LITTORAL LAND BIRDS. 265 



now, especially in England, it is most frequently 

 seen along the coast. Here, its favourite retreats 

 and nesting-places are lofty cliffs. From these, its 

 headquarters, it roams far and wide, not only along 

 the shore, but far inland in quest of food. It is a 

 fine sight to see this big sable bird dash out from 

 the cliffs, and fly upwards on powerful wing, 

 croaking and barking as it goes ; or, better still, 

 when male and female toy with and buffet each 

 other high in air, uttering a series of shrill and, 

 sometimes, by no means unmusical notes. The 

 Raven feeds on almost everything in the shape of 

 flesh, carrion, as well as living creatures, indiscrimi- 

 nately. 



This bird is an early breeder. It pairs for 

 life, and continues to frequent one spot for nesting 

 purposes year after year. Formerly many Ravens 

 made their nests in trees, but now the usual situa- 

 tion is some ledge or crevice in a lofty precipice. 

 The nest, added to or repaired each season, is made 

 of sticks, and lined with turf, moss, wool, fur, and 

 hair, and is generally a large, bulky structure. 

 Five eggs are usually laid, bluish-green, blotched 

 and spotted with olive-brown and gray. The 

 Raven very closely resembles the Carrion Crow in 

 colour, but may readily be distinguished by its 

 much larger size. This bird has a very wide 

 distribution over Europe, Northern Asia, and 

 North America. 



