BLUE JAY. 



477. Cyanocitta cristata. 11^ inches. 



These are one of the best known and most beautiful 

 Dirds that we have, but, unfortunately, they have a very 

 bad reputation. They often rob other birds of their eggs 

 and young as well as food and nesting material. They are 

 very active birds and are always engaged in gathering 

 food, usually acorns or other nuts, and hiding them away 

 for future use. 



Notes. — A two-syllabled whistle or a harsh, discordant 

 scream. Besides these two common notes they make an 

 endless variety of sounds mimicking other birds. 



Nest. — Of twigs and sticks in bushes or low trees, 

 preferably young pines. The four eggs are pale greenish 

 blue specked with brown ( 1.10 x .80) . 



Range. — N. A. east of the Rockies from the Gulf to 

 Labrador, resident in the U. S. The Florida Blue Jay 

 (florincola) is smaller and has lesb white on wings and 

 tail. 



