i6o 



CROV/S. 



inhabitant of the wildest and most secluded districts, haunting the rocks of 

 the sea-coast, or the sides of mountains or forests near extensive plains ; and 

 from its vigilance and sagacity, its destruction is by no means easy. Like 

 other birds of this family, the raven is not particular in regard to its diet : it 

 will eat indiscriminately any small quadrupeds, devour birds or their eggs with 

 equal relish, and feed alike upon reptiles, insects, grain, or carrion. On the 

 sea-shore it will search diligently for dead fish, or indeed any other garbage. 



Fig. 84*.— Carrjon Crow (Corvits coro/u). 



Sub-Faiuily V. 

 THE FRUIT-CROWS. GYMNODERIN^.* 



General Characteristics.— Bill strong, rather depressed and straight, wUh the cul- 

 men curved and the sides compressed to the tip, which is emarginated ; the nostrds 

 lateral, and placed in a membranous groove ; the wings long and rather pointed ; 

 the tarsi more or less long, and covered in front with transverse scales ; the toes 

 rather long, with the outer toe nearly as long as the middle toe; the claws long, 

 curved, and acute. 



The members of this group are found in Cayenne, Louisiana, 

 and Guiana, where they inhabit forests, and at times visit the 



yvixvbs, gymnos, naked ; depos, deros, sl-tn : having the neck bare. 



