336 Caxakies and Cage-Birds. 



habit of often selecting a church tower or old ruin wherein to build its nest, though it also builds 

 in holes of trees and in cliffs. Instances are recorded of their sometimes even taking possession 

 of a deserted rabbit-warren. This bird should be fed and treated as the Raven. 



The Chough is another jet-black bird, with the exception of its bright-red legs and beak, 

 which latter is long and thin. This bird is also sometimes kept as a pet, and will become 

 very tame. It should be treated as the Raven. 



The Magpie is so well known as to make description superfluous, though perhaps many 

 casual observers have little idea that the black in its plumage (which contrasts so markedly with 

 the very pure white) is shaded, especially upon the lower part of the back and the tail, with 

 varied rays of glistening sheen that rival the beauty of the peacock itself Its thieving propen- 

 sities have occasioned many a tale, and one naturally associates the bird with silver spoons and 

 the "Maid and the Magpie." These pilfering habits have often occasioned the Magpie to be 

 confined in a cage, though from its extreme liveliness and vivacity it seems a shame to have 

 to debar it of liberty, especially when reared from the nest, as it is exceedingly tame in its 

 disposition, and apart from its immoral notions of property, becomes a very nice pet. It is 

 easily taught to talk, and if allowed to range the house invariably contracts either great friendship 

 or antipathy for the dog, cat, or any other rival. 



When wild the Magpie is the terror of all small birds, and as it oftentimes preys upon their 

 young, they often band together in order to drive off the intruder, especially during the breeding 

 season. The appetite of this bird is not at all dainty, and young rabbits, carrion, insects, fruit, 

 and grain all serve to meet its requirements. The nest is deserving of notice, being a very 

 elaborate specimen of architecture, generally built in a thick hedgetop or the highest branches 

 of a tall tree, and having a canopy built over it as a protection. The Magpie should be fed 

 similarly to the Raven. 



The Jay is an especially handsome bird, the delicate light fawn-colour of its general 

 plumage contrasting most effectively with the bright blue, black and white bars on the 

 wings ; the feathers upon its head are long, and capable of being elevated as a crest. This 

 bird invariably inhabits woods or the neighbouring trees, and after the young have left the 

 nest they generally accompany the parent birds, living in bands, and then becoming a 

 complete terror to all the small birds around, whose eggs and young often fall victims to 

 their voracious appetite. The Jay otherwise feeds upon acorns, fruits, beechmast, worms, cock- 

 chafers, and other insects, as well as mice, frogs, and small reptiles. 



Jays are of an inquisitive and garrulous disposition, and their true note is decidedly 

 harsh ; but they have great powers of mimicry, and may be taught to imitate a variety 

 of sounds, even learning to talk slightly. A Jay may be confined in a large cage, or 

 if very tame may be allowed to range the house. Feed as for the Raven. 



The Starling is a very handsome bird, and is especially beautiful when the sun shines 

 upon its glossy speckled feathers as it runs upon the lawn searching for worms or insects. 

 It is of a very garrulous disposition, as indeed many can testify who have been awakened 

 by its peculiar screaming (it cannot be dignified by the name of song), while in the early 

 morning it sits perched upon a neighbouring chimney-pot. They often build in a spout on 

 the roof of a house, or in the holes of trees, a very loosely constructed nest, with several 



