CROWS— CARRION CROW 227 



black and white, is, however, exceptional among its 

 relatives in possessing a most enchanting flute-like 

 song, to which it gives utterance at frequent intervals. 



The eyes of Crows are bright and intelligent in 

 expression. The wariness and sagacity of these birds, 

 indeed, is well known, and these traits have doubtless 

 been further developed on account of the constant 

 persecution to which they have for ages been sub- 

 jected by agriculturists, who are their sworn enemies 

 in consequence of the injury Crows inflict upon crops. 

 They will return again and again to some favourite 

 feeding-ground, their wonderful sagacity enabling 

 them to avoid poison, traps and other snares set for 

 their destruction. The food of Crows is much varied. 

 They are especially fond of small living creatures, 

 such as mice, nestlings, worms, and so on, but they 

 also eat carrion, and, indeed, they are practically 

 omnivorous, eating fruit, grain and seeds as well. 

 The great Ravens of Europe and America Avill even 

 attack and kill small lambs. 



The Crow family numbers about two hundred 

 species, found in all parts of the world, except New 

 Zealand. In colour most of them are shining black, 

 somewhat iridescent on back, wings and tail, although 

 the plumage of certain species, as the Jays, is bril- 

 liantly coloured. The bills are stout, rather long and 

 powerful, and the base of the upper mandible is cov- 

 ered with bristle-like feathers. The feet are strong, 

 and the toes end in rather heavy, curved claws. 



Crows have a peculiarly jaunty manner of walking, 

 and in disposition are a strange mixture of shyness 

 and boldness. They may be thoroughly tamed, and 



