THE FISH-CROW. 97 



generally about twenty or thirty feet from the ground, towards the extremi- 

 ties of the branches. In the State of New Jersey, where they are frequently 

 killed in common with the larger Crow, in whose company they are often 

 found, they are more careful, and place their nests in the interior of the 

 deepest and most secluded swamps. The nest is smaller than that of the 

 Common Crow, and is composed of sticks, moss, and grasses, neatly finished 

 or lined with fibrous roots. The eggs are from four to six, and resemble 

 those of the Common American Crow, but are smaller. I once found several 

 nests of this Crow a few miles from Philadelphia, in the State of New Jersey, 

 which were placed on high oaks and other trees. The birds when disturbed, 

 evinced much concern for the safety of their brood. Although I have found 

 this species breeding in different districts, from February till May, I am 

 unable to say decidedly whether it raises more than one brood in the year, 

 although I am of opinion that it does not. 



The common note of the Fish-Crow is different from that of the other 

 species of the genus, resembling the syllables ha, ha, hae, frequently repeated. 

 At times the sound of their voice seems as if a faint mimicry of that of the 

 Common Crow; at others, one would suppose that they are troubled with a 

 cough or cold. During the breeding season, their notes are much varied, 

 and are not disagreeable. 



Their flight is strong and protracted. While searching for food, these 

 birds hover at a moderate height over the water; but when they rise in the 

 air, to amuse themselves, they often reach a great elevation. While on the 

 ground, their movements are graceful, and resemble those of the Boat-tailed 

 Grakle. Like the other Crows, they are fond of replacing their wings, as it 

 were, in their proper situations, frequently opening them out a little, and 

 instantly closing them again. 



On several occasions, when one of these birds had been wounded, I found, 

 on approaching it, that it had the power of disgorging its food somewhat in 

 the manner of the Turkey Buzzard. When one is thus wounded, its com- 

 panions come sailing over you, with a loud scream, in the manner of Gulls, 

 so that several may be brought down by an expert marksman, as they are 

 not easily intimidated at such times. Indeed, this species is easily approach- 

 ed, and may be killed without difficulty. I have known fifteen of them shot 

 at once, while feeding on the cassina berries. 



During winter, when they are chiefly frugivorous, they become extremely 

 fat and very tender. Their pouch-like stomach, although large, is not 

 muscular; the intestines are large and baggy. Very few are bare on the 

 lower mandible; perhaps among a hundred which I have examined, not more 

 than six or seven exhibited this nakedness, without removing the feathers of 

 that part with the hand. 



Vol. IV. 13 



