48 OUR RESIDENT BIRDS 



HOODED CROW ; ALSO GREY CROW AND 

 ROYSTON CROW (Corvus comix). 



Resident to some extent, but chiefly a visitor in autumn 

 and winter. In Scotland and Ireland well distributed, 

 resident and breeding there. A few pairs remain to 

 breed in suitable localities in England. 



Haunts. Well-wooded districts near estuaries and the 

 sea-coast. 



Plumage. Head, throat, front of breast, wings, tail, 

 and thighs black, with green and purple reflections ; 

 remainder of plumage ash-grey. Bill and legs black. 

 Length 19 in. Female slightly smaller. Young duller. 



Language. A harsh " era." 



Habits. Like the last. 



Food. Like the last. 



Nest. End of March. 



Site. Like the last. 



Materials. Like the last. 



Eggs. Four to six. In colouring and markings 

 identical with the Carrion Crow's. 



NUTHATCH (Sitta casia). 



Well distributed generally ; commoner in southern 

 and midland counties ; much rarer towards the north. 

 Unknown in Ireland. 



Haunts. Well-wooded districts. 



Plumage. Upper parts slaty grey. Black stripe from 

 base of mandibles through eye and down sides of neck. 

 Cheeks and throat white ; under parts buffish chestnut. 

 Outer tail-feathers black with white spot near end. 

 Tail short. Bill horn-colour. Legs brown. Hind claws 

 hooked. Length 5| in. Female duller. Young duller 

 still. 



Language. Song, a bubbling twitter, and reminds one 

 of the noise produced by throwing a stone across the 



