RAVENS. 



2/3 



almost be described as a Crow with a long tail, though its beak is shorter and more curved, the wings 

 shorter and more rounded, the tarsi higher, and the plumage softer and thicker than in that bird. The 

 lower part of the breast and the feathers upon the shoulders are white, and the rest of the coat black, 

 with a rich and varied lustre upon its surface. The eyes are brown, the beak and feet black. This 

 species is about one foot six inches long, its breadth one foot ten inches ; the wing measures seven 

 inches, and the tail ten inches. 



The Magpie is met with throughout the whole extent of Europe, in Thibet, Northern Asia, and 

 North Africa : in North America it is represented by a very similar bird : but the distribution of the 

 Magpies is very unequal ; some districts it seems carefully to avoid, and yet in a neighbouring 



the magpie (Pica caudata). 



province it may be found in large numbers. It seldom visits mountains, open plains, or thick forests, 

 but usually inhabits lightly wooded parts of the country, such localities being preferred as are 

 frequented by man, in whom it shows the utmost confidence. In Scandinavia, where it is regarded 

 with the greatest favour, it seeks its food in farmyards or the courts that surround the houses, and 

 builds beneath the roofs. It is always stationary, and never wanders to any great distance from its 

 abode, except during the winter, invariably returning to its old haunts. The movements of the Magpie 

 differ in many respects from those of the Ravens ; its gait is similar, but the tail is borne aloft, to act 

 as a kind of balance to the body of the bird ; its flight is heavy, being effected by sweeping strokes 

 of the wing, and should the -wind be at all high is very unsteady — indeed, as a rule, it never flies, 

 except when compelled to do so in going from one tree to another. As regards its intelligence, and 

 the development of its senses, the Magpie will bear comparison with any of its kindred. In its 

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