FISH CROW. 131 
country that the Crows engage at times in general combat ; 
but it has never been ascertained whether this hostility arises 
from civil discord, or the opposition of ¢wo different species 
contesting for some exclusive privilege of subsisting ground. 
It is well known that Rooks often contend with each other, 
and drive away by every persecuting means individuals who 
arrive among them from any other rookery. 
Note. — The FLoripa Crow (C. americanus floridanus) differs 
from true americanus in having the wings and tail shorter, and the 
bill and feet larger. It is restricted to southern Florida. 
FISH CROW. 
CORVUS OSSIFRAGUS. 
Cuar. Black glossed with steel-blue. Length 15 to 17% inches. 
Nest. Ona tree; of sticks and twigs firmly laid, lined with leaves. 
Eggs. 5-7; sea-green or olive, blotched and spotted with brown; 
1.50 X 1.05. 
Wilson was the first to observe the distinctive traits of this 
smaller and peculiar American species of Crow along the sea- 
coast of Georgia. It is met with as far north as the coast of 
New Jersey; and although we did not see it in the western 
interior of the continent, it is common on the banks of the 
Oregon, where it was nesting in the month of April. It 
keeps apart from the common species, and instead of assem- 
bling to roost among the reeds at night, retires, towards 
evening, from the shores which afford it a subsistence, and 
perches in the neighboring woods. Its notes, probably various, 
are at times hoarse and guttural, at others weaker and higher. 
These Crows pass most of their time near rivers, hovering over 
the stream to catch up dead and perhaps living fish, or other 
animal matters which float within their reach; at these they 
dive with considerable celerity, and seizing them in their claws, 
convey them to an adjoining tree, and devour the fruits of 
their predatory industry at leisure. They also snatch up water- 
