== FOU VC THE JACK DAW 
to feed, mingling freely with Rooks, Starlings, and Ring- 
Doves. It is wary enough in some districts, but in 
London especially may often be closely approached and 
watched. Its flight, however, is not so powerful as that 
of its larger allies, or perhaps it would be more correct to 
say it is performed by more rapid wing-beats, and is not so 
deliberate. ‘The birds often wheel and circle in the air 
in a noisy crowd, especially before retiring to rest. ‘The 
note of this species is a cackling cry, which, although harsh, 
is by no means unpleasing, and certainly the most musical 
of any of the British Crows. ‘This note is subject to 
much modification, especially in spring, and when a flock 
unites in chorus the effect is impressive. ‘The food of the 
Jackdaw consists of worms, grubs, insects, grain, fruit, 
acorns, beech-mast and even carrion, whilst in London 
and other cities the bird picks up scraps of bread and 
other trifles. ‘The Jackdaw pairs for life, and uses the 
same nesting-place year after year. It is rather late to 
breed, commencing in April, and eggs may be found 
through that and the following month. It will make its 
nest in almost any hole or crevice, but in London holes 
in trees and buildings, church towers, amongst stone 
carving, and in chimneys are the usual places. ‘The nest 
varies much in size, some structures being vast heaps of 
sticks when situated in spots that allow of repeated addi- 
tion. Ifa small hole is used but little nest is made. ‘The 
usual materials are sticks, and the cavity is lined with 
dry grass, moss, straws, and leaves, finally lined with fur, 
wool, and feathers. Usually five eggs are laid, ranging 
from pale blue to bluish green in ground colour, spotted 
and blotched with dark brown, olive-biown, and grey. 
They are much less heavily spotted and generally paler 
than those of the Rook or the Crow. But one brood is 
reared, and as soon as the young can fly they resort with 
their parents to the pastures, joining into flocks for the 
remainder of the year, although it should be remarked 
Ziel 
