JACKDAW. 137 



generally about the middle of May. In the north it 

 visits and leaves us nearly at the same time with the 

 woodcock. In some parts of Scotland it is almost the 

 only kind of Crow that is seen. It builds its nest in 

 trees, and lays five or six eggs. In its feeding it is by 

 no means select, but will indiscriminately devour carrion, 

 small quadrupeds, birds, shell-fish, frogs, snails, and in- 

 sects ; and, in defect of other food, will eat berries, grain, 

 and seeds. We are informed, that it usually sits with 

 its head towards the wind ; and that it is to be caught by 

 the simplest snare. The Hooded Crows usually fly in 

 flocks, and they will sometimes mingle in the flocks of 

 carrion Crows. 



They are about the size of the rook. Their body is of 

 a cinereous colour, having the head, throat, wings, and 

 tail, black. 



Jackdaw. In the general appearance and habits of 

 the Jackdaw there is something very amusing, particu- 

 larly when rendered tame. His pertness and loquacity 

 are greater than those of most others of his tribe. He 

 is docile, but thievish ; and so voracious that he will 

 frequently seize and carry off much more food than he 

 can possibly consume. When carefully attended to, he 

 may be taught to speak with great distinctness. In a 

 wild state these birds collect in flocks, feed principally 

 on worms, insects, grain, and seeds, and build their nests 

 in church-steeples, ruinous edifices, high rocks, and 

 sometimes even in rabbit-holes ; the females laying five 

 or six eggs, which are smaller and paler than those of 

 the crow. 



The Jackdaw is considerably smaller than the rook. 

 Its plumage is black, except the hind part of the head, 

 which is of a hoary-gray colour. 



