ROYSTON, OR HOODED CROW. 87 



the North early in October, and departing for the North 

 again in April. In the western and northern parts of 

 Scotland, in the Hebrides, the Orkney and Shetland 

 Islands, this bird is resident throughout the year ; and Mr. 

 Selby observes, that "as he has been assured, from the 

 most authentic information, that in those districts of Scot- 

 land where they abound, there is no visible diminution of 

 their numbers during the winter months," the inference 

 seems to be, that the greater part of those which visit Eng- 

 land come from Sweden, Norway, and other countries 

 situated to the north-east, this opinion being strengthened 

 by the fact of their generally arriving with the first flight 

 of Woodcocks, which birds always take advantage of a 

 north-eastern breeze for their journey. The Royston 

 Crows, on their appearance in this country, frequent 

 marshes near the sea, the banks and shores of tide rivers, 

 inhabiting both sides of the Thames as high up as within 

 a few miles of London ; and when inland these birds fre- 

 quent champaign countries and open downs. 



This species is sometimes called the Royston Crow as 

 well as the Hooded Crow, and I believe that Royston Crow 

 is the older name of the two. Merrett, Willughby, and 

 Ray, use the name Royston Crow only, the two latter 

 authors quoting Royston and Newmarket Heath as the 

 localities for this bird in winter. That it is abundant about 

 Royston from October to March I can testify on my own 

 knowledge ; its boldness, the contrast in the colours of its 

 plumage, and the open character of that country, assist in 

 rendering this bird very conspicuous, and we shall be as 

 correct in referring to it by the name of Royston Crow, as 

 we are in speaking of the Iceland Falcon, the Dartford 

 Warbler, and many other birds named in reference to 

 certain localities in which they are constantly found. 



These birds usually appear in small parties except 



