288 THE WINTER BIRDS. 



He quarrels with all other species, and his life is a con- 

 stant round of contentions. He is restless, irascible, and 

 pugnacious, and he always appears like one who is out on 

 some expedition. Yet, though a pest to other birds, he 

 is a watchful parent and a faithful guardian of his off- 

 spring. It is dangerous to venture near the nest of a 

 pair of Jays, who immediately attack the adventurer, 

 aiming their blows at his face and eyes with savage 

 determination. 



Like the Magpie, the Jay has considerable talent for 

 mimicry, and when tamed has been taught to articulate 

 words like a parrot. But this talent he never exercises 

 in a wild state. At certain times I have heard this bird 

 utter a few notes, like the tinkling of a bell, and which, 

 if syllabled, might form such a word as dilly-lily ; but it 

 is not a musical strain. Indeed, there is no music in his 

 nature ; he is fit only for " stratagems and spoils." 



The Blue-Jay is a true American. He is known 

 throughout the continent, and never visits any other 

 country. At no season is he absent from our woods, 

 though his voice always reminds me of winter. He is 

 also an industrious consumer of the larger insects and 

 grubs, atoning in this way for some of his evil deeds. 

 I cannot say, therefore, that I would consent to his ban- 

 ishment, for he is one of the most cheering tenants of the 

 groves at a season when they have but few inhabitants ; 

 and I never listen to his voice without a crowd of charm- 

 ing reminiscences of pleasant winter excursions and ad- 

 ventures at an early period of life. The very harshness 

 of his voice has caused it to be impressed more forcibly 

 upon my memory in connection with these scenes. 



