138 BLACK JACKDAW. 



minclc gives a diagnosis, which, as will be seen by 

 reference to that of our Common Jackdaw, establishes 

 an important distinction between the two birds. Under 

 these circumstances, I think the time has hardly arrived 

 at which it may safely be excluded from the European 

 species; though I admit it with doubt. 



It is said by Vieillot to be found inhabiting and 

 breeding in several of the French provinces, and 

 Temminck says he has been assured that it is common 

 in Spain. Nothing appears to be known of its habits 

 or propagation. 



The following is Brisson's description: — "A little less 

 than the Common Jackdaw. Length from tip of beak 

 to end of tail twelve inches and a half, and to the 

 end of the claws eleven inches and three quarters. 

 Beak fourteen lines; tail four inches and three quarters; 

 tarsi one inch six lines and a half. From middle of 

 three anterior toes to their junction with claws six 

 Hnes; the two lateral toes the shortest; hind toe inter- 

 mediate between them and middle toe. Wings extend 

 to three fourths of length of tail. The whole of the 

 body covered with brilliant black feathers. Primaries 

 same colour above, beneath like all the under parts, 

 not so splendid a black as the upper. First primary 

 shortest, fourth longest of all. Tail composed of twelve 

 feathers, same colour as secondaries, namely, brilliant 

 black above, duller black below. There is on each 

 side of the head a crescent of deep black, of which 

 the concave part is turned towards the eyes. The 

 feathers covering the nostrils are long and thick. The 

 eyes are surrounded with small white points; pupils 

 black, irides bluish. Beak, feet, and claws black. 



Habitat, ruined towers and walls, where it builds. 

 In the Museum of M. de Reaumur." 



