CARRION CROW. 193 



of a layer of twigs, upon which is placed vegetable mud, 

 moss, and earth intermixed ; the interior lining being of 

 wool, bristles, and hair, in all forming a substance that 

 will resist common shot from penetrating. They sometimes 

 breed twice during the summer months. When the young 

 are hatched they are blind, and require the unremitting 

 care of the parents, who feed them on insects, worms, and 

 young birds. 



The entire length of the Carrion Crow is one foot and 

 a half. Its whole plumage is black, brilliantly glossed with 

 steel blue on the head, breast, and scapulars ; as well as 

 on the outer webs of the wing and tail feathers. The beak 

 is black, and the nostrils covered with long black hairs 

 directed forward : the legs and feet are shining black. The 

 iris is dusky. 



The egg of this species is figured 125 in the plate. 



VOL. III. 



