io6 THE BIRDS OF THE WOODS 



of fields and habitations, and also in small groups of trees in level country, and on 

 the banks of rivers, for these birds are never met with in mountains unless they 

 are there on a short expedition in quest of food. The nests are built in the tops 

 of trees near inhabited places, and are composed of sticks and twigs, occasionally 

 lined with a little turf, and plastered with mud. They contain a few scraps of moss 

 and wool, and are so loosely put together that, when thrown down from a tree they 

 fall to pieces, which is not the case with most nests that from a distance appear to 

 be of similar construction. While the nests are building, many quarrels take place, 

 but so soon as incubation begins the rooks live in peace together. When the 

 young are able to take care of themselves, they go off with the old birds, and only 

 come back to the rookery at night. In July longer excursions are made, and other 

 sleeping - places chosen, till at last the young birds travel together to the 

 south to pass the winter. In some rookeries, however, the birds remain all 

 the year round, and it is only the young ones that are sent on their journeys. 

 Those that migrate to southern Europe and northern Africa divide up into smaller 

 parties after their arrival. In February and March such of these birds as have 

 migrated return to breed. Rooks are found, locally, all over Europe and western 

 Asia, but in the south of Europe they are only seen when migrating to Africa. 

 They are much like the carrion-crow in character and habits, but more timid, 

 and will, if they can, avoid attack, even from the magpie. At all seasons they 

 congregate in large flocks, frequently associating with jackdaws and starlings. 

 They are practically omnivorous, although they subsist largely on worms and 

 insect larvas, in search of which they probe and bore deep into the ground with 

 their pointed beaks. To this proceeding was formerly attributed the absence in 

 the adult of feathers at the base of the beak, but there seems to be no doubt that 

 the feathers really drop off by themselves so soon as the bird reaches a certain 

 age, and are not worn away. The rook is easily recognised by this featherless 

 beak, and also by the grey bases of its body-feathers, as compared with the white 

 bases of those of the carrion-crow. 



The magpie (Pica rustica) lives among trees, although not in 

 extensive forests, and never on high mountains. On the Continent, 

 as well as in England, it is never met with in uninhabited places, but always where 

 there are parks or gardens. In winter the magpie will travel long distances, but 

 at other times it is a resident bird, and does not leave its home for more than a 

 few miles. It seeks its food on the skirts of the woods, among the underwood on 

 the banks of rivers, and on marshes, in meadows and fields, and also on the shore, 

 if it lives near the sea. Even from a distance it cannot be mistaken for any other 

 bird, on account of its colour, shape, style of flight — and, above all, its voice. 

 Much slower on the wing than the crows, it has a habit of flying round a gap, 

 from one tree to another, as if to avoid the risk of crossing. It can also be easily 

 identified by its movements on the ground, where it walks slowly, with an 

 occasional hop and a tilt of its tail. The magpie, like all its family, is attracted 

 by glittering objects, which it hides in its nest. It robs other birds' nests, attacking 

 the owners unexpectedly, and chasing the young about till they are tired and fall 

 an easy prey. It also feeds on insects, worms, and fruits. Its well-known cry is 



