Jackdaw

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), a species of crow, smaller than the rook and carrion crow, its utmost length being only about fourteen inches. It is black, with purplish wings and tail, and a dark-gray neck. It is a common resident in the British Islands, and is found nearly all over Europe, in many parts of which, however, it appears to be migratory; also in Asia and the north of Africa. It is not found in America. Its food consists of insects, snails, and worms. It builds its nest in holes of cliffs, ruins, and old trees. It frequents towns and villages, often making its nest in a chimney, by dropping down stick after stick till some of them become fixed in their oblique descent; and on these others are piled, affording a firm base for a nest of wool or other soft substance. The jackdaw lays from four to seven (usually five) bluish-white eggs, which are covered with small dark-brown spots. The jackdaw is a social bird. It is easily domesticated, and becomes very pert and familiar. It has considerable powers of mimicry, and may be taught to imitate very exactly the human voice.