BLUE JAY 



Upper parts purplish-blue; lower parts purplish-gray; 

 wings and tail bright blue with black bars ; tail feathers tipped 

 with white; head crested. Length, twelve inches. Nest, in 

 evergreens about twenty feet from the gcound, made of twigs 

 andfine roots. Eggs, four to six, 1.15 x .85 inches, of greenish- 

 drab color and specked with brown. 



This interesting bird may be found throughout the entire 

 year everywhere in the United States east of the Rocky 

 Mountains. He lives in the thick woods, but he often comes 

 into the open fields, the orchards and near dwellings in search 

 of food. He is a gay and handsome fellow wherever you meet 

 him. When he discovers you, he assumes a proud and angry 

 air of conceit and defiance. 



Acorns, chestnuts, corn and fruits ace his delight. In the 

 fall, he stores away these things in knot-hples and other places. 

 In the winter, forgetting where he has put his supplies, he is 

 sometimes driven to live for a time upon carrion. If he 

 stopped here he might still have a fair reputation among birds ; 

 but sad to relate, he eats the eggs of other birds and even 

 devours their young also. This conduct has brought upon him 

 the dislike of the small birds which often Combine to drive away 

 the robber when he attempts to attack their nests. Although 

 he is usually a haughty and saucy bird, yet when the real test 

 of courage comes, he sneaks off to avoid a fight. The little 

 Kingbird dislikes him thoroughly and often thrashes him 

 soundly. 



Doubtless the Blue Jay has helped to name himself, as his 

 most common utterance is a long drawn jay, jay, jay. This 



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