OF BIRDS. 
131 
close to each other, frequently in the midst of large ancl 
populous towns. These rookeries, however, are often 
the scenes of bitter contests; the new-comers are fre- 
quently driven away by the old inhabitants, their half 
built nests torn in pieces, and the unfortunate couple 
forced to begin their work anew in some more undis- 
turbed situation. 
Jack-Daw. (Pl. 29.) This bird is considerably less 
than the rook, being only thirteen inches in length. Its 
bill is black: eyes white; the hinder part of the head and 
neck are of a hoary gray colour; the rest of the plumage 
is of a fine glossy black above; beneath it has a dusky 
hue: the legs are black. 
The daw is very common in England, and remains 
with us the whole year: in other countries, as in France 
and various parts of Germany, it is migratory. They 
frequent churches, old towers, and ruins in great flocks, 
where they build their nests: the female lays five or six 
eggs, paler than those of the crow, and smaller; they 
rarely build in trees: in Hampshire they sometimes breed 
in the rabbit burrows. They are easily tamed, and may 
be taught to pronounce several words: they will conceal 
part of their food, and with it small pieces of money, or 
toys. They feed on insects, grain, fruit, and small pieces 
of flesh, and are said to be fond of partridges’ eggs. 
There is a variety of the daw found in Switzerland, 
having a white collar round its neck. In Norway and 
other cold countries they have been seen perfectly white. 
Red-Legged Crow. This bird is about the size of 
the former: its bill is long, much curved, sharp at the 
tip, and of a bright red colour; the plumage is altogether 
of a purplish violet black: the legs are as red as the bill; 
the claws are large, much hooked, and black. 
It builds on high cliffs by the sea-side, and chiefly fre- 
quents the coast of Devonshire and Cornwall, and like- 
wise many parts of Wales: a few are found on the Dover 
cliffs, and some in Scotland. The female lays four or 
five white eggs, spotted with yellow. It is a voracious, 
boid, and greedy bird, and feeds on insects and berries: 
; t is said to be partiqularly fond of the juniper berry. It 
