J A VS. 



525 



The true and typical jays belong to tlie genus Garridus, which is confined to tlie 

 Pala'arctic region, being one of its most characteristic inhabitants. Most of the 

 S[)ecies are moulded ui)on the European si)eeies ( Garrulus ylamlarius), figured in our 

 cut, and several of tliem are but slight modifications of this well-known and beautiful 

 bird. Its general color is a delicate vinaceous gray; on the head it has an erectile 

 black-spotted crest, and tlie rump is jniri' white; Imt its chief ornaments are tlie wing- 



Fig. 259. — Cyanocitta diademala, Mexican long-crested jay. 



coverts, which are black, exquisitely barred with white ami n/.ure-blue. The draw- 

 ing shows this profcssionid ne.st-rob))er in the act of killing an unfortunate nestling. 

 Like the other members of tiie family the jays are omnivorous, but tliey are especially 

 fond of eggs and young birds, and may be regarded as eminently injurious, though in 

 spring they <'oiisunu' a number of insects to atone for their sins of stealing fruit and 

 berries in the .■uituinn. 



Our familiar blue-jays {Cyanocitta) arc quite nearly related to the above, and 



