214 



Resident throughout the winter, especially in the coastal re- 

 gion, as far north as the Tron dhj ems fjord; Mr. Schubeler observed 

 it in large flocks on Inderøen the whole winter through 1871 — 72. 

 Corvus corax, Lin. 



Exceedingly numerous on the northern coast, up to the Rus- 

 sian frontier, but does not occur in large numbers south of the 

 Polar Circle. Everywhere a resident. 



This species is certainly one of the most destructive birds 

 in the coastal region; not only does it contrive, in its love of 

 mischief, to loosen the .,Hjælder" from their supports, whereby 

 the fish is thrown down and spoiled, it commits great havoc among 

 the eggs and young of sea-fowl, and in winter-time robs the snares 

 of the ptarmigan. For this reason, its destruction in these northern 

 tracts is encouraged by a small pecuniary reward for every indi- 

 vidual killed. 



The young birds roam about among the rocks of the coast, 

 their food consisting of the refuse of fish. In immature individuals, 

 the entire vent, the hind part of the back, and nearly the whole 

 of the head are without reflections, whereas the wings and upper 

 surface of the tail, the rump, scapulars, and crown are highly glos- 

 sed (shot at Foldenfjord June 21st, 1871). 



Corvus cornix, Lin. 



Perhaps the most pernicious bird occurring on the coast. It 

 does far greater damage, by its depradations among the eggs and 

 young of sea-fowl, than all the birds of prey together. It is 

 chiefly tlie coastal districts south of Lofoten which suffer from its 

 ravenous instincts. In West Finmark, it is not so numerous, though, 

 I found it everywhere, even on the outermost holms and islets at 

 the North Cape. But farther south, along the whole coast. there 

 is scarcely a rock inhabited by sea-birds which it does not ravage 

 during the summer months. It is particularly partial to the eggs 

 of all species of Anates, Somatcria, and Haematopus, which breed 

 some distance apart; the gregarious Lar i and Stem æ are generally 

 sufficiently numerous to repel its attacks. So soon as the young 

 of these species are hatched, they are safe to be snapped up, when- 



