35 



CROW, CARRION. 



COMMON CROW. 



CoRTUS CORONE, Lin. 



This bird is common in the western parts of 

 Europe, but is of very rare occurrence in the eastern 

 districts of the Continent. It is considerably less 

 tlian the Raven, but is similar to it hi colour, 

 external appearance, and in many of its habits. It 

 may be readily distinguished from the Rook by 

 the greater strength of its bill, which is never 

 destitute of the bristly feathers that cover the base 

 and nostrils, as is the case with the latter. Carrion 

 Crows seldom associate in numbers, but generally 

 remain in pairs throughout the year. They feed on 

 putrescent flesh of all sorts, as well as on worms, 

 insects, and various kinds of grain. Young rabbits, 

 chickens, and ducks also frequently become their 

 victims, and when pressed by hunger they will 

 even attack birds on the wing. They chiefly 

 visit wooded districts, but are common throughout 

 other parts of the country. They build on trees, 

 forming their nests of sticks lined with hair, wool, 

 &c. The eggs are four or five in number, and of 

 a pale bluish green, spotted and blotched with ash 

 colour and brown. The male feeds the female 

 while she remains upon the eggs, and both defend 

 their young with great courage against birds of a 

 much larger size. 



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