Brewster.] 378 [October 3 



35. Corvus cor ax carnivorus, Bartr. — American Raven. 



The Raven was evenly distributed throughout the region under 

 consideration, but it was nowhere really abundant. Thus while 

 a day rarely passed when several were not observed, I cannot 

 recall ever seeing more than two or three together or even in the 

 same vicinity. A number of empty nests were found (the young 

 had all taken wing before our arrival), most of which were inac- 

 cessible ; but one at Perroquet Island was built on a ledge less 

 than ten feet above the beach. 



At Grand Entry Harbor a Raven used to make frequent visits 

 to some sand-hills near our anchorage where numerous Terns 

 were breeding. He would course to and fro over the ground 

 much in the manner of a Marsh Hawk, alighting whenever he dis- 

 covered a nest with eggs. During these raids he was followed by 

 a long train of Terns, whose distracted cries and threatening 

 swoops were treated with perfect indifference. 



The usual note of the Raven is a hoarse rolling cr-r-r-cruck, but 

 he has other cries. At Ellis Bay I noticed a noisy mob of Crows 

 dashing about the top of a tall spruce growing near the shore. 

 Curious to learn the cause of the excitement I paddled towards 

 the spot, when suddenly a deep, long-drawn moan came from the 

 middle of the throng. Approaching still nearer the sound was 

 repeated, and finally a Raven started from the tree hotly pursued 

 by his tormentors. As he flew away he uttered the peculiar note 

 at each dash which the Crows made at him, thus settling all doubts 

 as to its origin. 



The occasion just referred to was by no means the only one 

 where we saw Crows mobbing a Raven. In fact they invariably 

 gave their big relative a warm reception ; and rather curiously, 

 he appeared to be quite as helpless under their attacks as the 

 Crow of New England is when pursued by the Kingbird. 



Despite their difference in size and habits, I must confess that 

 I often had difficulty in distinguishing Ravens from Crows. Every 

 one must have noticed how the apparent size of a Crow will vary 

 under different conditions of the atmosphere ; it is the same with 

 the Raven. At times he looks as big as an Eagle ; at others 

 scarcely larger than a Fish Crow. But when actually in company 

 with Crows he cannot be possibly mistaken, for he then appears, 

 as he is, nearly double the size of any of them. His flight did 



