EGGS : 
The complement of eggs is four or five, rarely six. The ground-color of the shell varies in different 
specimens from a light shade of dirty ochre to a tolerably dark olive-green ; a shade between these two 
being the commonest. The markings consist of small blotches, spots, and speckles of a darker shade of 
the ground-color, or, at times, of a yellowish-brown. The deep shell-marks being somewhat purplish. 
Some eggs are thickly speckled over the entire shell, the marks being confluent in a ring about the 
crown. Some have but a few spots and speckles, and these principally about the base ; while others, and 
this is the usual pattern, are marked with three or four small blotches, and five or six times as many 
spots interspersed with speckles, the majority being on the basal half. Twenty-six eggs vary in long- 
diameter from 1.05 to 1.22, and in short-diameter from .78 to .84. In “North American Birds,” the 
short-diameter is said to be from .82 to .88. The largest specimen before me, measures 1.22 x. 79; the 
smallest, 1.05 x .78. The usual size is about 1.12 x .79. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
The nest and eggs, either together or separate, have but few points in common with those of other 
birds, and may always be recognized if attention is given to the above description. 
REMARKS : 
The nest illustrated was taken from a pine-tree in a country lawn, May, 1880. The thorny sticks 
in the foundation were selected from the trimmings of a neighboring hedge. In size, shape, and materials, 
the specimen is characteristic. The eggs figured, were selected from a large number, and represent the 
sizes, shapes, and colorings usually seen. The middle egg being the commonest pattern. 
The blue and white plumage of the Blue Jay, together with his fine proportions, makes him one of 
the most conspicuous birds of our fauna. His character I can perhaps best portray by comparing him to 
his near relative, the common Crow, for in his method of thought and action he is very crow-like. In the 
summer he makes his living by robbing the nests of others, and none of the small forest birds know him 
but to fear him. He is always active, hopping about from branch to branch, and peering into every 
cluster of leaves, with his keen and cunning eye, in search of some home to despoil. The eggs of the 
Dove and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are not too large for him, and I am inclined to belieA r e he would peck 
into common hen’s eggs, if the opportunity afforded. A small egg he will carry from the nest to some 
safe place, and there suck the contents. I do not know from observation that he disturbs the nestlings, 
but it is probable that at times he does. Although an arrant coward when plundering a nest, and afraid 
of the smallest bird, he assumes great courage, and generally leads the rag-tag and bob-tail militia in 
their daytime attacks upon the Great-horned Owl. And it has frequently occurred to me, from the. twin- 
kle in his eye, that he is fully conscious that he is making a fine reputation for valor, where there is not 
the slightest danger. In captivity his shrewd and mischievous nature readily develops, and may be 
directed easily into various channels. If taken young and properly cared for, he makes a rare pet, and 
may be the source of much amusement. He will steal every thing he wants to eat, and any thing he 
Wants and can not eat, he will carry off and hide. But to counterbalance this natural depravity, he is a 
pretty fair songster, his notes being low and sweet, and in great contrast to his common cat-calls. 
The male and female are very solicitious for the safety of their nest and eggs, and one of them is 
always pretty near by. When the young are hatched the parents frequently show considerable Courage 
in protecting them from enemies. I have known a female to follow a person carrying away one of her 
young nearly a mile, fighting him all the way. Notwithstanding the general meanness of the Jay Bird, 
some good things may be said of him, but, as the space at my disposal is consumed, whatever of excellence 
he possesses is left for the genius of the reader to discover. 
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