How to Name the Birds 



23 



External Structure. — Crows and Jays, with few exceptions, have a 

 stout, rather long blunt bill, the nostrils are covered by projecting stiff, 

 hair-like feathers; the feet are strong, the scales on the tarsi being 

 clearly marked. The outer tail-feathers are usually the shortest, this 

 being especially true of the Jays. 



Appearance and Habits. — Our species are too well known to require 



AMERICAN CROW 



Family Corvidce 

 One-third natural size 



description. It is to be noted, however, that Crows are more terrestrial 

 than Jays and are walkers, the latter being arboreal, and, consequently, 

 hoppers. Crows, in the winter, gather in great flocks and frequent a 

 common roost, while Jays at this season are usually found in small com- 

 panies. Both our Crows and Blue Jay migrate by day. 



