56 A LONG DAY WITH THE BIRDS 
Many visit us from the north of Europe, 
several not getting farther inland than 
our lowland eastern shores. If reference be 
made to the carrion crow (of which bird 
some say it is merely a variety, and inter- 
breeding occasionally) (Part II, pp. 68-74), 
the description there given of their food (in- 
cluding nest robbing and mussel eating) 
and general characteristics, even to the 
strong beak with bristles at the base, will 
describe also the grey-backed crow. It 
is in the plumage and somewhat larger 
size that the differences are found. Un- 
like them, however, they generally feed in 
flocks though they nest in separate pairs— 
as do the carrion crows—and not in commu- 
nities like rooks. I do not know if they 
remain mated for life. Some of their other 
names are, the hoodie, or hoody (the name 
most used), and dun and grey crow—the 
meanings of which are apparent. They are 
also called royston and bunting crows, why 
I do not know, and other names also. Hoodies 
build in much the same position as do carrion 
