48 A NATURALIST IN THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS. 



40. CORVUS AMERICANUS, Aud. 

 (COMMON CROW.) 



Very abundant, and quite tame in comparison with their 

 usual shyness. One afternoon, while making my way through 

 some thick brush, I Ireard a number of them within a short 

 distance. Concealing myself under a tree ; I commenced to 

 call, and in a few minutes several came within shot, and 

 circled above me until I had killed four. 



The hatred of a Crow for all species of Owls is a well- 

 known fact, and is sometimes taken advantage of to entrap 

 them. Mr. Perham related to me a curious manner of wa- 

 ging war on the " black robbers " which I have never seen 

 attempted anywhere else. He places a live Owl in some 

 isolated tree near where the Crows feed, and concealing him- 

 self within easy shot, imitates the hoarse cry of a Crow, 

 upon the discovery of his enemy, to perfection. Generally, 

 the cry is taken up and the Crows come from all directions. 

 " The more you kill the madder they get," said he, " but it is 

 necessary to keep concealed." From forty to fifty Crows 

 have been taken in this manner in one afternoon. 



Breeds commonly. 



