CRO WS. 



475 



stiff feathers directed forward ; also by strong claws and long pointed 

 wings. They are divided into four groups or sub-genera — namely, 

 the Crows properly so called, Pies, Jays, and Nutcrackers. 



The genus Corvus, as limited by modern naturalists, compre- 

 hends the Raven, the Carrion Crow, the Royston or Hooded Crow, 

 the Rook, the Jackdaw, Great-billed Crow, Philippine Crow, and Fish 

 Crow. 



All these species have in many respects the same characteristics, 

 the same aptitude, and the same habits. With the exception of 

 the Raven and Magpie, which live in pairs, the Others reside to- 



Fig. 195.— Golden Bird of Paradise. 



gether in companies, whether they are in quest of their daily food 

 or roosting for the night. They are all possessed of intelligence, 

 cunning, mischievous habits, the gift of imitation, though in different 

 degrees, and the same provident habit of amassing provisions in 

 secret places. This last peculiarity in the tamed birds degenerates 

 into a perfect mania, which leads them to carry off and hide 

 everything that attracts or pleases their eye, especially gems and 

 bright articles of metal. The whole group are susceptible of domes- 

 tication. 



The Crows, especially the Raven and the Carrion Crow, are pre- 

 eminently omnivorous. Living or dead flesh, insects, eggs, fruit, 

 seeds — nothing comes amiss to their palate. Their depredations are 



