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yamens in Soochow. The nests are 

 large and bulky, similar to those of 

 other Crows. 



There are four or five eggs in 

 a clutch, usually greenish blue, 

 marked with shades of brown, though 

 both ground color, and markings vary 

 considerably in shade and density. 



Notes. — The Rook is decidedly 

 gregarious, remaining in flocks during 

 the whole year. In winter their num- 

 bers are largely augmented by visitors 

 from the north. Enormous flocks 

 gather to feed in the fields by day, and 

 noisily meet to share some common 

 roosting place at night. 



The Chinese give them the name of 

 " Wind Crow," from their habit of 

 soaring in a high wind. 



THE PIED JACKDAW. 



COLEUS DAURICUS, (PALLAS). 



Description. — Length fourteen in- 

 ches. Bill and tarsus black. 



The breast and abdomen are white. 

 The rest of the plumage is irridescent 

 black. 



In young birds the white is replaced 

 by gray. These birds gather with the 

 Rooks in large flocks in the winter, 

 but may be readily distinguished by 

 their smaller size. 



Distribution. — Eastern Siberia, Mon- 

 golia, Northern and Central China. 

 An abundant winter visitant in the 

 Yangtse Valley, arriving in October 

 and leaving in April. 



[THE BLACK JACKDAW. 



COLEUS NEGLECTUS CsCHLEGEl). 

 Description, — Length thirteen inches. 

 Bill and tarsus black. 



