PERCHING BIRDS. 131 



had remained on the tree a quiet spectator of the 

 combat. 



In February, 1855, I passed through a field where a 

 dead horse was lying, on which two shepherd dogs were 

 making their repast. A pair of hooded crows, attracted 

 by the carrion, came sailing by, and alighted on the 

 ground within a few yards of the carcase ; both the 

 dogs immediately ceased their feast and sprang at the 

 birds with a growl, driving them off to a short distance. 

 Nothing daunted, the birds returned, and again were 

 driven off, and this was repeated many times, on each 

 occasion the birds approaching nearer the horse until 

 they settled down on the carcase within two feet or so 

 of the dogs ; but they were excessively wary, and if 

 either of the dogs ceased eating, or raised his head, the 

 crows sprang to the wing in a moment ; and in this way 

 they managed to secure a portion of the coveted food. 

 It was during a severe frost, which perhaps had sharpened 

 their appetites and rendered them more fearless than 

 usual. 



The food of the hooded crow during its inland sojourn 

 seems to be chiefly carrion, worms, and grubs, and they 

 likewise devour eggs. I once watched one flying near 

 the island in Thoresby Lake, where a party of five 

 herons sat preening their feathers, while a sixth was 

 sailing overhead. On the approach of the crow the 

 heron on the wing immediately gave chase, uttering 

 shrill cries ; hoodie, however, exhibited no boldness this 

 time, but sneaked away without delay. The island is 

 covered with tall trees, in which the herons build one or 

 two nests each spring, but the eggs are usually destroyed 

 by the carrion crow ; possibly the hoodie was mistaken 

 for one of bis sable brethren, and hence the attack. 



K 2 



