Birds of Oregon and Washington 177 



Almost every one knows this noisy and, in 

 the western section of our States, this every- 

 where-present Jay. He is fine looking and also 

 interesting in spite of his meddlesome, maraud- 

 ing, and, we must own, cowardly habits. We 

 could not afford to exterminate him. He would 

 be a distinct loss to our bird-family, but, like the 

 crow, although with less courage, he will steal 

 birds' eggs and will take the young, whenever 

 he can do it without bringing upon himself an 

 attack from the outraged bird-community upon 

 which he is preying. 



While not blaming him for acting out his na- 

 ture, for which he is not responsible, we must 

 regretfully, and, as painlessly as possible, pre- 

 vent his becoming too abundant. His crest and 

 color will make a particular description of him 

 unnecessary. 



Permanent resident. 



THE CALIFORNIA JAY. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION : 



Upper parts : head, wings and tail, blue. Mid- 

 dle of back, grayish-brown. 

 Under parts ; whitish, bordered with bluish. 

 Length, 12 inches. 



