Pifty Common Birds of Chma 



(2) WHITE-NECKED OR PARSON CROW. {Fig. 3). 



Corviis torqiialus. Length 19 inches. 



Bill, tarsi, black. Iris black. 



Plumage. Color solid black all over, with the exception of a white 

 collar, extending clear around the neck, broadening some what on the 

 breast. 



Characteristics. Very common in the rice fields and cultivated soil, 

 feeding upon molluscs and Crustacea, often digging out the snails and crabs 

 from the dykes of the fields. Also very common along the edges of 

 rivers and streams, where they feed on the refuse thrown up by the curren. 

 Seldom seen in large flocks, but go about singly or in pairs. 



Distribution. Found all over China, not migraitory. 



Nest and Egg. One of the first bird to start nest building, often 

 starting in Fukien in December, in Hopei in March and April. The nest 

 is made of sticks, plastered inside with mud, and placed on a forked 

 branch, often in very tall trees. Eggs 5-7 in number. 



a s .i li p -^ s feo te ^^ 6^ M fe m ^ ^ ^.fi^^-K^ 

 7jc « en i^o j^ ;^ i¥ 6ti ffi ^^ .a. a ^ft' m -' ^ ^ n. 



- ^, :& M ^fc ti ^ H /ll X M ;3o '^ m^ "^ M' -ti J'^ ^?^ 6^ fe' fflW 

 :K ^ ^' m eti « Ji ffi )P tIS i^ « 5P 5: 15c PJ -t: *fcc 



(19) 



