These birds are very mischievous and inquisitive; they will pick up almost anything from the ground; a large black glazed hat was carried nearly a mile, as was a pair of the heavy balls used in catching cattle.

Mr.Usborne experienced during the survey a more severe loss, in their stealing a small Kater's compass in a red morocco leather case, which was never recovered.

These birds are, moreover, quarrelsome and very passionate; tearing up the grass with their bills from rage.

They are not truly gregarious; they do not soar, and their flight is heavy and clumsy; on the ground they run extremely fast, very much like pheasants.

They are noisy, uttering several harsh cries, one of which is like that of the English rook, hence the sealers always call them rooks.