18 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



such positions. The birds were then more abundant than at 

 present. Latterly, but few pairs are met with, and only in 

 sequestered localities, seldom visited by man. In the groves 

 of Iowa, Mr. Allen found this species manifesting all the 

 confidence of Parus atricapillus; and in Illinois, he speaks 

 of it as being in a semi-domesticated condition. In the for- 

 mer State, he found it nidificating under the window of a 

 dwelling, in a lilac-bush, in one of the most prominent streets 

 of Richmond. 



Its first acquaintance with man, is characterised by a 

 most curious behavior. It follows his every movement, 

 with remarkable pertinacity, carefully scanning the slightest 

 action, but always remaining at a respectable distance. 

 When persecuted, it shuns the society of man. But when 

 the hunter intrudes into its chosen retreat, it seems to de- 

 light in annoying him as much as possible, and by its 

 seemingly distressing cries, endeavors to warn its feathered 

 brethren of approaching danger. 



In habits, the Blue Jay is mainly arboricole, preferring the 

 shelter of dense forests to open and exposed situations. The 

 pine-clad hills of the Wissahickon with their dense under- 

 growth, are favorite places of resort. In such covers they 

 delight to dwell during the dreary winter months, and there 

 they may be frequently surprised in the dead of winter. 

 Like the Crow, it is pre-eminently omnivorous, feeding either 

 upon animal or vegetable matter, though having a seeming 

 preference for the former. The eggs, larvae, and imagos of 

 insects, are eagerly devoured, when procurable. When 

 there is a scarcity of insect-diet, the fruits of the oak, beech, 

 birch, and Conifera, are accepted. In the winter it feeds 

 upon the following beetles : Chlcenius sericeus, Eumol- 

 pus pint, Harpalus compar, H. pexnsylvanicus, Pangus 

 caliginosus, Harpalus carbonarius^ Platynns cupripennis^ 

 Dicer ea lurida, Cratouychits cinereus, and C. pertinax. 

 The seeds of Betula cxcclsa, Pinus inops, P. rigida, and 

 the berries of yuiiiperns J 'irginiana, J. COtnmunis, and 



