502 PASSERINES. 



lancet shape at the extremitj^ and which form a verj- striking 

 ornament. 



The birds -syhicb constitute the Crows (Corridcp) are charac- 

 terised hy a very strong beak with cutting edges, broad at the 

 base, flattened kterally, and hooked towards the point ; the nostrils 

 covered' with stitf feathers directed forward ; also by strong 

 claws and long pointed wings. They are divided into four groups 

 or sub-genera — namely, Corvus, the Crows properly so called; 

 the Magpies {Pica) ; the Jays (Garni his) ; and the Nut-cracker 

 (Hitci/raffa). 



The genus Corvus, as limited by modern naturalists, compre- 

 hends the Raven (C. corax, Lesson), the Carrion Crow (C. cor one, 

 Temm.), the Royston Crow {C. corrii.r, Selby), the Rook {C.fnuji- 

 legus, Linn.), the Jackdaw (C. monedida, Linn.). 



All these species have in manj^ respects the same characteristics, 

 the same aptitude, and the same habits. "With the exception of 

 the Ptaven and Magpie, which live in pairs, the others reside 

 together in large flocks, whether they are in quest of their daily 

 food or roosting at night. They are all possessed of the same 

 intelligence, the same cunning, the same mischievous habits, the 

 same gift of imitation, though in different degrees, and the same 

 provident habit of amassing provisions in secret places. This 

 last peculiarity in tamed birds degenerates into a mania, which 

 leads them to carry off and hide everything that attracts their 

 attention, especially gems and bright articles of metal. The 

 whole group are susceptible of domestication. 



The Crows, especialh' the Raven and the Carrion Crow, are 

 pre-eminently omnivorous. Living or dead flesh, fish cast up on 

 the shore, insects, eggs, fruit, seeds — nothing comes amiss to them. 

 Their depredations are enormous. Thus Ravens, not content 

 with raising a tribute on moles, wood-mice, and leverets, venture 

 into poultry-yards, and without ceremony approj^riate chickens, 

 ducklings, &c. Buffon even asserts that in certain countries 

 they fasten upon the backs of bufialoes, and after havino- put 

 out their eyes, devour them. As for the Carrion Crows, accord- 

 ing to Lewis, it is certain that they attack the flocks in Scotch 

 and Irish pastures. Lastly, all Crows delight in digging up 

 newly-sown ground, eating with avidity the germinating seed. 



