228° SYNOPSIS AND) ALBHABETIGA LE ALN DEMS 
same origin as word gay, viz., Fr., gat, also jaz; Old 
Spanish, gayo, from both its plumage as well as its 
manners. General description, size, and plumage: 
The harsh chattering of this bird (whence Latin name) 
as you approach, attracts attention (it has other alarm 
notes and also call notes, and is said to be a mimic) but 
it requires finding as it hides itself much, having been 
relentlessly hunted by gamekeepers for generations, on 
account of its nest pilfering. Length : 134 inches, in size 
between a blackbird and a small pigeon. It frequents 
wooded districts. Found: Generally distributed. The 
blue (of peculiar shade) on wings distinctive. Flight : 
Heavy, straight. General plumage: Reddish-brown ; 
upper parts of wings, bright blue. Tail: Rather long, and 
it shows much white on lower part of the back in flight. 
Has a greyish-white, black-streaked crest which is often 
elevated, also moustache-like black feathers at sides 
of beak. Habits: Restless, wings often half expanded 
and tail moved much. Food: Almost anything edible, 
including eggs of other birds, small birds and mice (but 
not carrion), and sometimes conceals food not eaten at 
once. Not migratory. Nest: In April or May, open- 
cup-shaped, resembles a blackbird’s, but is twice the size. 
Made of: Twigs and sticks, with mud, and lined 
with fine roots. Situated: Not very high in 
bushes (including evergreens) and low in trees, well con- 
cealed. Second nests: Not. Eggs: Ground colour 
yellowish-white, which is hidden by very many close 
