274 Birds. 



THE COKNISH CHOUGH, (Pyrrhcorax gracums,) 

 Is like the jackdaw in shape and colour, but somewhat 

 larger. The bill and legs are of a red colour, and hence 

 the bird is frequently called the red-legged Crow. It is 

 an inhabitant of Cornwall, Wales, and all the western 

 coasts of England, and is generally to be found among 

 rocks near the sea, where it builds, as well as in old 

 ruinous castles and churches on the sea-side. The voice 

 of the Chough resembles that of the jackdaw, except 

 that it exceeds it in hoarseness and strength. 



Mr. Montagu describing a Chough in the possession 

 of a friend, says, " his curiosity is beyond bounds, never 

 failing to examine everything new to him : if the gar- 

 dener be pruning, he examines the nail-box, carries off 

 the nails, and scatters the shreds about. Should a ladder 

 be left against the wall, he instantly mounts, and goes all 

 round the top of the wall : and if hungry descends at a 

 convenient place, and immediately travels to the kitchen 

 window, where he makes an incessant knocking with his 

 bill, until he is fed or let in. If allowed to enter, his first 

 endeavour is to get up-stairs ; and if not interrupted, goes 

 as high as he can, and gets into any room on the attic 

 story; but his intention is to get upon the top of the 

 house. He is excessively fond of being caressed, and 

 would stand quietly by the hour to be smoothed ; but 

 resents an affront with violence and effect, by both bill 

 and claws, and will hold so fast by the latter, that he is 

 with difficulty disengaged." 



