198 THE WORLD OF ANIMAL LIFE 



build their nests in a tree by themselves. If they try to do so, the 

 old rooks go and pull the nests to pieces. 



No rook is allowed to steal sticks from another's nest. This 

 rule is very strictly kept, and a rook who breaks it is at once 

 set upon and punished by all its fellows, sometimes even with 

 death. 



More than once a "rook parliament" has been seen. A number 

 of the birds were assembled in a circle, in the middle of which 

 was the culprit, guarded by three or four jailers. The case was 

 tried, sentence pronounced, and the offending rook executed, 

 after which the others flew away. 



THE RAVEN AND CARRION-CROW 



Closely related to the rook are the Raven and the Crow. 

 Unlike the rook, however, they are both solitary in their habits. 

 The former, which is the largest of the family in Europe, lives 

 apart, building in very high trees or on ledges of precipitous rocks. 

 The latter usually builds its nest in some high tree in a wood. 

 Both feed on carrion, and a dead sheep provides them with a feast. 

 But the raven will carry off chickens and rabbits, and will even kill 

 lambs, and if it sees a sick sheep it will attack it and tear out its 

 eyes before it is dead. 



THE BIRDS OF PARADISE (Family Paradis^id^) 



The Birds of Paradise come next to the crows, to which, 

 notwithstanding their gorgeous and elaborate plumage, they are 

 nearly related. The Bower-birds follow, and then the friendly 

 and well-known Starling. 



The Bird of Paradise is found only in New Guinea and the 

 neighbouring islands, and it receives its name from its beautiful 

 plumage. Its back and wings are a rich brown, and the breast a 

 deep violet or purple. The head, which is like velvet, is pale 

 yellow ; and the throat, bright green ; while round the base of the 

 bill, which is greenish, is a broad ring of velvety black. The bird 



