How to Name the Birds 



23 



External Structure. — Crows and Jays, with few exceptions, have a 

 stout, rather long blunt bill, the nostrils are covered by projecting stiff, 

 hair-like feathers; the feet are strong, the scales on the tarsi being 

 clearly marked. The outer tail-feathers are usually the shortest, this 

 being especially true of the Jays. 



Appearance and Habits. — Our species are too well known to require 



AMERICAN CROW 



Oiu'-third iialur.il si/.c 



description. It is to be noted, however, that Crows are more terrestrial 

 than Jays and arc icalkers, the latter being arboreal, and, consequently, 

 hoppers. Crows, in the winter, gather in great flocks and frequent a 

 common roost, while Jays at this season are usually fount! in small com- 

 panies. Both our Crows and Hlue Jay migrate by day. 



