36 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



is similar in construction and appearance to that 

 of the Greenfinch. 



Eggs. — Four to five. White, sometimes faintly 

 tinged with pale blue, very sparingly speckled with 

 reddish-brown and pale brown. Average size about 

 •9 by -67 in. 



Time. — Some English authorities say February 

 and March, others February, March, and April, 

 and Continental authorities December to April. 



Bemarlxs. — A Avinter visitor, but a few pairs 

 stay to breed. Notes : call, cliip-cliip-cliip. Other 

 notes used whilst flying from tree to tree, soc-soc- 

 soc. Local and other names : Common Crossbill, 

 Shell Apple, European Crossbill. A very close 

 sitter. 



CROW, CARRION. 



Description of Parent Birds. — Length about 

 eighteen inches. Bill fairly long, strong, and black. 

 The base of the beak is covered with bristles, 

 which stand forward. These bristles and its hoarser 

 note distinguish it from the Kook. Irides dusky. 

 The whole of the plumage is black, glossed above 

 with a lustrous greenish sheen. Legs, toes, and 

 claws black. 



The female is about the same size, but lacks 

 a little of the metallic lustre which characterises 

 the male. 



Situation and Locality. — In high trees, gen- 

 erally on a large branch near the bole, and at a 

 good height from the ground, on the outskirts of 

 wood and plantations ; sometimes on ledges of 

 cliffs. In England, Scotland, and the North of 

 Ireland. It is nowhere very numerous, as its 

 predatory habits make for it an uncompromising 



