CROWS. 53 



1865, p. 9669). A pair have frequented the What- 

 combe Woods for the last two years, and I hope to 

 hear of their breeding. A pair of these birds showed 

 much precautionary skill in stealing the eggs of sea- 

 fowl from the perpendicular cliffs of Ballard Down, 

 near Swanage. While one stood as sentinel on a 

 commanding eminence, the other swooped below, 

 and after taking an egg, returned with it in its bill 

 to its companion ; both then flew off out of sight, 

 and after a short interval returned to repeat the 

 same tactics. This was observed several times in one 

 afternoon. 







CROW. Corvus corone, L. 



Yarrell, ii. p. 274 ; Harting, p. 31 ; Dresser, iv. p. 531 ; Seebohm, 

 i. p. 539 ; Ibis List, p. 69 ; Pulteneys List, p. 4. 



The Crow is a resident, and holds its own with 

 greater success than does the Raven. Possibly its 

 resemblance to the Rook has helped to protect it 

 from extermination. It is abundant in the Poole 

 estuary, where many may be seen together at low 

 tide, feeding along its margin. 



HOODED CROW. Corvus comix, L. 



Yarrell, ii. p. 275 ; Harting, p. 31 ; Dresser, iv. p. 543; Seelohm, 

 i. p. 544 ; Ibis List, p. 69 ; Pulteney's List, p. 5. 



A casual winter visitant, occasionally seen on the 

 Poole estuary, where it is a more frequent visitor 

 than in any other part of the county. One was shot. 



