128 BIRDS OF OHIO. 



is the only person who reports its occurrence at the present 

 time. Other residents of Fulton county corroborate Mr. 

 Mikesell's statement. Apparently it has been in the habit 

 of nesting in that corner of the state and in the adjoining 

 parts of Indiana. Doubtless the next decade will witness 

 its complete extinction from the state. 



176. (488.) CORVUS AMERICANUS Aud. 124. 

 American Crow. 



Synonyms: Corvus frugivorus, C. corone. 



.Crow, Common Crow. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162. 



Our common Crow is resident in some numbers in the 

 southern portion of the state, and may be found in small 

 numbers in favorable places even to the lake sMre. Cold, 

 snowy winters are likely to drive most if not a adrviduals 

 south at least to the center of the state. The northward 

 movement of the Crow host reaches Lorain county early in 

 March, but it is almost wholly dependent upon weather con- 

 ditions. Not infrequently small companies of these birds 

 may be seen moving north during the last week of February. 

 Considerable numbers remain well into December in all but 

 exceptionally cold winters which begin early. 



It is well known that the Crow is a social bird to an un- 

 usual degree, except when nesting. Crow "Roosts" are 

 readily located by noting the converging lines of flight dur- 

 ing the afternoon in spring and fall, and in winter in the 

 southern counties. 



It would be superfluous to discuss the food habits of this 

 interesting bird here. The reader can obtain an exhaustive 

 paper upon the Crow by writing to the Secretary of Agri- 

 culture, Washington, D. C. The evidence which will be 

 found there is slightly favorable to the Crow. But it must 

 be admitted that during planting time he is a mischievous 

 bird, and then may deserve a warm reception. But that he 

 does eat many insects which destroy quantities of grain must 

 also be freely admitted. 



