280 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



the body and head entirely replaced by a sooty grayish ; and that of the wings and tail 

 duller, and less distinctly barred. 



Had. AVhole length of the Sierra Nevada, from Fort Crook (where it approaches 

 var. stcUen) to Fort Tcjon. 



In the (joluis of the body, wings, and tail, this well-marked race resembles 

 C. viacrolo'pha, in every respect, except that the greater coverts are not barred 

 with black ; there being the same abrupt contrast between the deep blue of 

 the wings and tail, and the light greenish-blue of the body, tail-coverts, and 

 primaries, — seen only in these two forms. The variety is confined to the 

 moiuitaius of California and Western Nevada, extending along the Sierra 

 Nevada about the entire length of the State, there being specimens in the 

 collection from Fort Crook and Fort Tejon, and intermediate localities. 



Habits. The Blue-fronted Jay, so far as it was observed by Mr. Ridgway, 

 was found to Ije exclusively an inhabitant of the pine woods of the Sierra 

 Nevada, and is, with Clarke's Nutcracker, one of the most characteristic 

 birds of that region. In its general habits and manners, it greatly resembles 

 the eastern Blue Jay, but is rather more shy, while its nofes are very 

 different, and do not possess the variety and flexibility of the crisiata, but 

 are in comparison harsh and discordant. The usual note is a iKjarse, deep- 

 toned monosyllabic sqtiawk. Sometimes it utters a hollow sonorous chatter. 



Near Carson City one of these birds had been winged by a shot, and, in 

 falling, alighted on the lower branches of a pine-tree. Upon an attempt to 

 capture it, the bird began to ascend the tree limb by limb, at the same 

 time uttering a perfect imitation of the cry of the Eed-tailed Hawk, evidently 

 in the hope of frightening away his tormentors. Dr. Newberry regards this 

 Jay as the western counterpai't of the C. crisiata. By its more conspicuous 

 crest, its bold, defiant air, and its excessively harsh and disagreeable cry, it 

 challenges and secures attention. He found it almost exclusively confined 

 to the hilly and mountainous districts, choosing in preference those covered 

 with pines. 



Dr. Heermann found these Jays abumlant and resident as far soiith as 

 Warner's Eanch, where, though common, they were for some reason so 

 unusually wild and vigilant as not to be easily procurable. In feeding, he 

 observed that they seemed always to begin in the lower branches and 

 ascend, hopping from twig to twig, to the topmost point, and, while thus 

 employed, utter a harsh screaming note that can be heard to a considerable 

 distance. 



This species. Dr. Cooper states, is numerous in the mountains of Cali- 

 fornia, inhabiting the whole length of the Sierra Nevada, and the Coast 

 Itange as far south, at least, as Santa Cruz. Though showing a decided pref- 

 erence for the pine forests, they sometimes in winter frequent those of 

 oaks. They are omnivorous, eating seeds, acorns, nuts, insects, and in winter 

 even potatoes and dead fish. They are at times bold and prying, and at 

 others very cautious and suspicious. They soon learn to appreciate a gun. 



