OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. i:-j 



Amcricaans. The former frequently soars after the fashion 

 of the Raven and the Falconidcv, with apparently motionless 

 wings which the latter has never been known to do, and is 

 possibly unable to execute. The flight of the common Crow 

 is firm, heavy, slightly undulating, and remarkably elevated 

 and sustained. 



The voice of the Fish Crow is more hoarse and <nitteral 



> 



than that of its near relative, and possesses vastly greater mod- 

 ulation. 



Nest-building commences about the fifteenth of April. 

 Unlike that of the common Crow, the nest is built upon a 

 willow tree by the side of a stream, where its authors can 

 ply their piscine trade with comparative ease. Externally, 

 it is composed of a basis of rude sticks, upon which a neat 

 and comfortable superstructure of the inner fibrous bark of 

 the red cedar is placed, somewhat loosely arranged, the en- 

 tire fabric presenting a more cozy and a more fastidious ap- 

 pearance than that of the common Crow. The nest measures 

 fifteen inches in diameter,. and five inches in depth. The 

 diameter of the cavity is seven inches, and the depth three. 



In the South, according to Mr. Audubon, it builds on 

 moderately sized trees of the loblolly-pine. The nests are 

 placed towards the extremities of the branches, and are built 

 of dried sticks, with a lining of dry grasses and mosses, over 

 which is placed a neat layer of fine roots. They are smaller 

 than those of the Crow, and are located about twenty feet 

 from the ground. The period of nidification varies from 

 three to four days. 



The nest being completed, which is the joint labor of both 

 sexes, oviposition commences on the ensuing day. and pro- 

 ceeds at the rate of one egg per diem, for tour days. This 

 task being over, incubation next succeeds, and is the exclu- 

 sive labor of the female for a period varying from seventeen 

 to eighteen days. The male constitutes a very jealous hus- 

 band and most willing provider. When the nest is assailed. 

 though displaying commendable courage, he yet lacks that 



