214 C0RVID.E 



vicinity of the sea. Cornwall, from its peninsular situation 

 and rocky character, may be first looked to as the abode of 

 this species ; and there we may conclude, it is of more fre- 

 quent occurrence than elsewhere in England, since the name 

 of Cornish Chough is very generally applied to this bird. 

 It is found also in several other localities along the southern 

 coast of England, such as parts of the coasts of Devonshire 

 and Sussex, and the Isle of Wight, of which latter place the 

 Rev. C. Bury says, " The Chough was once common along 

 our southern coast, but is so no longer. One or two pairs 

 breed at Freshwater, and two pairs more between Niton and 

 Blackgang." Along the eastern coast of England it is very 

 rare, if not unknown, owing to the general absence of ele- 

 vated land on that side of the kingdom, with the exception 

 of the cliffs of Dover, which are still believed to afford it 

 a secure asylum. It inhabits parts of the eastern coast of 

 Scotland, such as St. Abbs Head, &c. In various parts of 

 Ireland this bird is also found, as well as in the Isle of Man. 

 It is also met with in Wales. 



From the above named rocky eminences these birds sel- 

 dom wander, so that the appearance of one of them more 

 inland in this country is very unusual. 



In Switzerland the Chough is of frequent occurrence, and 

 there shares its mountain eminences in common with another 

 nearly allied species, the Alpine Crow. In the island of 

 Crete it is also found, and breeds upon Mount Ida. 



In size the male and female of this species differ very con- 

 spicuously, the former looking nearly half as large again in 

 bulk as his mate : in their feathering little or no difference 

 can be perceived. Their beaks have the appearance of 

 being semi-transparent, and are of a beautiful coral colour ; 

 they are very slender, and bend downwards at the tip : their 

 legs and feet are of the same colour as the beak ; the claws 



