HOODED CROW.

Corvus cornix, Linn.

La Corneille mantelée.

Tuts fine species of Crow is not indigenous to England, but is now ascertained to be a permanent resident in
many districts of Scotland, where, according to Mr. Selby, it breeds in trees, rocks, or sea cliffs, as may
accord with their situation, the nest being formed of sticks, and lined with soft materials. That gentleman
further informs us that in those districts where it is found, there is no diminution of its numbers during the
winter months ; and we may reasonably conjecture that those individuals who pay their annual visit to the
midland and southern counties of England during the autumn months are accessions from Norway and Swe-
den: we are strengthened in our opinion upon this point from the circumstance of their appearing at the
same time as the Woodcock and many others of our Northern visitors. Although the Hooded Crow is plen-
tifully dispersed over many districts in England, it must be allowed that its choice of places is extremely
local : it frequents the shores of the sea, the banks of large rivers, extensive downs, and such arable lands as
are devoid of hedgerows and woods. On the Continent it may be observed in all the mountainous districts.
It is common in the Alps and Apennines, but nowhere more so than in Norway and Sweden. In its habits
and manners it bears a strict resemblance to the Carrion Crow: like that bird it wanders about in pairs, or
at the most three or four together. Their omnivorous appetite enables them to subsist upon all kinds of
carrion, which they devour with avidity. Those that take up their positions upon the coast or about armlets
of the sea find a plentiful supply in the remains of dead fish and crustacea, to which are added worms and va-
rious species of mollusca. In the inland districts they eat worms, beetles, and whatever offal may fall in their
way.

The Hooded Crow is abundantly dispersed along the banks of the Thames, and all such rivers as are under
the influence of the tides.

During the period of incubation they are said to be very destructive to the eggs and young of the Red
Grouse, and will even attack lambs and sheep. The eggs are four or five in number, of a greenish ground
colour, mottled with dark brown.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young attain at an early age the colouring of a parents.

The head, throat, wings, and tail are black, with purple and green reflections ; the remainder of the body is
smoky grey, the shafts of each feather being darker; legs and bill black ; irides dark brown.

The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.