BLUE JAY. 



self-evident chebec, squeaky, stridulent, and rapid, with 

 a "g" tone. Pronounce the word Egypt (in a stage 

 whisper) as rapidly as possible, but be sure to drop the 

 final " t" and you have the call note.* 



Four times 8v*. or higher than you. c*n got 



* 



-tt tt jf 



fgyp' Eg</P- Egyp 



* fffVP- 



Only once in a while the little bird enlarges his song- 

 motive, and then it is while he is on the wing under the 

 influence of some unusual excitement one hears, Egyp, 

 Egyp, tremble-emble! Egyp, tremble-emble! Whether 

 that means a fateful warning of invasion to the ancient 

 country or not, it is difficult to say. At any rate it is 

 the bird's love song, no matter what words we set to the 

 music, and of the latter, well, there is none, so com- 

 ment is unnecessary. 



The little fellow is also easily identified by his droop- 

 ing, bobbing tail which jerks with every Egyp he utters 

 He is fond of the orchard and the shade trees, ana 

 thence rather than from the borders of the woods comes 

 his familiar voice. 



Family Corvidce. JAYS, CROWS, ETC. 



This is a family of very intelligent birds, of large size- 

 somewhat predatory habits, and omnivorous tastes 

 Most of the birds are resident throughout the year 

 They possess some vocal ability, but are generally con- 

 sidered unmusical. 



Blue Jay This splendid f ellow is the rascal of the 



crfetoto** ki r( * community, the bully and tease of 

 L. 11.60 inches a ^ creatures smaller than himself, and, so 

 All the year far as actions are concerned, " the clown 

 of the circus." So familiar a character as the Blue 

 Jay needs no description, yet his markings are unique 



* It has also been written cadet and seurick, but neither of these 

 is very representative. 



43 



