136 SINGING BIRDS. 



Indian corn or maize, the latter of which he breaks before 

 swallowing. He also feeds occasionally on the larger insects 

 and caterpillars, as well as orchard fruits, particularly cherries, 

 and does not even refuse the humble fare of potatoes. In 

 times of scarcity he falls upon carrion, and has been known to 

 venture into the barn, through accidental openings ; when, as 

 if sensible of the danger of purloining, he is active and silent, 

 and if surprised, postponing his garrulity, he retreats with 

 noiseless precipitation and with all the cowardice of a thief. 

 The worst trait of his appetite, however, is his relish for the 

 eggs of other birds, in quest of which he may frequently be 

 seen prowling ; and with a savage cruelty he sometimes also 

 devours the callow young, spreading the plaint of sorrow and 

 alarm wherever he flits. The whole neighboring community 

 of little birds, assembled at the cry of distress, sometimes, how- 

 ever, succeed m driving off the ruthless plunderer, who, not 

 always content with the young, has been seen to attack the old, 

 though with dubious success ; but to the gallant and quarrel- 

 some King Bird he submits like a coward, and driven to seek 

 shelter, even on the ground, from the repeated blows of his 

 antagonist, sneaks off well contented to save his life. 



Although a few of these birds are seen with us nearly through 

 the winter, numbers, no doubt, make predatory excursions to 

 milder regions, so that they aj)pear somewhat abundant at this 

 season in the Southern States ; yet they are known to rear their 

 young from Canada to South Carolina, so that their migrations 

 may be nothing more than journeys from the highlands 

 towards the warmer and more productive sea-coast, or eastern 

 frontier. 



East of the Mississippi the Blue Jay has been rarely seen north 

 of the 50th parallel. 



Note. — A smaller race, which differs also from true cristata in 

 having less white on the tips of the secondaries and tail-feathers, 

 has been named the Florida Blue Jay {C. cfistata fiorincola). 

 It is found in Florida and along the Gulf coast. 



