306 
PASSERIFORMES 
the tops of the hills, from brush clump to brush clump. Again, they 
steal silently into camp or about the farm buildings intent on any mischief 
that may present itself, but flee away in consternation when disturbed, and 
talk the matter over in loud raucous voices in the nearest safe shrubbery. 
The Magpie cannot remain hidden or silent long, except when up to mis- 
chief. For purposes of brigandage and rapine it can contain itself 
admirably, but just long enough to accomplish its schemes. In all, 
the Magpie is a bird amply able to take care of itself, and such a hand- 
some, knowing, and resourceful fellow that he almost disarms justice. 
From all accounts the Magpie is extending its range both northward in 
Alberta and eastward into Manitoba. Stray records of the species have 
been made east into Ontario, and north into the Mackenzie country. 
Wherever it goes it is the same unscrupulous roisterer, perfectly confident 
in its ability to take care of itself, though surrounded by enemies, its hand 
against everybody and every hand against it. But when it does lose the 
game, and finds its wits fatally outmatched, it is a bad loser and has no 
shame in showing its terror and calling loudly on the whole world to witness 
the unprecedented outrage. 
Economic Status. Next to the crow, and possibly before it, the 
Magpie is the most persistent nest robber in the bird world. No eggs 
or young birds are safe from it, and where it is numerous it is one of the 
important determining factors in limiting the increase of the smaller birds. 
Jt even enters poultry yards and hencoops, timing its visit nicely when the 
owners' eyes are turned elsewhere, and chicks and eggs are its prey. Occa- 
sionally it attacks horses and cattle, even to their death, perching on the 
foolishly unresisting animals' backs and enlarging saddle galls, fresh brand 
marks, or other open sores to serious proportions. The animals, for some 
unaccountable reason, seem to make no objection, and even appear to 
enjoy the sensation of being pecked to death. A few Magpies may be a 
picturesque accompaniment of the landscape, but even those can only be 
enjoyed at a price, and certainly any great number of them in a neighbour- 
hood are to be discouraged by the use of gun and trap. 
Subfamily — Corvinae. Ravens and Crows 
The crows and ravens, large, all black birds, are too well known to 
require much description. One nutcracker is the only other species of the 
subfamily in Canada. It is a strikingly marked black and grey bird of the 
western mountain sections, in habit and actions between the crows and jays. 
4SG. Raven, le grand corbeatt. Corvus corax. L, 22. An entirely black bird, 
like a crow (Plate FA), but decidedly larger. 
Distinctions. Like a very large Crow, with wing over 15-5 inches long. The most 
obvious distinction, other than size, is the long-pointed, lanceolate feathers on the throat, 
each lying separate, one on the other, and not softly blended as in the crow (Figure 403). 
Field Marks. Next to size, which is always an uncertain guide in open spaces, the 
voice is the most certain distinction. The Raven croaks instead of caws. The voice is 
hoarse and rattling, with a wooden quality. Young Crows sometimes have raven-like 
notes, but usually the voices of the two species are perfectly distinctive. The flight of the 
Raven is more dignified and impressive than that of the Crow, slower in beat, and with more 
sailing. It is sometimes very playful in the air, and executes many aerial manoeuvres. 
Nesting. Large nest of sticks, usually on cliff ledges; sometimes in trees. 
Distribution. Europe, northern and central Asia, and North America. In Canada, 
across the continent. It has disappeared or is now disappearing from most of the settled 
parts. 
