66 



FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



vegetation, and that the bird's instinct taught it to dis- 

 tinguish between the sound plant and the insect-eaten 



ones. 



The peculiar habits of Rooks have been the study of 

 naturalists in all times, and very many interesting anec- 

 dotes have been related of them. Being more gregarious 

 than any other of their tribe, and also being especially 

 eccentric in their choice of nesting-places, they assemble 

 together in large numbers in the trees selected by them ; 

 and this is termed a Rookery. The trees are generally 

 tall, but little heed is given to their species. These 

 Rookeries are to be found all over England, wooded dis- 

 tricts, of course, being preferred ; although many instances 

 occur of these birds taking up their abode in towns - 

 notably the Pavilion Grounds at Brighton— and in many 

 trees in Oxford and Cambridge. Many may have noticed 

 the nest of a pair of Rooks in the tree at the corner of 

 "Wood Street, Cheapside. 



The nest is built of twigs in the topmost forks of 

 the trees, and is a large loose structure. This nest is 

 often pulled to pieces and rebuilt several times, until it 

 meets with approval, Sometimes the whole of the Rooks 

 will desert their Rookery, and take up another abode for 

 the time, and just as suddenly (perhaps after the lapse 

 of years) return ; this, too, without any apparent reason. 



Rooks commence building early in the spring, and by 

 the lateness or more forward preparations for nesting 

 have been held by many to prophesy an early or late 

 summer. Particularly at this time, Rooks may be seen 

 even in the fields feeding one another. This is evidently 

 an attention of the male to the female, and is continued 

 whilst the latter is sitting upon the nest. This circum- 



