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THE HOODED-CROW. 

 (Corvus comix.) 



The Hooded Crow walks well, with head erect, moving 

 its tail right and left as it goes. Its flight is easy, using 

 comparatively little movement of the wings. This Crow 

 usually makes its nest in the tops of high trees, prefer- 

 ably in one standing alone in a field; but sometimes on 

 rocks. It does not build in colonies but usually settles 

 alone, though occasionally two or three pairs will build 

 on the edge of a wood or in a small plantation. The 

 nest consists of twigs, roots, and grass ; the hollow of 

 the nest being safely lined; in the spring it contains 

 four to six eggs of a light green colour speckled with 

 grey and brown marks. 



In mild seasons this bird has been known to pair, as 

 early as the end of February, but the usual time is 

 March. Then the construction and arrangements of the 

 nest begins. The female bird, only, sits on the eggs; 

 the male guards the nest and provides the food. When 

 near the nest, he is a courageous, even daring bird, able 

 to keep off such enemies as the Hawk or the Eagle. His 

 cry is " kdr, kdr." 



The Hooded Crow is a clever intelligent bird. It 

 easily adapts itself to circumstances; the wave-lashed 

 rock, or the icy peak, are as acceptable to it as green 

 meadows, or the palms and sycamores of Egypt; the 

 woods, as welcome as the heart of the snug village, as 

 the tiny garden round a peasant's hut. It is omnivorous ; 

 so long as it can find food in forest or field, on the sea 

 shore or river bank, it avoids the proximity of man ; but 

 when winter comes, it settles near inhabited districts and 



