Part 23

Much larger than the Crow, the throat with long, pointed feathers, instead of short, rounded ones. L. 24.

Range. North America rare and local in the Eastern States, south to New Jersey on the coast and to Georgia in the mountains.

Crows caw, while Ravens croak; but to be sure that you have actually seen a Raven he should be with Crows, when the Raven's much larger size is evident. Unless, however, you should visit the few localities in the eastern States where Ravens live you are not likely to make the bird's acquaintance. Ravens nest on cliffs as well as in trees. Their eggs, which resemble those of the Crow in color, are laid in April.

CROW

Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos. Case 1, Fig. 19; Case 3, Fig. 27

Sexes alike in color. L. 19-1/2.

Range. North America; migratory at the northern limit of its range; roosting in colonies in winter.

Washington, abundant P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, common P.R. abundant T.V. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, common P.R. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch.-Nov., uncommon W.V.

The Crow and the Robin are probably the best known of all our birds. The former we treat as an enemy and the latter as a friend, and one therefore is as wild as the other is tame. Whether the Crow deserves to be outlawed has not as yet been decided. But we should not condemn him out of court and let us remember that as an intelligent, self-respecting citizen, who animates wintry wastes with his shining sable form and clarion call, he has other than economic claims to our consideration. The nest is placed in a tree about 30 feet up, and 4-6 eggs, green thickly marked with brownish are laid in April.

The Florida Crow (C. b. pascuus) is very near the northern bird, but has the wings and tail smaller, the bill and feet larger. It lives chiefly in the pine barrens of Florida and is much less common in the state than the Fish Crow.

FISH CROW

Corvus ossifragus

Brighter, more uniformly colored above and below, the feathers without dull tips.

Range. Atlantic and Gulf coast region from the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island Sound southward. Migratory only at the northern limit of its range. Found throughout Florida, but elsewhere usually not far from tidal water.

Washington, rather common P.R. Cambridge, A.V., one record, Mch.

In life the Fish Crow may be distinguished from the common Crow by its smaller size and hoarser voice. The difference in size, however, is evident only when the two are together, but once the cracked, reedy car (not caw) of the Fish Crow has been learned the species may always be identified when heard. It is somewhat like the note of a young Crow, but less immature. The nest and eggs are much like those of the common Crow. The eggs are laid in May.

STARLINGS. FAMILY STURNIDÆ

STARLING

Sturnus vulgaris. Case 2, Figs. 24, 25

In winter conspicuously dotted with whitish; in summer with but few dots and a yellow bill; at all times with a short tail and long wings. L 8-1/2.

Range. Introduced from Europe into Central Park, New York City, in 1890, now more or less numerous from Virginia to Maine; occasional west of the Alleghanies. It is a quick, active bird, probing the ground now this side, now that, as it walks rapidly over our lawns. The short tail and long wings are most noticeable in the air and distinguish the Starling from our other black birds.

A long-drawn whistle, such as one calls to a dog, is the Starling's most common note, but it has many others. It nests in April, often after quarreling with Flickers for possession of a nest-hole in which to lay its pale bluish eggs. The young appear in mid-May and their harsh, rasping food-call is a common note for several weeks; then the birds begin to gather in companies which, later, form flocks of thousands.

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. FAMILY ICTERIDÆ

BOBOLINK

Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Case 7, Figs. 13, 14

In July, after nesting, the male molts into a plumage resembling that of the female, when both are known as Reedbird. L 7-1/4.

Range. Nests from northern New Jersey and northern Missouri to southern Canada and westward to British Columbia; leaves the United States through Florida and winters chiefly in northwestern Argentina; returns to United States early in April.

Washington, T.V., common in spring, abundant in fall; Apl. 26-May 30; July 23-Nov. 14. Ossining, tolerably common S.R., May 1-Oct. 5. Cambridge, very common S.R., May 8-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, common S.R., Apl. 10-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, S.R., Apl. 27-Oct. 9. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 5-Aug. 27.