BLUE JAY. 
477. Cyanocitta cristata. 11% inches. 
These are one of the best known and most beautiful 
birds 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 less white on wings and 
tail. 
