Food. 
Locality. 
Nest, &c. 
Mixed 
breed in 
Sweden. 
General 
descrip- 
tion. 
70 OMNIVORI. CORVUS. Carrion Crow. 
ciate in numbers, but generally remain in pairs through the 
year. ‘They are omnivorous, feeding indiscriminately upon 
carrion, young birds or animals, eggs, roots, grain, &c., and, 
when pressed by hunger, will sometimes attack birds upon 
the wing. Monracu mentions, observing one in pursuit of 
a pigeon, at which it pounced like a hawk, and another that 
struck a pigeon dead from the roof of a barn. In the breed- 
ing-season they are mortal enemies to the young of all poul- 
try. 
They chiefly frequent wooded districts, but are common 
throughout the kingdom. They build on trees, forming a 
nest of sticks, lined with wool, hair, and other soft materials. 
The eggs, four or five in number, are similar to those of the 
raven. ‘They breed early in the year, usually commencing 
their preparations in the beginning of February. 
This species is common in the western parts of Europe, 
but of rare occurrence in the eastern. According to TEm- 
“MINCK, it is seldom seen in Austria or Hungary.—He also 
observes, that in those countries where it is rare, as in Swe- 
den, &c. a mixed breed is sometimes produced between it and 
the Hooded Crow (Corvus corniz). 
Pate 28. Figure of the natural size. 
Bill strong, black, and the base always covered with re- 
flected bristly feathers. Plumage entirely black, the 
upper parts glossed with blue and greenish reflections. 
Feathers of the throat narrow, small, and closely pressed 
together, the barbs not adhering at the margins. Tail 
about half the length of the body, and rounded at the 
extremity. Legs and toes black, the scales being in la- 
mina or plates. Claws black, hooked, and strong. 
