ORDER PASSERES. 333 



are sometimes found also in hollow trees ; and it has been 

 said by Pennant and others, that the daw will, in some parts 

 of England, build also in rabbit-holes ; this, however, seems 

 doubtful, especially as it does not appear to have been 

 observed on the continent. In other parts of Europe the 

 daws are generally migratory. 



They feed on fruit, worms, larvae, and insects themselves, 

 and do not touch carrion unless impelled by hunger. Like 

 the raven and the pie, they have a strong disposition to hide 

 whatever they can get possession of, when tamed, to which 

 they submit easily, and may be taught to articulate words. 



This species has a considerable tendency to vary, and the 

 white-collared daw, the white daw with a yellow cere, the 

 black daw with a white head, and daws with white wings 

 and shoulders, have been noticed either as distinct species or 

 varieties. 



The Common Magpie is the type of Cuvier's subgenus of 

 Pica, distinguished by the convex upper mandible, and the 

 long and cuneiform tail. This, in the magpie, has the two 

 middle feathers of the same length, but the side feathers 

 decrease rapidly in succession ; about the neck the feathers 

 are loose. It is one of the most beautiful species of this 

 country, but loses much of its lustre in a state of captivity. 

 The magpie is very common in England, and feeds both on 

 animal and vegetable substances, frequently killing young 

 ducks and chickens. It is said also occasionally to pick out 

 the eyes of lambs, hares, &c., if weak ; it also eats insects, 

 fruits, and even grain. 



No birds display more industry in the construction of their 

 nests ; they generally select the summit of the highest trees, 

 especially if standing alone or in a row ; but in forests, or 

 very retired situations, they sometimes chuse a mere bush 

 for the purpose. The male and female begin this work 

 together in February, placing the nest, not, like the rook, in 



