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The Canada Jay has most of the characteristics of the Blue Jay in an 
exaggerated form. Every camper in the northern woods knows Whiskey 
Jack. No sooner is a new camp fire lighted than it appears, looking 
expectantly for waste scraps. The offal from dressed game is eagerly 
sought and hardly has the sound of the rifle shot died away before the 
Whiskey Jack is on hand and expectant. Vocally the bird has all sorts 
of surprises for the uninitiated. In fact, in its proper habitat any bird 
sound that cannot be referred to any other possible species may be ten- 
tatively attributed to the Canada Jay. 
Economic Status. A bird of the unbroken forests, and only rarely 
seen in populated areas. Its status is probably very similar to that of 
the Blue Jay, but its retired habitat removes it from any conflict with 
the agriculturist. 
Subfamily—Corvine. Crows. 
The Crows form a well marked subfamily of remarkably similar 
appearance. They are common almost everywhere and a reference to 
Plate XXVA is sufficient description. The European Rook belongs 
to this division. 
486. Raven. FR.—LE CORBEAU. Corvus corax. L. 22. Like the Crow (Plate 
XXvV A) but larger. 
- Distinctions. The Raven is in general appearance a very large Crow. The most 
obvious distinction is the long pointed shape of the feathers on the throat, each lying 
distinct on the other and not softly blended together as in the Crow. 
Field Marks. In addition to size, which is always an uncertain criterion in wide open 
spaces, the voice is the most certain guide. The croak of the Raven is hoarse and rattling, 
not clear and distinct like the caw of the Crow. However, young Crows have notes almost 
indistinguishable from those of the Raven and where both species occur, vocal characters 
are not always reliable guides. When one sees a Raven one can easily imagine marked 
characteristics of form and flight, but it must be confessed that they seldom become 
obvious to the ordinary observer until after the identity has been determined. 
Nesting. Usually on cliff ledges, sometimes in trees; in nest of sticks. 
Distribution. The species is found in both the Old and the New World far into the 
polar regions, where its black coat against the general whiteness sounds a warning against 
too ready tendency to stretch the protective coloration theory to cover the whole of animated 
creation. It once occupied all of Canada, but now is restricted to the most unsettled parts 
in the north and southward along the mountain ranges of both coasts to well into the 
United States. 
SUBSPECIES. The Raven is divided into several geographical races. The Euro- 
pean is the type form. In Canada, we have the Northern Raven C. c. principalis. 
The differences between them are slight. 
The Raven is traditionally a bird of ill-omen. Sombre of colour, 
dismal in voice, solitary and wild of habit, it fills in the north the place 
of the Vulture in the south. The Raven holds aloof from the haunts of 
men. As civilization has advanced into the primeval vastnesses, the 
Raven, unlike its close relative the Crow, has retired and is to-day what 
it was in the beginning, a bird of the wilderness. Knowing only the 
physical requirements and food habits of the two species, one would 
naturally think that the Raven could thrive as well under civilization 
as the Crow. It is omnivorous and can adjust itself to almost any food 
supply. It is hardy and can live in climates and under conditions where 
its weaker congener can not exist, yet for some unexplained cause, the 
Crow increases and the Raven disappears when settlement advances. 
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