204 BIRDS 



Crows, Jays and Magpies 



The Crow Family (Corvid^) is one in which the Amer- 

 icas are particularly rich. Unfortunately, most of our own 

 species may not legally be kept in captivity, while tropical 

 forms are seldom available. The Old World also contains 

 a great number of corvine birds, many of which are seen 

 on occasion, but only a very few are imported so frequently 

 as to be readily obtainable. 



None of the birds of this group is really suitable for 

 cage life. They should be given the run of a good-sized 

 aviary, where they can have sufficient space to keep them in 

 good condition. Hand-reared specimens remain very tame 

 and often learn to speak a few words. The practice, which 

 once prevailed, of slitting the tongue, with the idea of 

 facilitating speech, is as inefficient as it is barbaric. Crows 

 and Jays are especially subject to colds and roup, and al- 

 though the northern species can endure unlimited cold, con- 

 tinued exposure to dampness is certain eventually to prove 

 fatal. No bird of this family should ever be trusted with 

 anything smaller or weaker than itself. Crows and Jays 

 are not very particular as to what they eat, hardly any- 

 thing edible being amiss. Some sort of coarse, soft food, 

 with rice, bread, biscuit, raw or slightly cooked meat, in- 

 sects and occasional young birds and mice, will provide a 

 well-varied menu. 



The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchus) and its 

 various forms are the pets of boyhood wherever they are 

 found. Unfortunate, indeed, is the child whose environ- 

 ment has never included a young crow! Easily obtained 

 and almost as easily reared, no bird could better meet the 

 demands of the youthful pet-lover. If taken from the nest 

 when half ^rown, crows are easily brought up on meat 

 (preferably partly cooked), bread or biscuit crumbs, eggs, 



