CROWS 



117 



This bird is somewhat local in distribution, being 

 common in some districts, and not known or scarce in 

 others. 



We found them fairly plentiful in Albany, and not 

 at all scarce in the Central Transvaal. 



During the winter months they congregate into family 

 parties, pairing off in October. 



FIG. 90. Black Crow. 



The nest is a cup-shaped structure of small branches, 

 lined with fine roots, fibres and hairs. Eggs usually 

 three, huffish-pink, spotted with reddish-brown and pink. 



Its chief food consists of insects and grain. Like the 

 Pied Crow, it may often be found in the company of 

 cattle. It is not a particular friend of the farmers, owing 

 to its habit of pulling out and devouring the growing 

 mealie seeds. 



In the Albany Division we have found this bird to be 



