352 ZOOLOGY. 



all the European crows on account of his forward and familiar habits. 

 The rook {C. frugilegus) is another common species. 



No American bird is more universally known than the crow of the 

 United States (C amen'canus), though nowhere favorably regarded. He 

 is constantly to be observed at all seasons, but much more abundant in the 

 Atlantic States during winter. It would be difficult to find a winter land- 

 scape without the crow as a conspicuous feature. 



The fish crow (C. ossifragus) is the only other species inhabiting the 

 United States. He is a small species, being little larger than the jackdaw 

 of Europe, and is never seen far from the sea side, where he subsists prin- 

 cipally on fishes washed up by the waves. 



Of the magpies there are eight or ten species. The magpie of Europe, 

 Pica caudata (pi 98, fig. 10), is a good example. It is rather a favorite 

 throughout Europe, and a constant attendant on cultivation. In captivity 

 this bird is very remarkable for a propensity to steal, which even extends 

 to the purloining of silver plate and other articles of no possible service to 

 its wants. 



There are two American species intimately resembling the European 

 species, the American magpie (P. hndsonica) and the yellow-billed magpie 

 {P. mUtallii), both of which are natives of the western side of North 

 America. They will probably adopt the familiar and acquisitive habits 

 of the European bird when their native country shall have become 

 move fully settled; but are yet represented as rather shy and unobtrusive 

 birds, though resembling in form and color of plumage the common magpie 

 to such an extent as to be scarcely distinguishable. 



Of the nutcrackers there are three species, one of which is common in 

 Europe, Nucifraga caryocatactes {pi. 99, fig. 2), though rare in Great 

 Britain. It frequents wooded regions, feeding on the kernels of nuts and 

 on insects. It breeds in a hole of a decayed tree, and in climbing some- 

 times assumes the attitude and appearance of a woodpecker. 



Two other nutcrackers have been discovered in India. The only 

 American bird which appears to be very nearly related to them is Corvus 

 columhianus, or Clark's crow, which is found in the Rocky Mountains and 

 western North America. It was discovered by the exploring party of 

 Lewis and Clark, but little is yet known of its history. 



Many pther species of crows are known which are scattered over the 

 entire surface of the globe. 



Suh-fam. 5. GymnoderincB, or Fruit Crows. Bill strong, straight, rather 

 depressed ; wings long, pointed ; tail moderate, rounded ; tarsi and feet 

 long. Size smaller. 



Six birds only constitute this sub-family. They are natives of South 

 America, and are represented as found exclusively in the vast forests of 

 that continent, feeding on berries and other fruits. The red-breasted crow 

 (Pyroderus scutatus) is as large as the common crow, and has the plumage 

 perfectly black, with a wide belt on the breast which is deep red, giving 

 this bird a very remarkable appearance. 



The umbrella chatterer {Cephalopterus ornatus) also belongs here. Its 

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