A YEAR WITH THE BIRDS 
63 5 
Whether they prove a nuisance or not they are very notice- 
able birds, looking to the first sight as they walk sedately 
across a road or field like Grackles with rumpled plumage. A 
second glance will show that this is but the effect of the buff 
specks that tip all the upper feathers, while the distinct yellow 
bill at once spells Starling! 
In England they may be seen on the great open plains 
following the sheep as they feed, very much as the Cowbird 
follows our cattle, and in that country are very beneficial as 
insect destroyers. It is to be feared that the difference in 
climate and the absence of animal food in winter in the north- 
ern parts of the range may change their habits, as it did with 
the English Sparrows, who, being imported to kill canker 
worms in city streets and parks, soon turned their attention to 
nipping the buds from trees, shrubs, and vines. 
Family Corvidae: Crows, Jays, Etc. 
American Crow: Corvus Americanus. R. 
Length: 18-20 inches. 
Male and Female: Glossy black, with a purplish tinge. Wings which 
appear saw-toothed when flying. Bill and feet black. Female 
a less brilliant black. 
Song: A quavering “ Kar-r-r-er-r ! ” in spring. Call note, “ Caw-w ! ” 
Season: Resident. 
Nest: Consisting of a platform of coarse sticks, upon which rests the 
nest proper, made of smaller twigs and deeply lined with cedar 
bark. Tall trees are chosen; preferably evergreens. 
Eggs: 4-7, greenish ground, stained and spotted with brown; variable 
both in size and color. 
The Crow may have his reputation somewhat bettered 
by what the wise men say about his food. He may not be as 
black as he is painted, but he is too black for us in Connecti- 
cut : he robs birds’ nests, and causes trouble in both orchard and 
hen-yard, and he is dismal to boot, and his voice jars our musi- 
cal nerves. He must go, and, if other states need him, we 
shall not interfere with any community, even if they start a 
crow trust. 
“ There are few birds so well known as the Common Crow, 
and, unlike most other species, he does not seem to decrease in 
numbers as the country becomes more densely populated. The 
Crow is commonly regarded as a blackleg and a thief. With- 
out the dash and brilliancy of the Jay, or the bold savagery of 
