162 CHOUGH, ORIOLE. 



sure from the sufferer, stretches out its neck in a menacing 

 posture. 



No food comes amiss to the magpie ; and it seems ac- 

 tuated by a foresight not usual with gluttons ; for, when it 

 is satisfied for the present, it reserves the remainder of the 

 feast till a future occasion. In a tame state, it will hide 

 its food when it has finished a repast, and, after a time, re- 

 turn to the secret hoard with renewed appetite and voci- 

 feration. It has sometimes been taught to speak ; but its 

 articulations are too shrill and sharp to be a perfect imita- 

 tion of the human voice. 



THE CHOUGH. 



This bird, which generally obtains the epithet of Cor- 

 nish, is almost as large as the crow, and nearly of the same 

 shape. The bill, legs, and feet, are red ; but the plumage 

 is wholly black. 



It is capable of a high degree of domestication ; and is 

 remarkable for the uncommon softness of its modulations, 

 when it applies for food to those who caress it, and equally 

 so for its frightful shriek when it is alarmed. 



In its wild state it shows a great timidity of disposition, 

 and seeks the most sequestered retreats to build its nest 

 in. This bird is found in the Alps, and in the island of 

 Crete ; and in our own climate in Ireland and Wales, as 

 well as in the county of Cornwall. 



THE ORIOLE. 



This is a very beautiful bird, common in several parts 

 of Europe, and India ; where it inhabits the woods, and 

 suspends its nest very artfully, between the slender 

 branches on the summits of ancient oaks. It has a loud 

 note, expressing a sound somewhat like its name. 



The oriole is about the size of the thrush. The head 

 and whole body of the male are of a bright yellow colour, 

 and the bill is red. The wings are black, marked with a 

 yellow bar ; and the two middle feathers of the tail are of 

 the same colour, while the rest have yellow tips. The 

 female is of a dull green hue, with dusky wings. 



