[see prec.] A species of Crow (Corvus Corone) smaller and more common than the Raven, and rather larger than the Rook, which feeds on carrion, small animals, poultry, etc. It is the ‘Crow’ of most parts of England, and the ‘Corbie’ of Scotland.
1528. More, Heresyes, III. Wks. 225/2. We fare as doo the rauens and the carein crowes yt neuer medle with any quicke flesh.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist., III. 122. The Carrion Crow is less favored by mankind.
a. 1811. J. Leyden, Ld. Soulis, xliii. And they heard the cry, from the branches high, Of the hungry carrion crow.
b. Applied by Dampier, Sloane, etc., to a Vulture.
1699. Dampier, Voy., II. 67. Carrion Crows are blackish Fowls, about the bigness of Ravens; they have bald Heads, and redish bald Necks like Turkeys; and … are often mistaken for such. Ibid. Some of the Carrion Crows are all over white…. The Logwood-Cutters call the white ones King Carrion Crows.
1802. Bingley, Anim. Biog. (1813), II. 28. The Carrion Vulture … Synonyms. Vultur Auræ Linn…. Carrion Crow. Sloane.
