BIRD OF PARADISE TRIBE. 139 



or sickly. In rabbit-warrens it sometimes commits great 

 depredation. We also not uncommonly see it perched 

 upon the backs of sheep, for the purpose of picking and 

 eating the ticks. If taken young, the Magpie is easily 

 tamed and rendered familiar, and, like some others of its 

 tribe, may be taught to utter several words and sentences, 

 with great distinctness. It is, however, extremely mis- 

 chievous ; and is inclined to steal and hide almost every 

 thing which it is able to carry away. 



Cornish Chough, or Red-legged Crow. These birds 

 associate in flocks, chiefly in the neighbourhood of rocks, 

 old buildings, and churches, by the sea-side. They are 

 found in various parts of the continent, and are much 

 more common in Cornwall, than in any other part of 

 England. They fly very high, and oftentimes in circles, 

 and their voice is more shrill than that of a jackdaw. 

 Their nests are formed on tbe ledges of the cliffs, or in 

 the most inaccessible parts of ruins. The eggs are four or 

 five in number, of a dingy white colour, marked with 

 irregular dusky blotches. These birds feed principally on 

 berries, worms, and insects : they are easily tamed, and, 

 to the persons who are accustomed to feed them, become 

 very docile and entertaining. 



The Chough is about the size of the jackdaw, but of a 

 more slender form. The bill is somewhat curved, and, as 

 well as the legs, is red. The plumage is black, beautifully 

 glossed over with blue and purple, 



9. BIRD OF PARADISE TRIBE. 



All the birds of this tribe are inhabitants only of 

 countries bordering upon the equinoctial line. They 



