46 OUR RESIDENT BIRDS 



Plumage. Much like last, but smaller, being about the 

 size of a Sparrow. Distinctly barred rather than spotted 

 on the back and wings. Length 5| in. Female, crown 

 whitish, and not crimson as in male, and under parts 

 more striated. Young, much like the adults. 



Language. A short sharp chirp ; also " tick-tick." 



Habits. It keeps to the smaller branches like the last, 

 and, on account of its small size, is difficult to observe ; 

 otherwise similar to the last. 



Food. Insects and their larvae, principally. 



Nest. May. One brood. 



Site. In hole in a tree, excavated by the bird. 



Materials. None. 



Eggs. Five to eight. Glossy creamy white, and 

 almost exactly like those of the Wryneck. 



MAGPIE (Pica rustica). 



Fairly common, though irregularly distributed i%some 

 districts. Not so much a bird of the woods as the 



Jay. , 



Plumage. Head, throat, and back velvety black, 

 showing purple and green reflections. Rump whitish 

 grey. Scapulars and under parts white. Primaries 

 black, glossed with green. Tail black and very long, 

 with greenish cupreous and purple reflections. Bill and 

 legs black. Length 18 in. Female slightly smaller and 

 duller. Young still duller. 



Language. A harsh chattering, rather reminding one 

 of the noise produced by a policeman's rattle, only not 

 so powerful. 



Habits. In disposition active, shy, crafty, alert, and 

 noisy. Always distinct on account of its long tail, 

 frequently flirted, skimming, arrowy flight, and quick 

 beatings of its short wings. On the ground it runs, and, 

 at intervals, takes surprisingly long hops. 



Food. Practically omnivorous. Much persecuted in 



