102 BRITISH BIRDS’ EGGS. 
COMMON JAY. 
GARRULUS GLANDARIUS, Linn. 
Pl. XVL., figs. 7, 8. 
Geogr. distr.—From the central and northern parts of Scandinavia, 
throughout Europe to Algeria, and eastward as far as the Ural Moun- 
tains: common and resident in Great Britain. 
Food.—Insects, worms, birds’ eggs, young birds, grain, berries, 
haws, acorns, beech-nuts and peas. 
Nest.—Externally rather ragged, being formed of sticks and twigs 
intertwined ; more compact and neatly cup-shaped in the centre, which 
is lined with rootlets and horse-hair, and sometimes grasses. 
Position of nest.—Usually in a high bush or the fork of a sapling; 
according to my experience, most frequently in rather close growing 
woods, without undergrowth, so that it is readily seen without search: 
Mr. Dresser, however, says that the nest is ‘well concealed,” so that 
it is possible I may have only discovered such as were easy to find. 
Number of eggs.—6-7. 
Time of nidrfication.—ITI-VI; April and May. 
The Jay is a common bird in Kent, and, considering how 
many one sees during the breeding season, I have often 
wondered at the few nests which I have found. This bird 
is, however, generally admitted to be less common in 
England than formerly, though it is said to have increased 
of late years in Lincolnshire. In Scotland, however, it 
has been proved to have decreased rapidly, being rare in 
most counties south of the Grampians, and local in all; 
in Ireland, also, it appears to be confined to the south, and 
to be very local and by no means numerous. 
The Jay is a very timid bird, and usually flies noisily off, 
or conceals itself in the surrounding foliage at the approach 
of man. The first nest which I took was apparently un- 
euarded, though it contained six eggs; but the moment I 
removed them the scolding I received made me aware of 
the vicinity of the parent bird. This species has a remark- 
able power of imitation, and has been known to mimic the 
crow of a Cock, the cackle of a Hen, the hoot of an Owl, 
the bark of a Dog, or the neigh of a Horse; its natural 
note is harsh and discordant, but it can utter more 
melodious sounds when so inclined. 
