238 
ROOKS. 
feathers at the regular moulting-time ; and, further, 
as all new feathers are full of blood at the roots, 
any application tending to grind them down, would 
be so painful to the Rook, that it would he very un- 
willing, if indeed able, to thrust its beak into the 
ground; and again, which we consider as a still 
stronger argument, — it may be asked, if the Rooks' 
bristles are destroyed by this process, how comes it 
that the Jackdaw, Jay, and Magpie, and some other 
birds retain them, though as constantly thrusting their 
beaks into the ground in search of worms, as the 
Rooks ? 
When viewed together, a further distinction will 
be seen between the Rook and the Common Crow, 
in the glossy colours of their plumage; that of the 
Rook being more inclined to a rich purple, whereas, 
that of the Crow is of a greenish blue. There is one 
other supposed distinctive mark, which we shall 
mention, merely because we believe it does not 
exist, namely, that the Rook has a pouch under its 
chin, in which it can carry a full supply of food for 
its young. 
It is perfectly true, that Rooks appear to have 
such an appendage, which, in the Spring-time, is 
particularly conspicuous, — when they may be seen 
flying with a swelling under the throat of the size of 
a Pigeon’s-egg; but closer observers have discovered, 
that in the Crow, Jackdaw, &c., there is the same 
elasticity and pliability of the skin; and that they 
not only can, but do often take in a provision of 
food, which swells the upper part of the throat out 
to a considerable size; though, owing to the gray 
colour of the Rook's chin, this swelling is more 
apparent. 
