208 CORVID.E. 



INSESSORES. CORVIDsE. 



CONIROSTRES. 



PLATE CXXIX. 



MAGPIE. 



CoRVUS PICA. 



The Magpie is found in most countries of Europe, in- 

 habiting as far north as Lapland. In Norway, according 

 to M. Boie, this species is very common, on the mountains 

 as well as in more level country. In Sweden these birds are 

 also numerous, and in both those countries are much 

 cherished and protected by the inhabitants. It inhabits 

 Iceland ; but in Shetland, according to Mr. Edmonston, 

 it is only a straggler. The whole range of northern Asia 

 appears to be well supplied with this lively and brilliant 

 bird, being found in Siberia and Russia, and from thence 

 to China and Japan. In North America it is also abundant, 

 from Kamtschatka and the Rocky Mountains to the Fur- 

 countries about Hudson's Bay : and is found as far south as 

 Louisiana. The southern parts also of Europe and Asia 

 abound with this species. In Scotland it is plentiful, as well 

 as in England, where it is found in most well wooded situa- 

 tions. In England this species appears more confined to 

 woodland localities than in some other countries : probably 

 the persecution it generally experiences, on account of sundry 

 reputed mischievous qualities, has driven it into that retire- 

 ment that by nature it would not voluntarily confine itself to. 

 In Iceland the Magpie is said not to have formerly existed, 



