136 
SINGING BIRDS. 
Indian corn or maize, the latter of which he breaks before 
swallowing. He also feeds occasionally on the larger insects 
and caterpillars, as well as orchard fruits, particularly cherries, 
and does not even refuse the humble fare of potatoes. In 
times of scarcity he falls upon carrion, and has been known to 
venture into the barn, through accidental openings; when, as 
if sensible of the danger of purloining, he is active and silent, 
and if surprised, postponing his garrulity, he retreats with 
noiseless precipitation and with all the cowardice of a thief. 
The worst trait of his appetite, however, is his relish for the 
eggs of other birds, in quest of which he may frequently be 
seen prowling ; and with a savage cruelty he sometimes also 
devours the callow young, spreading the plaint of sorrow and 
alarm wherever he flits. The whole neighboring community 
of little birds, assembled at the cry of distress, sometimes, how- 
ever, succeed in driving off the ruthless plunderer, who, not 
always content with the young, has been seen to attack the old, 
though with dubious success ; but to the gallant and quarrel- 
some King Bird he submits like a coward, and driven to seek 
shelter, even on the ground, from the repeated blows of his 
antagonist, sneaks off well contented to save his life. 
Although a few of these birds are seen with us nearly through 
the winter, numbers, no doubt, make predatory excursions to 
milder regions, so that they appear somewhat abundant at this 
season in the Southern States ; yet they are known to rear their 
young from Canada to South Carolina, so that their migrations 
may be nothing more than journeys from the highlands 
towards the warmer and more productive sea-coast, or eastern 
frontier. 
East of the Mississippi the Blue Jay has been rarely seen north 
of the 50th parallel. 
Note. — A smaller race, which differs also from true cristata in 
having less white on the tips of the secondaries and tail-feathers, 
has been named the Florida Blue Jay (C. cristata Jiorincola). 
It is found in Florida only. 
