TO ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. 81 



winter it appears in large flocks, frequently in 

 company with Sparrows and Snowflakes, and 

 infests the corn-yards. 



Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Sterlin*. Starling. 

 — This bird is numerous in both countries. It fre- 

 quently builds its nest in the walls of the houses 

 so low that it may be easily reached with the hand, 

 yet it is seldom disturbed by the people. 



Corvus Corax, Linn. Raven. Corby*. Great 

 Corby-Crow. — This bird breeds in Shetland in 

 considerable numbers, but is not so numerous in 

 Orkney. It builds its nest in situations similar to 

 those of the Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. It pos- 

 sesses the sense of smell in an exquisite degree of 

 perfection, and is easily decoyed by placing carrion 

 near any place where it resorts. It is very des- 

 tructive to the young poultry and weakly lambs. 



CoRVuscoRNix^Zmw. RoystonCrow. Hooded 

 Crow. — This bird is a constant resident in Shet- 

 land and Orkney. It builds its nest in rocky cliffs, 

 and frequently on the rocky tops of hills, which 

 are by no means difficult of access. It is rather a 

 shy bird : numbers are annually shot by the na- 

 tives on account of their destructive habits. I 

 e 5 



