Family CORVIDiE. 



THE CHOUGH. 

 Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 19. 



This bird, unfortunately rapidly decreasing as a British species, still lingers on 

 some of the sea cliffs in the south-western parts of England and Scotland, on the 

 coasts of Wales and Ireland, and in the Isle of Man and other islands. 



It also occurs in many parts of Europe, where it can find localities suited to 

 its habits, and in Africa and Asia. 



The nest, placed in some recess or fissure in rocks, or among ruins, is built of 

 sticks, with a lining of wool and hair. The four or five eggs are dull white, marked 

 with streaks and spots of ashy-grey and light brown. 



The food consists of grubs, insects of various kinds, and seeds. 



The birds have a shrill and penetrating cry. 



It is one of the most beautiful members of the Crow family, on account of its 

 elegant shape, velvety plumage shot with purple and green reflections, and scarlet 

 bill and legs. 



The plumage of the sexes is alike. 



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