222 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTti. 



downward towards the tip, stout, and black. Irides 

 brown and grey. At the base of the beak are a 

 number of coarse hairs pointing forward. The 

 plumage is a uniform black, glossed with a purple 

 and blue sheen. Legs, toes, and claws black. 



The female is a little smaller, and less glossed. 



Situation and Locality. In crevices and on 

 ledges of high inaccessible cliffs, either on the sea- 

 shore or inland. Our illustration is from a photo- 

 graph taken in Mull. The nest was in an exceed- 

 ingly difficult situation to photograph or approach 

 in any w r ay, and consequently does not show up 

 very clearly in. the picture : it is two and five- 

 eighth inches from the bottom, and one and three- 

 quarter inches from the right-hand side of the 

 picture. The bird sometimes nests in tall trees, 

 and is to be found in the wild unfrequented parts 

 of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. 



Materials. Sticks of various sizes (I have seen 

 them made entirely of juniper), wool, and hair. 



Eggs. Five to seven ; greyish-green, bluish- 

 green, or greenish-brown, blotched, splashed, and 

 spotted with dark greenish or smoky brown, and 

 underlying markings of a lighter greyish-purple 

 tinge. Variable both in regard to coloration and 

 size, but generally distinguishable from those of 

 the Carrion Crow and Book by their larger size. 

 Average measurement about 1*95 by 1-3 in. 



Time. February, March, and ApriL 



Remarks. Kesident. Note, a deep hoarse cronJc, 

 that may be heard at great distances. Local and 

 other names : Corbie, Corbie Crow, Great Corbie 

 Crow. Sits lightly. 



