The Carrion Grow a Cleanly Bird. 83 



goes in pairs save daring the days of nest-building. If 

 seen thus at any other period of the year, it is because 

 the nest has been robbed, or the brood in some way de- 

 stroyed, leaving the bereaved parent birds alone for the 

 length of another twelvemonth. But when successful in 

 the hatching and bringing up their young, there is no 

 separation nor pairing. Instead, the whole family keeps 

 together — though apart from all others — throughout after 

 summer, autumn, and winter, on till nesting-time in 

 spring. 



To verify this habit, I have been for years observing 

 the behaviour of the bird, and can now vouch for it as a 

 fact. My opportunities are excellent, as the Carrion Crow 

 is common in my neighbourhood, more than one family 

 having their cantonments near. A pair annually breed 

 in a hanging wood contiguous to my grounds, and last 

 year they were successful in raising their brood of four ; 

 since which time all six — the old with the young — have 

 consorted together, never for an hour being apart. 



At the same time I know of a single pair, not far off, 

 keeping by themselves. But I know also that this want 

 of sociality is not their natural habit, but forced upon 

 them, either by bird-nesting boy or the gun of the 

 gamekeeper. 



THE CARRION CROW A CLEANLY BIRD. 



Notwithstanding the foul habits attributed to the 

 Carrion Crow, even to giving it its common name, it is in 

 person one of the cleanliest of birds, and addicted to 

 frequent ablutions. Even in the cold days of winter I 



