328 THE BIRDS OF MAINE 



building the nest and in the duties of incubation. The eggs 

 hatch in sixteen days and the young remain for at least twenty- 

 one days in the nest, probably for a little longer period than 

 this. 



If the nest is approached by an enemy the birds dash fiercely 

 down at the offender, uttering a harsh prolonged " jay j — a — y" 

 or a "we-a-u-g-h" and I have had them strike me repeatedly 

 on the head in their downward dash. When satisfied that 

 resistance will be useless they retire to a distance to observe 

 proceedings, uttering a plaintive, mournful "billy, billy, billy," 



Their food is of wonderful variety. They eat almost any- 

 thing in the insect or flesh line, either material taken themselves 

 or that accidentally or otherwise killed and exposed. They 

 have a great love for birds' eggs and nice tender young birds, 

 and never fail to improve such opportunity, while if the parents 

 offer too much objection and are not spry enough they too are 

 killed. Mice, shrews, and small mammals are also eagerly 

 eaten. Fruits, berries, wheat, corn, oats and other grains are 

 relished. In the winter I have often seen a number engaged 

 in pecking at meat or suet placed out by some kindly person 

 for such birds as might be attracted to the spot. 



In the hunting season there is a trace of maliciousness devel- 

 oped in the Blue Jay, and I have had them follow me through 

 the woods with their harsh cries which alarmed all the game in 

 hearing, while they were shrewd enough to keep well out of 

 gunshot themselves. They delight to discover an Owl hidden 

 snugly away and a flock of Jays will spend hours "mobbing" 

 the luckless bird. 



Genus PERISOREUS Bonaparte. 



484. Perisort'us canadensis (Linn.). Canada Jay; Moose- 

 bird; Whisky Jack; Whiskey John; Wis-ka-chon; Hudson 

 Bay Bird; Caribou Bird; Meat Bird; Grease Bird; Camp 

 Robber; Venison Hawk; Gray Jay. 



