BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 5243 



the fork of a lofty tree, but at other times may be in a bush 

 or hedge within reach of the ground. ' In Norway it is 

 occasionally under the eaves of houses or on the ground.' 

 The structure of the nest is elaborate and typical. A 

 foundation of turf or clay is made, and on this is built 

 a substantial nest of twigs and thorny sticks. This is 

 continued to form a complete dome, covering in the hollow 

 of the nest, but leaving an opening in one side. The 

 interior is well lined with roots and dry grass. This domed 

 nest may be considered as a comparatively recent improve- 

 ment on the ordinary crow-type of architecture, a supposi- 

 tion that is strengthened by the fact that the six or more 

 eggs are of the usual crow-type — not unlike the Jackdaw''s, 

 in fact — instead of being white, as one might perhaps 

 expect in a concealed situation. 



THE JAY 



(Qarrulus glandarius). 

 Plate 77. 



This species is the British representative of a very 

 characteristic subdivision of the Ciow family. At first we 

 may be led away by the gaudy plumage of the bird, and 

 think it misplaced in that group ; but on consideration we 

 see that we have to go no deeper than outward form and 

 manner of flight to find signs of the relationship. In 

 habits the similarity is also soon apparent. 



Both sexes share the bright plumage, and immature birds 

 are scarcely different from the adults. Of the plumage 

 the beautiful blue and white feathers of the variegated 

 wing -patch are the most conspicuous elements. Often, 

 however, they have proved their owner's undoing, for 

 these very feathers are in considerable demand for making 



