100 BRITISH BIRDS’ EGGS. 
JACKDAW. 
Corvus MonEDuLA, Linn. 
Pl. XVI, figs. 1-4. 
Geogr. distr.—Europe generally, but rather local ; western Asia and 
northern Africa : common and resident in Great Britain. 
Food.—Insects, worms, Mollusca, reptiles, birds’ eggs, carrion, 
seeds, peas, and fruits. 
Nest.—Bulky and careless; the foundation of sticks and straws, 
upon which are heaped feathers, wool, flue, or any soft rubbish. 
Position of nest.—In holes and clefts of cliffs, old church towers, 
ruins, chimneys, &c.; has been known to build in trees. 
Number of eggs, 4-7; rarely more than 6. 
Time of nidification—V. 
The Jackdaw is rather inclined to be gregarious, four or 
five nests being frequently found in the same church-tower ; 
whilst in the holes in the cliffs at Dover many pairs breed 
every year, so that in the evening one hears their sharp 
ery—‘‘ chark’—incessantly. This sound has doubtless 
suggested the name “‘ Jack,” by which the bird, whether 
wild or domesticated, is universally known in our country. 
As a pet the Jackdaw is extremely entertaining, but at 
the same time is always on the look-out for a piece of 
mischief; he is also an incorrigible thief, and if any glitter- 
ing object comes under his notice he will watch for an 
opportunity to seize and hide it: in avoiding a missile or 
catching a dainty morsel his dexterity is marvellous, and 
the dodging or catching appears to be done without the 
least effort; it is never overdone. 
A gentleman with whom I sometimes travel found a nest 
of a Jackdaw built in part of an old chimney-pot, and con- 
sisting wholly of flue, probably collected from the sweepings 
of the house: such as I have seen in niches in old church 
towers have usually consisted chiefly of straw and feathers 
upon a few rough sticks; they could hardly be called nests, 
having more the appearance of a collection of rubbish 
loosely thrown together as a bed for the eggs. 
