The JACKDAW (_Monedula turrium_) is a very small species of Raven,
distinguished from its congeners by its short, strong, straight beak,
which is but slightly curved. The length of this bird does not exceed
twelve inches, or twelve and three-quarters, its breadth is from
twenty-four to twenty-five inches, the wing measures eight and a half
inches, and the tail five inches. The plumage is deep black upon the
forehead and top of the head, the back of the head and nape being dark
grey; the upper part of the body is blue black, and the lower portions
slate colour or pale black. The young are recognisable by their lighter
tints and the grey colour of the eye. The Jackdaw is found throughout
most of the countries of Europe and in many parts of Asia, occupying
some places in large numbers, and entirely avoiding other districts with
a fastidiousness for which we are unable to account: steeples, towers,
or old buildings are the situations it prefers for building purposes,
but it will also make its nests upon high trees or even shrubs. The
disposition of this species is lively and its habits extremely social;
indeed, it may be said to possess the gifts of the Crow, with but few
of its disagreeable qualities. When upon the wing the flight of the
Jackdaw is not unlike that of a Pigeon, and its mode of rising, falling,
or performing a variety of evolutions remarkably graceful and easy.
Its voice is capable of considerable development, and, like many other
members of this family, it has but little difficulty in imitating human
speech and other sounds; it chatters almost incessantly during the
breeding season, but not offensively, for its tones are soft and very
varied. Large quantities of insects, snails, and worms are devoured by
these useful birds: they will seek their food in the streets or follow in
the wake of the ploughman as he turns up the clods and lays the concealed
grubs bare to their hungry beaks; they hunt for mice, young birds, and
eggs with great dexterity, and will also feed upon roots, leaves, corn,
and fruit.
Late in the autumn the Jackdaws leave us for warmer regions in company
with the Rook, though but rarely journeying as far as that bird. The
spring is usually far advanced before they return to their native haunts
and commence their work of building or repairing their nests, which are
extremely rude, being roughly formed of twigs or straw, and lined with
hair, feathers, or hay. During these building operations the settlement
is a constant scene of quarrelling, one bird stealing from another with
the greatest audacity and cunning, and taking possession not only of the
materials but of the places selected by their neighbours as snug and
desirable localities. The young are fed upon insects and tended with
great affection by their parents, who will also defend them from an enemy
with much courage. Should an Owl or Buzzard venture to approach the
colony, it is received with loud cries and immediately driven off by the
infuriated Jackdaws, who often pursue the intruder to the distance of
some miles. Cats, Martens, Falcons, and Hawks are numbered amongst the
most formidable of the enemies with which they have often to contend; the
two first of these marauders plundering their nests, while the latter
attack both old and young birds. Of all the members of the family, none
are so well fitted for domestication; large numbers are caught annually
for this purpose, as their great intelligence and pleasing disposition
render them favourites with all lovers of the feathered tribes.