CHAPTER LXVII. 



The Jackdaw. 



Corvus monedula, Lin. ; Le Chouca, Buf. 



Desceiption and Chaeacter. — The Jackdaw is a pert, adven- 

 turous bird, and although naturally somewhat cautious, is 

 bolder and more fearless than any other member of the 

 Corvine family. He is a noisy, clamorous fellow, uttering his 

 call notes almost incessantly as he moves from place to place ; 

 he loves to be mounted on an eminence, and, when the 

 weather is chill, on chimney tops, so as to reap the benefit 

 of the warm air as it ascends. The call note of this bird 

 varies under different circumstances, and at times is difficult 

 to describe; on some occasions it is a distinct '*Caw," or 



Kae ; " at other times, especially when suddenly surprised, 

 it sounds like "Jock." 



The Jackdaw is from 13in. to 14in. in length. The bill 

 is l^m. long, and blackish in colour. The irides are creamy 

 white. The forehead and crown, as also the sides of the head 

 beyond the eye, and the chin, are glossy black. The hind part 

 of the head and neck, and sides of the neck, are more or less 

 grey ; in old birds this colour is more prominent than in young 

 and middle-aged ones. The remainder of the plumage is deep 

 lustrous black ; the under parts are duller, the belly and vent 

 being palest. When the bird is viewed in a strong, bright 

 light, reflections of blue and purple are seen on the back 

 and shoulders, these colours being more conspicuous, both in 

 males and females, between the months of April and July. 

 The legs, feet, and tongue, are black. 



