BRITISH BIRDS. 



THE ROOK. 



(Corvus frugilegus y Linn. Corbeau Freux, Temm.) 



Is about the size of the Carrion Crow, and in its 

 figure very much resembles it. The base of the 

 bill and nostrils, as far as the eyes, is covered with 

 a rough scabrous skin, in which it differs from all 

 the rest of the genus, caused, it is said, by thrusting 

 its bill into the earth in search of worms,* but as 

 the same appearance has been observed in such as 

 have been brought up tame and unaccustomed to 



* It is curious to observe the effectual method they take to secure 

 their prey entire ; they first seize the worm by the head, and pull 

 it out as far as they can, so as not to break it, and then place their 

 foot upon this part, till they can safely extricate the whole from its 

 hole in the earth. 



