290 NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 



Colaris, we find that this character is incontestably as much developed in Coracias: 

 although a superficial observer, deceived by the length of the bill in the latter, 

 will be led to think quite differently. Both genera, in fact, would be correctly 

 described as having the rictus wide, opening halfway beneath the eye. — Sw. 



[93. J 1. Corvus corax. (Linn.) The Raven. 



Genus, Corvus, Linn. 



The Raven. Penn. Arct. ZooL, ii., p. 245, No. 134. Wils., ix., p. 113, pi. 65, f. 3. 



Corvus corax. Sab. Parry's First Voy., Svppl., cxciv. Sab. (J.) Frankl. Journ., p. 671. 



Richards. App. Parry's Sec. Voy., p. 343. Bonap. Syn., No. 59. 

 Kaw-kaw-gew, Cree Indians. Toolloo-ak, Esquimaux. 



This well-known bird, common to the four quarters of the globe, abounds in 

 the fur-countries and visits the remotest islands of the polar seas. It frequents 

 the barren grounds even in the most intense winter colds, its movements being 

 directed in a great measure by those of the herds of rein-deer, musk-oxen, and 

 bison, which it follows, ready to assist in devouring such as are killed by beasts 

 of prey or by accident. No sooner has a hunter slaughtered an animal, than 

 these birds are seen coming from various quarters to feast on the offal ; and 

 considerable numbers constantly attend the fishing-stations, where they show 

 equal boldness and rapacity. The experienced native, when he sees from afar 

 a flock of Ravens wheeling in small circles, knows that a party of his countrymen, 

 well provided with venison, are encamped on the spot, or that a band of wolves 

 are preying upon the carcass of some of the larger quadrupeds ; and pushes on 

 briskly in the certain prospect of having his wants supplied. The thievish habits 

 of a tame Raven* are well known ; but it is remarkable that, inhabiting in a 

 wild state the most secluded and worst peopled districts of America, it should 

 exhibit the same disposition to carry off shining metallic bodies and other articles 

 totally unfit either for food or to be used in the construction of its nest. Mr. 

 Kendal], in crossing the height of land which divides the waters that flow towards 

 Hudson's Bay from those which fall into the Arctic Sea, saw a Raven flying off 

 with something in his claws, pursued by a number of his clamorous companions. 

 The bird being fired at, dropped the object of contention, which proved to be 

 the lock of a chest ! — R. 



* Ravens have been taught to articulate short sentences as distinctly as any Parrot. One belonging to Mr. Henslow, 

 of St. Albans, speaks so distinctly that, when we first heard it, we were actually deceived in thinking it was a human 

 voice ; and there is another, at Chatham, which has made equal proficiency ; for, living in the vicinity of a guard- 

 house, it has more than once turned out the guard, who thought they were called by the sentinel on duty. — Sw. 



