BLACK CROW. 
CORPUS CORONE. 
From north to south the Black Crow is scattered over the country. I never identified a specimen in the 
Outer Hebrides ; but with this exception I have met with it in almost every part of England and Scotland. 
Though by no means abundant in any district I am acquainted with, I found the most frequent opportunities 
of studying the habits of this species in the west of Perthshire and in the east of Norfolk. 
These crafty birds do not appear to liock together like Grey Crows. The brood of the previous summer 
however, usually keeps with the parents during the whole of the autumn and winter, the family (in many 
instances that have come under my observation) only breaking up on the approach of spring or the death 
of some of their number. I am aware it has been stated by more than one author that Black Crows take 
their departure southward on the approach of winter. This I have never remarked. In every district where I 
have been able constantly to keep a watch on the species they remained stationary during tho whole year. 
The bad character borne by these Crows, and the persecution they suffer in consequence at the hands 
of gamekeepers, easily accounts for their number being kept within bounds. In any locality where preserving 
is neglected Black Crows increase rapidly, and levy a heavy tax on eggs and young birds. I have never 
witnessed them in the act of destroying lambs ; but I see no cause for discrediting the stories I have heard 
to that effect from shepherds and keepers. It is well known to all who have studied their habits in a 
wild state that no flesh comes amiss to them ; and as I have found them, in company with Grey Crows, 
making a meal on sheep before they were cold, I think it highly probable they only require to find one in a 
weakly or disabled condition to commence operations at once. These birds cause far greater destruction to 
game in England than the Grey Crow, as the latter, for the most part, take their departure early in the spring 
for their breeding-haunts in the northern counties or across the North Sea. I have had many opportunities 
of witnessing the havoc they will commit among the eggs and young broods of the various species of Waders 
that nest on the marshes in the neighbourhood of some of the large broads in the east of Norfolk. Every small 
plantation within a mile or so of the water-side contains a pair at least of these inveterate thieves. Durin" 
spring and summer they may be noticed frequently hunting over the swamps and rush-grown marshes, the 
shrill cries of the Peewit and Redshank being constantly heard while they are hovering over the vicinity 
of their nesting-quarters. On searching the ground I have discovered plenty of proof of their evil deeds, in 
the shape of empty egg-shells scattered about in all directions. The Snipe-shooting in this locality would be 
greatly benefited if these birds were restricted in number ; keepers, however, are few and far between, and the 
game is mostly left to the tender mercies of poachers. I have repeatedly watched Black Crows feeding on 
the maize or Indian corn supplied to some decoy-ducks I kept on Hickling Broad, and carrying off any bread or 
meat that had been thrown to them. In the same neighbourhood a farmer, who cultivated a few acres of 
ground, assured me these birds totally destroyed a small field of beans. Whether these plunderers ever make 
