256 . 
in its ability to take care of itself, though surrounded by enemies, its hand 
against everybody and every hand against it. But, when it does lose the 
game, and finds its wits fatally outmatched, it is a bad loser, and has no 
shame in showing its terror and calling loudly on the whole world to witness 
the unprecedented outrage. 
Economic Status. Next to the Crow, and possibly before it, the 
Magpie is the most persistent nest robber in the bird world. No eggs 
or young birds are safe from it, and where it is numerous it is one of the 
important determining factors in limiting the increase of the smaller birds. 
It even enters poultry yards and hencoops, timing its visit nicely when the 
owners’ eyes are turned elsewhere, and chicks and eggs are its prey. Occas- 
ionally it attacks horses and cattle, even to their death, perching on the 
foolishly unresisting animals’ backs and enlarging saddle galls, fresh brand 
marks, or other open sores to serious proportions. The animals, for some 
unaccountable reason, seem to make no objection, and even appear to 
enjoy the sensation of being pecked to death. A few Magpies may be a 
picturesque accompaniment of the landscape, but even those can only be 
enjoyed at a price, and certainly any great number of them in a neighbour- 
hood are to be discouraged by the use of gun and trap. 
477. Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata. L, 11 -74. Plate XLIII B. A bird about the 
size of a Robin, sky blue on back, wings, and tail; a conspicuous pointed blue crest. Nearly 
white below; and a black necklace draped around neck 
and over the upper breast (Figure 251). 
Distinctions. Large size, general sky-blue colour, 
and prominent, upstanding crest. Not likely to be 
confused with any other species, except Steller’s Jay, 
which is very different, being much darker all over, with 
a black head, and deep blue back and underparts. 
Field Marks. Distinctions as above, and character- 
istic cries and calls, the most common of which is a loud, 
“Jay — jay — jay ”, another resembles the squeak of a 
rusty hinge, but the bird is a mimic, and acquires 
many strange notes. 
Nesting. Nest of twigs and rootlets in trees. 
Distribution. Eastern North America, from the northern coniferous forest, south 
to the gulf of Mexico. In Canada, west to the foothills. 
SUBSPECIES. The Blue Jay that occupies most of the continent, except Florida, 
is the type form, Cyanocitta cristata cristata. 
\ 
Figure 251 
Blue Jay; scale, about \. 
The Jays are all much alike in their nature. They are clowns, intelli- 
gent, alert, inquisitive, mischievous, and noisy. Much said of the Magpie 
applies, in a measure proportionate to its size, to both the Blue and Steller’s 
Jays. The gay coat of the Blue Jay, and its knowing airs, disarm criticism. 
Economic Status. Economically the Blue Jay occupies a doubtful 
place; in food habits it is omnivorous, eating in turn, insects, fruit, acorns, 
grain, eggs, or young birds. Undoubtedly acorns, in their season, form 
its staple food. It is a bird that should be discouraged where other more 
useful birds are nesting. 
478. Steller’s Jay (Including Black-headed and Queen Charlotte Jays). 
(Incorrectly blub jay.) Cyanocitta s telleri. L, 12-50. Plate XLIV A. Somewhat 
larger than a Robin. Back, wings, and tail, dark blue, gradually turning to black on head. 
Conspicuous pointed crest. 
Distinctions. Large size, general dark blue colour, black head, and prominent upstand- 
ing crest. Not to be confused with any other species except, perhaps, the Blue Jay, but 
quite different, being dark blue instead of sky blue with white abdomen. 
