168 BRITISH BIRDS WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGs. 
remembers that all these fellows, impudent as they are cunning, do nothing else 
during the long summer days, from early dawn to sunset, but plunder the nests 
of other birds, from the Lark to the Eagle (Dresser), one would indeed wonder 
that there are still any birds, other than Hooded Crows, left in the world. By 
all means let us nurture and protect our little bird friends in every possible 
manner, more especially by abstaining from destroying any small shrubbery or 
bush, the sole use of which may, perhaps, be that it affords some small songster 
a hidden nook for its nest; above everything, however, let us aim at compassing 
the destruction of Hooded Crows unsparingly, year in year out, by all the means 
placed at our command.” 
The nidification of this species is similar to that of the Carrion Crow; in 
Ireland it commences about the middle of March, but in Scotland later; the nest 
does not differ from that of C. corone, and is similarly situated, although it has 
been found built on the roofs of huts, according to Gray. The eggs are precisely 
like those of the Carrion Crow in all their varieties. 
The cries of this species and of C. corvone are indistinguishable, and the food 
is the same; but the Hooded Crow is bolder and even more destructive. 
Dixon is the only Ornithologist who seems to have a good word to say for 
this Crow; he says:—‘‘I must confess that, in spite of the dark tales of plunder 
and his questionable mode of getting a livelihood, the Hooded Crow is a favourite 
bird of mine, and his habits and regular movements never fail to interest me.” 
Many readers of his life have doubtless held similar views with regard to Jack 
Sheppard. 
As a matter of fact there appears to be no redeeming point in the character 
of the Hoodie, he is a scourge when wild and when kept as a pet; not only 
useless, but dangerous so long as he is alive: when dead, however, Herr Gatke 
tells us that the Heligolanders esteem him as an article of food. Lord Lilford 
says that ‘‘the habits of the bird are always abominable, and although, from the 
accident of its not nesting in our county, we are not exposed to the detriment 
from this thief to which those dwelling on the other side of the Tweed are 
subject, we have no plea to urge in defence of the Grey Crow, and hold him as 
a sturdy vagrant to be summarily dealt with at all times and in all places. We 
should be sorry to exterminate any bird; but this one could be better spared than 
any other with which we are acquainted.” 
