( 152) 



Having nothing to recommend it in plumage, unfit for food, 

 and being a notorious pest, this much despised and abundant spe- 

 cies would have long since become extinct, were it not for its vigi- 

 lance and sagacity, which it possesses in a degree unsurpassed by 

 any of the feathered tribe. Its thieving propensities are not only 

 directed against the husbandman, but it delights in robbing the 

 nests of other birds of their eggs, for which it is attacked by the 

 injured party, until compelled to abandon its piratical design. 

 Among its assailants, none are more formidable than the renowned 

 King-bird, from whose fury and courage it seldom escapes without 

 paying dearly for its intrusive visits. 



The only redeeming trait of character which we can relate in 

 the history of this mischievous and noisy bird, is the removing of 

 thousands of destructive insects previous to the season of planting. 

 Yet branded an outlaw, it roams about, receiving favor from none, 

 and despised by all. 



In the month of April, and sometimes in the latter part of March, 

 the Crow commences building its nest. For this purpose it retires 

 to the woods. The nest, which is formed of a variety of materials, 

 such as sticks, hair, wool, and moss, is usually placed among the 

 higher branches of the tallest trees ; the eggs, which are four, and 

 sometimes five in number, are of a brown color, tinged with green, 

 and marked with small spots and blotches of blackish-brown. Du- 

 ring the time of hatching, the male is very attentive to his mate — 

 and occasionally shares with her the task of incubation. From the 

 time it commences preparing its nest until the young are able to fly, 

 its loud and coarse cry is seldom heard — no doubt adopting this si- 

 lent manner that its nest may escape observation. 



With us, this species is only partially migratory ; many remain 

 during winter. At that season, when food is difficult to be pro- 

 cured, it becomes less shy, and is readily killed by baiting it with 

 the carcasses of dead horses or other quadrupeds. Though noted 

 for its shy, suspicious, and unsociable disposition, still, when taken 

 young, it is easily raised and domesticated. 



