PICA. 



23 



Distribution. Kashmir and the north-west Punjab. According 

 to Hume the Jackdaw is in winter numerous near the foot of the 

 hills and has been found as far east as TJmballa and south to 

 Ferozepore, Jhelum, and Kalabdgh, and it extends into the Dera 

 GluizMvhan District. It appears to be a resident in Kashmir and as 

 far east as the valley of the Beas, throughout which tract it breeds 

 freely. 



It extends into Europe. 



Habits, tyc. The Jackdaw is most frequently observed in the 

 vicinity of cliffs and old buildings, in the holes of which, as well as 

 in holes of trees, it breeds, constructing a nest of sticks lined 

 with soft substances, and laying four to six eggs, which are green 

 marked with various shades of brown and purple, and measure 1*4 

 by -98. 



Genus PICA, Brisson, 1760. 



Two species of Pica occur in India, one identical with the Eng- 

 lish Magpie, the other peculiar to some of the higher parts of the 

 Himalavas. 



Fig. 8. Head of P. rustica. 



Fig. 9. First primary of P. rustica. 



Pica differs from Corvus in having a long graduated tail and 

 a first primary of very peculiar shape. In habits the two genera 

 are not very dissimilar. The Magpies are, however, more addicted 

 to well-wooded districts ; they are equally wary and they are almost 



