OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. i: 



from March till June, great numbers were observed in Cape 

 May Count}, N. J., and along the Schuylkill and Del- 

 aware rivers, near Philadelphia. Mr. Audubon says they 

 teed largely upon the fiddler-crab which they pursue and 

 sd/e in their hiding-places ; and. further, that they assail and 

 pursue small terns and gulls, and strive to force them to dis- 

 gorge their piscine prey ; but in this, they are frequently 

 unsuccessful, owing to the swifter flight of these birds. The 

 Fish Crow can capture living fish with remarkable skill, but 

 is utterly unable to feed while in flight. 



In the District of Columbia, Dr. Cones affirms this species 

 to be an abundant permanent resident, and to manifest less 

 wariness and suspicion than its nearest congener ; and also to 

 be more generally restricted to the margins of rivers. Our ex- 

 perience as to its general disposition, agrees therewith, but we 

 have frequentlv observed it both feeding and breeding along 

 the borders of streams of very little note. 



The Fish Crow seems to have commanded, whether justly 

 or otherwise, greater popular favor than any of its race. It 

 s generally esteemed a harmless creature, and in its whole- 

 sale destruction of vermin and reptiles, as beneficial to im.n- 

 kind. As an offset to its good character thus depicted, it 

 is accused by Audubon of entering gardens and plucking the 

 richest and best fruits, and also of committing similar dep- 

 redations upon the ripe figs to such an extent as to render 

 it necessary to destroy them. Such has not been our expe- 

 rience, and we cannot say aught derogatory to its good 

 character. 



In speaking of their habits, Audubon says they ascend the 

 Delaware river for a considerable distance, some venturing 

 into New Jersey to breed, but all retiring to the South on the 

 return of cold weather. In East Florida, they are quite 

 plentiful, and were discovered breeding in February by Mr. 

 Audubon; in South Carolina on the twentieth of March : 

 and a month later, in New Jersey. In Florida on the St. 

 John's river, immense flocks were seen in February, all being 



