Fluffy Feathers 241 



In some measure, it makes up for its misdeeds by being 

 a most efficient watcher against prowling cats, and other 

 undesirable visitors to a covert, giving instant warning of 

 their presence by that raucous scream that grates upon the 

 ear of anyone but the naturalist. In its quieter moments, 

 a Jay gives vent to a variety of not unmusical notes, in- 

 cluding the imitation of many familiar sounds, and a soft 

 whistling which under domestication is capable of being 

 trained to compassing simple tunes. 



In winter the Jay's body is a ball of soft, fluffy feathers, 

 so ample for its protection against cold, that they are 

 gradually shed, and renewed, during that season, by both 

 old and young birds. Those examined here during 

 December and January several adults and one immature 

 all bore out this winter moulting, which I had previously 

 remarked elsewhere, each having many half-grown feathers 

 upon the back, and flanks, though they were so much 

 hidden by the others as to be inconspicuous till carefully 

 looked for. 



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