The Jackdaw. 



383 



Eeaeing the Young. — Jackdaws are easily reared. The 

 young must be taken when ten or twelve days of age, not 

 later, and kept in a warm place, in a basket or large cage, the 

 latter for preference. This cage should contain hay or straw, 

 cut into short lengths, and frequently changed. Feed on soaked 

 bread, worms, and insects of any kind ; pieces of boiled liver 

 or meat may be given occasionally as a change of diet, and 

 more frequently as the birds advance toward maturity. When 

 between five and six weeks old they may be treated as adult 

 birds. They are fond of bathing, and should be supplied with 

 a dishful of fresh spring water, once or twice a week, for this 

 purpose. When reared by hand, Jackdaws become as domes- 

 ticated as pigeons, and rarely attempt to fly away. In the 

 spring, however, it is prudent to clip their wings, lest their 

 natural desire to propagate their species should induce them to 

 take their departure. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The females 

 are a trifle smaller than the males, and less brilliant in the 

 sheen of their plumage ; they are, also, less bombastic and bold 

 in their demeanour and carriage. Young birds prior to moult- 

 ing are destitute of the grey colour and reflections about the 

 neck, face, and sides of throat. The females, also, are less con- 

 spicuous in this respect than males. 



Song. — The Jackdaw is not a song bird, but can be taught to 

 utter words and phrases with great distinctness. It is customary 

 to loosen the tongue by severing the ligament beneath it with 

 a pair of. small surgical scissors ; this operation, however, should 

 be performed by a medical man, veterinary surgeon, or other 

 experienced person. This operation is not absolutely essential 

 to enable these birds to articulate words, though those which 

 have been so manipulated invariably prove the best and most 

 fluent talkers. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Select a sleek, well pro- 

 portioned bird, erect in carriage, defiant in bearing, intensely 

 brilliant in colour, and with the metallic reflections pervading 

 the feathers ; the cap should be especially deep in colour, with a 

 flowing sheen, and the back of the head and neck should ex- 

 hibit a decided grey. The bird must be close and tight in 

 feather, with well-formed wings and tail, tightly braced, and well 

 carried. In addition, good health and condition, cleanliness, and 

 well-formed feet and claws, are essential to success. 



