348 INSESSORES. CORVUS. RAVEN. 



scarcely exceed in size those of the Carrion Crow. It breeds 

 very early in the year, commencing nidification about the 

 middle of February. During incubation, the female is regu- 

 larly attended; and fed by the male bird, who also occasion- 

 ally occupies her place. At this season they are very bold, 

 and will not permit any Hawk or other bird to approach 

 their haunt with impunity. They pair for life, and return 

 every year to the same spot to breed. When the young be- 

 come fully fledged, and are able to provide for themselves,^ 

 the parent birds drive them away from the neighbourhood. 

 In fine weather, Ravens fly at a considerable height, and 

 perform various rapid manoeuvres ; and, whilst thus engaged, 

 they utter a peculiar and quickly repeated note, unlike their 

 usual hoarse and disagreeable croak. The Raven is a very 

 long lived bird ; but the period of its years has never been 

 accurately ascertained, and is probably a little exaggerated in 

 fable. 



PLATE 67 *. A male, in the proportion of four-fifths of the 



natural size. 



General Bill very strong, nearly three inches in length, black. 

 Nostrils covered with bristly feathers, reaching to half 

 the length of the bill. Irides with two circles, the outer 

 one brown, the inner grey. The whole of the plumage 

 black, the upper part glossed with blue. Throat-fea- 

 thers narrow, raised and acuminated ; those of the hin- 

 der part of the neck being long, loose, and silky. Tail 

 more than half the length of the body, considerably 

 rounded at the end, and the feathers bent slightly up- 

 wards. Legs and toes plated, black. Claws black, 

 strong, and much curved. 



