Nests in Trees, Bnshes, or Vines 



477. Blue Jay: Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.) 



AduU— Upper parts bluish, somewhat tinged with purple; head 

 crested ; under parts grayish white ; lighter on throat and 

 belly ; a black line across the breast, neck, and head ; forehead 

 black ; wings and tail blue, barred with black. Length — 

 11.74. 



Breeding Range — ^Throughout the Eastern States. 



The nest is placed in any sort of tree or bush, from four to 

 thirty-five feet up. It is a rather bulky and ragged affair of twigs, 

 roots, weeds, rags, and string. The nest shown in the accom- 

 panying photograph was made of twigs, rags, and a fair amount 

 of mud. I do not, however, think that mud is often used in 

 their construction. The eggs number from 3 to 6 ; they are 

 greenish or yellowish drab, thickly spotted with greenish or 

 reddish brown and dull lilac. Size — 1.12X.82. See Fig. 16, 

 Plate D. 



The many peculiarities of this bird render him most interest- 

 ing ; his voice and some of his habits are decidedly against him, 

 while his appearance and cleverness are so greatly in his favour that 

 the bad traits are or should be lost sight of. As a pet he has no 

 equal, his tricks causing endless amusement, and his general 

 character is good. 



The young are very helpless at first, and are without down of 

 feathers ; when about nine days old their eyes open ; they have 

 pin-feathers and down, and to some extent they are able to use 

 their feet. By the time they are about sixteen days old they are 

 ready to leave the nest. The breeding season begins about the 

 first week in May. 



As they feed largely on acorns a grove of oak trees proves a 

 great attraction to the blue jay population of any locality. 



477a. Florida Blue Jay: C. c. florincola Coues 



This is a rather smaller and grayer sub-species of the com- 

 mon blue jay. It is found in Florida and southern Texas. The 

 nesting habits and eggs do not differ materially from those of the 

 preceding species. 



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