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(Corvus Graculus, Linn.—Le Coracias, Buff.)
THIS bird is about the weight of the Jack-Daw, but of a taller and longer shape. The bill is long, curved, sharp at the tip, and of a bright red; the iris is composed of two circles, the outer red, the inner light blue; the eye lids are red; the plumage is altogether of a purplish violet black; legs red like the bill; claws large, hooked, and black. It builds on high cliffs, by the sea side, lays four or five eggs, spotted with yellow, and chiefly frequents the coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall, and likewise many parts of Wales: some are found on the cliffs of Dover,* and a few in Scotland. In a wild state it feeds chiefly on insects and berries. It is easily tamed, becomes extremely docile, and is very fond of being caressed, by those to whom it shews an attachment, but its shrill notes and mischievous qualities render it sometimes a troublesome inmate. It also becomes bold and pugnacious, and resents an affront with violence and effect, by both bill and claws. It has a great aversion to strangers. Like the tame Jackdaw it is fond of glittering objects, and is equally mischievous, active, and restless. It examines every thing, and is perpetually in search of insects. It soon learns to eat raw or dressed meat, bread, and soft grain, but will not eat common worms.
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