Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
477. Blue Jay: Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.) 
Adult—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—1.12 x .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 or 
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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