62 
GARRULUS STELLERI. 
even the colours of their plumage, which agree i*>^ 
the species, and in different climates, render the cro^j 
a very natural and well marked group. The 
plumage and offensive odour, which cause them to ' 
viewed every where with disgust, and even somefl^f 
of superstitious dread, are far from being characterise 
of the neat and elegant jays. 
The true curvi are distinguished by the folio"'* 11 
traits : Bill, very stout ; feet, very strong ; gen***'' 
form, robust ; flight, highly sustained, straight, ' 
circular, as if performing evolutions in the air. W 
live, travel, and breed in large bauds ; affect "'*: 
plains and cultivated grounds, only retiring to *, 
adjacent forests to roost, and are always seen on bl- 
and naked trees, but never on thickets, shrubs, * 
bushes. Their voice is deep and hoarse. They ^ 
more or less fond of cattle, some species preying on *' 
vermin that infest them. Though devouring all lei*" 
of food, yet their propensity is decidedly carnivore* 1 ' 
Their black, unvaried colours, are remarkably op|>°^ 
to the bright and cheerful vesture of the jays, wbf 
plumage is of a much looser texture, the feathers be*** 
longer and much niorei downy. 
The jays are again more particularly distinguish 
from the magpies by their head-feather* being long h 
silky, and always erectile, (especially when the bir**! 
excited or angry) even when they arc not decide^ 
crested, as is the case in many species. Their col** 11 " 
are also gayer, and more brilliant, with more or less 1 ' 
blue. The species of both these sections are garrul*^ 
noisy, and inquisitive. Together with the crows, t ||( ’ 
are eminently distinguished by their stout, cult**, 
bill, generally covered at base with setaceous, incumWl 
porrect feathers, hiding the nostrils. The femak ' 
similar to the male in appearance, and the young di®» 
but little, and only during the first year, from the ad**j 
They are very shy, suspicious, possessed of an a**! 1 
sense of smelliug, and evince great sagacity in avoi*^ 
snares. They are omnivorous in the fullest exte** 1 ., 
the word, feeding on grains, insects, berries, and <*' 
