250 
CORVUS PICA. 
body, above and below, is a light silky drab, darkening 
almost to a dove colour on the breast and belly; vent, 
white ; claws, black, large, and hooked, particularly the 
middle and hind claw ; legs, also black ; bill, a dark horn 
colour ; iris of the eye, unknown. 
In the state of Georgia, and several parts of West 
Florida, I discovered a crow, not hitherto taken notice 
of by naturalists, rather larger than the present species, 
but much resembling it in the form and length of its 
wings, in its tail, and particularly its claws. This bird 
is a constant attendant along the borders of streams 
and stagnating ponds, feeding on small fish and lizards, 
which I have many times seen him seize as he swept 
along the surface. A well preserved specimen of this 
bird was presented to Mr Peale, and is now in his 
museum. It is highly probable, that, with these ex- 
ternal resemblances, the habits of both may be nearly 
alike. 
SUBGENUS II. — PICA, BRISSON. 
62 . CORVUS PICA MAGPIE. 
WILSON, PLATE XXXV. FIG. II. 
This bird is much better known in Europe than in 
this country, where it has not been long discovered; 
although it is now found to inhabit a wide extent of 
territory, and in great numbers. The description was 
taken from a very beautiful specimen, sent from the 
Mandan nation, on the Missouri, to Mr Jefferson, and 
by that gentleman to Mr Peale of this city, in whose 
museum it lived for several months, and where I had an 
opportunity of examining it. On carefully comparing 
it with the European magpie in the same collection, no 
material difference could be perceived. 
This bird unites in its character courage and cunning, 
turbulence and rapacity. Not inelegantly formed, and 
distinguished by gay as well as splendid plumage, he 
has long been noted in those countries where he com- 
monly resides, and his habits and manners are there 
