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THE LONG-CRESTED JAY. 



(Cyanocitta stelleri macrolopha.) 



The family (Corvidae) of birds to the very appropriate name of the sub- 



which the long-crested jay belongs in- family in which they are included, the 



eludes not only the jays but also the Garrulinae, from the Latin word garrio, 



crows, the ravens, the magpies and the meaning to prattle. 



rooks. It is a cosmopolitan family Our illustration shows the color and 



with the exception that no representa- markings of the long-crested jay. Its 



tives are found in New Zealand. It home is in the wooded regions of the 



includes over two hundred species of southern Rocky Mountains, southern 



which about twenty-five are inhabitants Arizona and the northwestern portion 



of North America. Strictly speaking, of Mexico. It breeds throughout this 



none of the species are migratory, ex- range. 



cepting those whose range carries them Dr. Goues has said regarding this 



to regions of severe winters. Some of bird that it is " a stranger to modesty 



the species are well protected by soft and forbearance, and the many quali- 



and thick coats of down and feathers, ties that charm us in some little birds 



and as they are generous in their selec- and endear them to us; he is a regular 



tion of food, eating varieties that may fillibuster, ready for any sort of adven- 



be procured at any season, they do not ture that promises sport or spoil, even 



need to move from place to place but if spiced with danger." In spite of 



may remain resident throughout the these characteristics they are very quiet 



year. during the nesting season and the fe- 



The jays differ from the crows in male is very devoted to her nest and 



their method of progression on the will almost allow herself to be touched 



ground, hopping instead of walking, before flying from her eggs. Their 



They are distinctly arboreal in their nests are bulky and usually placed in 



habits, and usually have a bright-col- out-of-the way places, in low, bushy, 



ored plumage, blue being the most com- cone-bearing trees. They seemingly 



mon. Their heads are often crested, will eat anything of a nutritious nature. 



Though found nearly throughout the Flying insects, larvae, beetles, flies, spi- 



world their highest development seems ders, eggs, and even small birds, seem 



to have been reached by those species to be palatable to their tastes. Yet 



that are resident in the warmer portions they are principally vegetarians feed- 



of America. ing upon seeds, hard fruits and berries 



The jays are noisy and quarrelsome, when these are obtainable, 

 fretting apparently for the most insig- TheSteller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), 



nificant reasons. They are great mim- of which the long-crested form is ageo- 



ics and exhibit a high degree of intelli- graphical variety, is a resident of the 



gence. The jay possesses a variety of Northwestern portion of North America 



notes and calls, and is a notable bor- ranging from northern California to 



rower of those of some other species of southern Alaska and eastward to the 



birds. This versatility has given rise to Cascade Mountains. 



