274 
Birds. 
THE CORNISH CHOUGH, (Pyrrhcorax gracuats,) 
Is like the jackdaw in shape and colour, but somewhat 
larger. The bill and legs are of a red colour, and hence 
the bird is frequently called the red-legged Crow. It is 
an inhabitant of Cornwall, Wales, and all the western 
coasts of England, and is generally to be found among 
rocks near the sea, where it builds, as well as in old 
ruinous castles and churches on the sea-side. The voice 
of the Chough resembles that of the jackdaw, except 
that it exceeds it in hoarseness and strength. 
Mr. Montagu describing a Chough in the possession 
of a friend, says, " his curiosity is beyond bounds, never 
failing to examine everything new to him : if the gar- 
dener be pruning, he examines the nail-box, carries oil 
the nails, and scatters the shreds about. Should a ladder 
be left against the wall, he instantly mounts, and goes all 
round the top of the wall: and if hungry descends at a 
convenient place, and immediately travels to the kitchen 
window, where he makes an incessant knocking with his 
bill, until he is fed or let in. If allowed to enter, his first 
endeavour is to get up-stairs ; and if not interrupted, goes 
as high as he can, and gets into any room on the attic 
story; but his intention is to get upon the top of the 
house. He is excessively fond of being caressed, and 
would stand quietly by the hour to be smoothed ; but 
resents an affront with violence and etfect, by both bill 
and claws, and will hold so fast by the latter, that he is 
with difficulty disengaged." 
