266 CASSELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



Large numbers of Rooks are destroyed during their migrations, which arc made in flocks of 

 incredible magnitude ; whilst flying in this manner from place to place they may sometimes be seen to 

 delay their course for half an hour at a time, merely to enjoy the pleasure of hovering or performing a 

 variety of evolutions on the wing, descending somewhat in their flight as they pass over mountains, 

 and soaring high into the air when about to cross lowland districts ; sometimes, as though again 

 wishing to alight, they plunge directly earthwards, falling like a lifeless mass from two hundred feet 

 above the ground, and then fly gently onwards for a short distance before again ascending to continue 

 their journey. In the southern part of Europe, and in the north of Africa, the flocks are seldom met 

 with of the enormous size above described, as before reaching so great a distance these large bodies 

 have separated, and gone to spread themselves in less destructive numbers over the countries they 

 select as winter quarters ; despite this precaution, thousands perish from starvation, and we ourselves 

 have seen hundreds covering the ground near Suez, the weary travellers not having found the food 

 which they had come so far to seek. 



THE JACKDAW. 



The Jackdaw {Moncdula turrium) is a very small species of Raven, distinguished from its 

 congeners by its short, strong, straight beak, which is but slightly curved. The length of this bird 

 does not exceed twelve inches, or twelve and three-quarters, its breadth is from twenty-four to twenty- 

 five inches, the wing measures eight and a half inches, and the tail five inches. The plumage is 

 deep black upon the forehead and top of the head, the back of the head and nape being dark grey; 

 the upper part of the body is blue black, and the lower portions slate colour or pale black. The 

 young are recognisable by their lighter tints and the grey colour of the eye. The Jackdaw is found 

 throughout most of the countries of Europe and in many parts of Asia, occupying some places in 

 large numbers, and entirely avoiding other districts with a fastidiousness for which we are unable to 

 account : steeples, towers, or old buildings are the situations it prefers for building purposes, but 

 it will also make its nests upon high trees or even shrubs. The disposition of this species is lively 

 and its habits extremely social ; indeed, it may be said to possess the gifts of the Crow, with but few 

 of its disagreeable qualities. When upon the wing the flight of the Jackdaw is not unlike that of a 

 Pigeon, and its mode of rising, falling, or performing a variety of evolutions remarkably graceful and 

 easy. Its voice is capable of considerable development, and, like many other members of this 

 family, it has but little difficulty in imitating human speech and other sounds ; it chatters almost 

 incessantly during the breeding season, but not offensively, for its tones are soft and very varied. 

 Large quantities of insects, snails, and worms are devoured by these useful birds : they will seek their 

 food in the streets or follow in the wake of the ploughman as he turns up the clods and lays the 

 concealed grubs bare to their hungry beaks ; they hunt for mice, young birds, and eggs with great 

 dexterity, and will also feed upon roots, leaves, corn, and fruit. 



Late in the autumn the Jackdaws leave us for warmer regions in company with the Rook, though 

 but rarely journeying as far as that bird. The spring is usually far advanced before they return to 

 their native haunts and commence their work of building or repairing their nests, which are extremely 

 rude, being roughly formed of twigs or straw, and lined with hair, feathers, or hay. During these 

 building operations the settlement is a constant scene of quarrelling, one bird stealing from another 

 with the greatest audacity and cunning, and taking possession not only of the materials but of the 

 places selected by their neighbours as snug and desirable localities. The young are fed upon insects 

 and tended with great affection by their parents, who will also defend them from an enemy with much 

 courage. Should an Owl or Buzzard venture to approach the colony, it is received with loud cries 

 and immediately driven off by the infuriated Jackdaws, who often pursue the intruder to the distance 



