THE JACKDAW 



to feed, mingling freely with Rooks, Starlings, and Ring- 

 Doves. It is wary enough in some districts, but in 

 London especially may often be closely approached and 

 watched. Its flight, however, is not so powerful as that 

 of its larger allies, or perhaps it would be more correct to 

 say it is performed by more rapid wing-beats, and is not so 

 deliberate. The birds often wheel and circle in the air 

 in a noisy crowd, especially before retiring to rest. The 

 note of this species is a cackling cry, which, although harsh, 

 is by no means unpleasing, and certainly the most musical 

 of any of the British Crows. This note is subject to 

 much modification, especially in spring, and when a flock 

 unites in chorus the effect is impressive. The food of the 

 Jackdaw consists of worms, grubs, insects, grain, fruit, 

 acorns, beech-mast and even carrion, whilst in London 

 and other cities the bird picks up scraps of bread and 

 other trifles. The Jackdaw pairs for life, and uses the 

 same nesting-place year after year. It is rather late to 

 breed, commencing in April, and eggs may be found 

 through that and the following month. It will make its 

 nest in almost any hole or crevice, but in London holes 

 in trees and buildings, church towers, amongst stone 

 carving, and in chimneys are the usual places. The nest 

 varies much in size, some structures being vast heaps of 

 sticks when situated in spots that allow of repeated addi- 

 tion. If a small hole is used but little nest is made. The 

 usual materials are sticks, and the cavity is lined with 

 dry grass, moss, straws, and leaves, finally lined with fur, 

 wool, and feathers. Usually five eggs are laid, ranging 

 from pale blue to bluish green in ground colour, spotted 

 and blotched with dark brown, olive-biown, and grey. 

 They are much less heavily spotted and generally paler 

 than those of the Rook or the Crow. But one brood is 

 reared, and as soon as the young can fly they resort with 

 their parents to the pastures, joining into flocks for the 

 remainder of the year, although it should be remarked 



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