436 FAMILY CORVID^E, OR CROW TRIBE. 



which are possessed by those that feed on hard vegetable sub- 

 stances. The form of their foot, again, adapts them to traverse 

 the fields and pastures 

 with facility, in search 

 of food ; whilst they can 

 also perch with security 

 on trees, as well as make 

 their way among the 

 branches ; for the tarsi 

 and toes are moderately 

 long and stout ; and the 

 claws are arched and 

 acute. The wings are 

 of that form which en- 

 sures a powerful and 



. FIG. 237- FOOT or CARRION CROW. 



regular flight ; steady 



without being heavy, and buoyant without wavering ; for 

 they are broad and of moderate length, and usually rounded at 

 their extremities. The tail, which is chiefly useful as a rudder 

 to direct the course of the Bird in rapid flight, is short in the 

 species that seek their food entirely on the ground, and long in 

 those which reside chiefly in trees and bushes. Their sight is 

 keen, and enables them to discern objects at long distances ; the 

 smell also, in some species, appears to be very acute. Their intel- 

 ligence is much above that of the generality of Birds ; they often 

 show a great deal of sagacity in their natural actions ; and they 

 possess an unusual degree of docility. They are usually of a 

 courageous and active disposition ; but are at the same time 

 extremely vigilant and cautious. Their plumage is rather sombre 

 in most of the species inhabiting temperate climates; but though 

 dark in hue, it is lustrous in its aspect ; and many species of 

 tropical climates exhibit considerable brilliancy and variety in 

 their colouring. The Crows and their allies have, more than any 

 other Birds, the power of adapting themselves to a variety of 

 circumstances ; by which the wide extent of their distribution is 

 partly accounted for. 



394. The Crows, properly so called, have their bills rather 



