CAGE BIRDS 205 



earthworms, etc. If it is not desired to cage the pet, it may 

 be given its liberty, full-winged or clipped, and it will sel- 

 dom stray. Crows not infrequently croak a word or two, 

 but they seldom do more. 



The Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula) is the only European 

 Crow-like bird which is commonly imported here. It is 

 smaller than the American crow, black in color, with gray 

 nape and white eyes. Pure albinos, most of which come 

 from Austria, are imported in some numbers each autumn, 

 and are very attractive when given space enough to keep 

 themselves clean. 



The European Magpie {Pica pica pica) differs from the 

 American bird {P. p. hudsonica) , chiefly in its smaller size, 

 and is too well known to require description. With its 

 striking black and white plumage and long tail, it is a grace- 

 ful and ornamental species. Young birds readily learn to 

 speak a little and gifted individuals often are able to repeat 

 sentences of several words. 



The European Jay (Garrulus glandarius) is consider- 

 ably larger than our Blue Jay. It is gray, tinged with 

 vinous, in general color, with the forehead white, streaked 

 with black. There is a mustache of black, the tail and 

 wings being mostly of the same color. Many of the wing 

 coverts are beautifully barred with cobal't and black. The 

 Jay is a handsome, active bird, and frequently more than 

 an indifferent talker. 



