490 LAND BIRDS 
Nevada. Asin the case of the coast jay, eggs and young 
of other birds form a part of the menu of the Blue- 
fronted, together with acorns, pifion nuts, insects, and 
fruit. 
481. CALIFORNIA JAY. — Aphelocoma californica. 
Famity : The Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. 
Length: 11.50-12.25. 
Adults: Upper parts blue ; back and scapulars brownish gray ; sides of 
head grayish black ; under parts white, washed with bright blue on 
sides of chest, middle portion being streaked with blue and brown ; 
white superciliary stripe very distinct. 
Young: Nearly uniform rusty black; head tinged with blue; throat 
white, unstreaked ; chest brownish gray ; belly white. 
Geographical Distribution: Pacific coast of United States, from northern 
Oregon to Lower California ; east to Western Nevada. 
California Breeding Range: Upper Sonoran zone, west of Sierra Nevada, 
south to Lower California. 
Breeding Season: April to June 15. 
Nest: Usually found in low bushes or thickets, though sometimes in a 
tree, from 3 to 30 feet from the ground; a platform of interlaced 
twigs, moss, and dry grass supports the nest proper, which is made of 
rootlets mixed with horsehair. 
Eggs: 3 to 6; buffy or green, varying in shade, blotched with brown. 
Size 1.08 X 0.80. 
To one accustomed to the handsome blue jay of the 
East or the still more splendid Steller jay of the 
West, the ‘ flat-headed” California Jay presents a 
far less attractive appearance. Nor does he improve 
upon acquaintance ; for, as one becomes aware of all his 
iniquities, his crestless head seems the typical low fore- 
head of a villain. He is one of the greatest trials a 
bird-lover must encounter, and I know no reason why 
the law should protect him to the destruction of our 
