118 CORVID^E. 



The female is smaller in size, the tail is shorter, and the 

 plumage less brilliant. 



Specimens varying in the colour of their plumage occur 

 occasionally. 



Malformations of the beak, similar to that represented in 

 the vignette at page 90, and still further approaching the 

 form of the mandibles in the true Crossbills, have occurred 

 in the Magpie ; and Mr. John Black wall, in his published 

 Researches in Zoology, page 173, notices a similar instance 

 in the Jackdaw. This specimen, now deposited in the 

 Museum of the Society established in Manchester for the 

 promotion of Natural History, was observed to be in 

 excellent condition, though killed in the month of January ; 

 a convincing proof, as Mr. Black wall observes, that the 

 bird had acquired great expertness in the management of 

 its singularly-formed bill. 





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