CROWS. 475 
stiff feathers directed forward ; also by strong claws and long pointed 
wings. ‘They are divided into four groups or sub-genera—namely, 
the Crows properly so called, Pies, Jays, and Nutcrackers. 
The genus Corvus, as limited by modern naturalists, compre- 
hends ‘the Raven, the Carrion Crow, the Royston or Hooded Crow, 
the Rook, the Jackdaw, Great-billed Crow, Philippine Crow, and Fish 
Crow. 
All these species have in many respects the same characteristics 
the same aptitude, and the same habits. With the exception ot 
the Raven and Magpie, which live in pairs, the others reside to- 
gether in companies, whether they are in quest of their daily food 
or roosting for the night. They are all possessed of intelligence, 
cunning, mischievous habits, the gift of imitation, though in different 
degrees, and the same provident habit of amassing provisions in 
secret places. This last peculiarity in the tamed birds degenerates 
into’ a perfect mania, which leads them to carry off and_ hide 
everything that attracts or pleases their eye, especially gems and 
bright articles of metal. . The whole group are susceptible of domes- 
- fication. 
The Crows, especially the Raven and the Carrion Crow, are pre- 
eminently omnivorous. Living or dead flesh, insects, eggs, fruit, 
seeds—nothing comes amiss to their palate. ‘Their depredations are 
