3i6 THE BIRDS 



most abundant in the North of Scotland and in the Orkneys and 

 Hebrides. 



The Carrion Crow (Corvus cor one) is a smaller edition of the 

 raven, and very similar in its way. Both birds are voracious 

 feeders, and will eat anything of an animal nature, alive or dead. 

 Their fondness for game and poultry has led to their being driven 

 from many parts of the country, and they frequently attack young 

 and sickly lambs. Shell-fish are also a favourite form of diet with 

 the raven and Carrion Crow ; and they have been observed to 

 carry aloft large molluscs and drop them from a height to break 

 the shells. 



The Rook (Corvus frugilegtis) is sometimes confused with the 

 crow, which it very closely resembles in appearance. It may be 

 distinguished, however, by the base of the beak being free from 

 feathers and the skin being covered with scurf, making a noticeable 

 white patch. Rooks, too, are gregarious, while crows live in pairs; 

 Rookeries sometimes contain an enormous number of nests, and 

 in the spring, when the birds are busy building or repairing their 

 nests, it is most amusing, if one does not object to the loud con- 

 tinuous cawing kept up by the colony, to watch their preparations. 

 For Rooks are by no means honest in their way, and they are 

 continually watching for an opportunity to steal one another's 

 sticks, and when one comes flapping up with a fresh twig to add 

 to its nest and finds the latter has been rifled it makes a tremendous 

 fuss, in which all the neighbours join, apparently all declaring, at 

 the top of their voices, that they were not the thieves. 



The Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) and the Magpie (Pica rustica) 

 are both noted for their intelligence and sprightly ways, and the 

 Jackdaw may be recognised by its smaller size and its collar of 

 slaty-grey. It is a distinctly social bird, and may often be seen 

 feeding in flocks in company with rooks. The Magpie, distinguished 

 by its striking black and white plumage and long tail, is common 

 on the moors in Cornwall and Wales, but is rare in other parts of 

 England. In Ireland it is very numerous. It is easy to tame, and 

 makes a most interesting pet, though its inquisitive and mischievous 

 ways are often rather troublesome. 



The Jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a bird of the woodlands, where 

 its harsh, screeching note is often heard, though, as it has a 

 preference for the denser parts of the woods, its appearance is 



