132 Handbook of Nature-Study 



Observations — i . How large is the crow compared with other black- 

 birds? 



2. Describe its colors when seen in the sunlight? 



3. Describe the general shape of the crow. 



4. Are its wings long and slender or short and stout? 



5. Is the tail long or short? Is it notched or straight across the end? 



6. Describe the crow's feet. Are they large and strong or slender? 

 How many toes does the track show in the snow or mud? How many 

 are directed forward and how many backward? 



7. Describe a crow's flight compared with that of the hawk. 



8. Describe its beak and what it is used for. 



9. What is the color of the crow's eye? 



10. When hunting for food does the crow hop or walk? 



11. Which are the crow's nearest relatives? 



12. Where and of what material do the crows build their nests? 



13. Describe the eggs. At what time of the year do the young crows 

 hatch? Do both parents take care of and feed the young? How long 

 do the parents care for the young after they leave the nest? 



14. What are the notes of the crow? If you have heard one give any 

 note except "caw," describe it. 



15. Where and how do crows live in winter? Where do they live in 

 summer? 



16. Do they post sentinels if they are feeding in the fields? If so, 

 describe the action of the sentinel on the approach of people. 



17. Upon what do the crows feed? What is fed to the nestlings? 



18. How do the crows work injury to the farmer? How do they 

 benefit the farmer? Do you think they do more benefit than harm to the 

 farmer and fruit-grower? 



19. Have you known of instances of the crow's fondness for shining 

 or glittering articles, like pieces of crockery or tin? 



Supplementary reading — "The Story of Silver Spot" in Wild Animals 

 I have Known, Seton; Second Book of Birds, p. 117; "Jim's Babies" in 

 Nestlings of Forest and Marsh ; "How the Crow Baby was Punished," True 

 Bird Stories; "The Children of a Crow," and "The Scare Crow" by Ceha 

 Thaxter; Our Birds and their Nestlings; "Crow Ways," Ways of Wood 

 Folk, Long; "Not so Black as he is Painted," Outdoor Studies, Needham; 

 The Crows, John Hay; "Jack Crow," American Birds, Finley. 



