26o 



cassell's book of birds. 



contend with buffaloes, elephants, cattle, or horses, but is compelled to rest content with following 

 them and relieving such as are tormented with various parasites to which they are liable the 

 poor creatures often allowing the Vulture Raven to peck their hides till the blood flows rather than 

 endure the perpetual irritation from which they suffer so severely. The nest of the Vulture Raven is 

 built in October, and placed upon the branches of a tree ; it is formed of twigs, lined with some soft 

 material. The four eggs of which a brood is composed are green, spotted with brown. This species 

 never migrates, but remains from one year's end to another near the same locality ; occasionally it 

 associates with its congeners, but never partakes of the food on which they subsist. 



THE scapulated raven [Pierocorax scapulatus). 



THE SCAPULATED RAVEN. 

 The Scapulated Raven (Pterocorax scapulatus) is a small species inhabiting Africa from 

 eighteen degrees north latitude, distinguished by its peculiar plumage and moderate sized beak. The 

 feathers are of a rich glossy black, except upon the upper part of the breast, which is of a dazzling 

 white, as is also a broad patch over the scapular region ; these lighter portions gleam like satin, and 

 the deeper tints are brightened by a metallic lustre ; the eye is light brown, the beak and feet black. 

 The length of this bird is about eighteen inches, the wing measures thirteen inches, and the tail six 

 inches. Throughout the whole of Soudan and the lower parts of Abyssinia the Scapulated Raven 

 is found living in pairs, which rarely assemble in small parties, and appear to avoid mountain 

 districts. In its general appearance this species is not unlike the Magpie ; its flight is light, rapid, 

 and hovering, and as it rises in the air with pointed wings and rounded tail fully displayed, after the 



