THE JAY, JACKDAW, RING DOVE. 



THE JAY 



Is the most beautiful British species of this genus. It 

 measures about thirteen inches in length, and is of a 

 moderately stout form. Its general colour is a purplish 

 buff, paler on the under parts. The wings are black, with 

 a large white spot in the middle of each wing : the wing 

 covers are glossy pale blue with small bars of black edged 

 with white : the bill and tail are black. The Jay is 

 common in England and many parts of Europe, living in 

 woods, and feeding on wild fruits and nuts as well as 

 insects and small birds. It builds in trees : the eggs are 

 five or six in number ; the young follow their parents for 

 a twelvemonth. The natural note of the Jay is harsh and 

 loud ; in calling its young it mews like a cat. This bird, 

 like the raven, crow, jackdaw, and magpie, maybe taught 

 to articulate. 



THE JACKDAW 



Is a well known inhabitant of the temperate parts of 

 Europe. It is about the size of a small pigeon, being 

 thirteen inches in length. Its colour is black varying to 

 greyish. It is a docile and loquacious bird ; breeds in 

 steeples, old castles, and high rocks. In some places 

 they will build in rabbit holes. 



THE RING-DOVE, 



This bird receives its appellation from a very regular 

 and beautiful white circle round its neck ; the parts above 

 and below which are delightfully variegated with change- 

 able colours, according to the position in which they are 

 viewed by the spectator. 



The Ring-Dove is the largest bird of the kind, which is 

 a native of Britain. It seldom flies singly, but in large 

 flocks ; and subsists on ^-berries, and other vegetable 

 substances. It builds its nest in the branches of trees ; and 



