and from 

 these islands goes on in winter, large flocks sometimes 



arriving on our eastern coasts. 



The sexes are practically indistinguishable, and are of a 

 glossy purplish black on the head and back, and of a some- 

 what duller greyish black below. The occipital region, 

 nape, and sides of the neck are clear grey, forming a sort 

 of collar. The young birds are duller and lack the grey 

 collar, which is only partially assumed in the first year. 

 Length 13 in.; wing 9'25 in. 



THE RAVEN 



Corvus corax, Linnaeus 



There are few birds that can compare with the Eaven 

 in the majestic curves and sweeps of its flight as it skirts 



l6l 21 



