.JAYS AND MAGPIES 
305 
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 r 
grain, eggs, or young birds. Undoubtedly acorns, in their season, form 
its staple food. It is a bird that may have to be discouraged where other 
more useful birds are nesting. 
478. Steller’s Jay. le geai de steller. Cyanocitta stelleri. L, 12*50. Plate 
XLIX 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, up- 
standing 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. 
Field Marks. Distinctions as above, and loud, characteristic voice. Steller’s Jay, 
Clarke’s Nutcracker, and the magpie all have an extended vocabulary with much in com- 
mon. The most usual call of this species is a harsh “Shaack-shaack-shaack” or u Chack-ah T 
chack-ah, chack-ah,” quite different from the clear U J ay- jay -jay” of the Blue Jay. 
Nesting. A bulky mass of twigs lined with mud and rootlets, usually in evergreen 
thickets. 
Distribution. Western North America from Alaska to Central America. In Canada 
east to the edge of the plains. Occasionally in Saskatchewan. 
SUBSPECIES. Steller’s Jay is divided into a number of subspecies, the following 
of which occur in Canada. The typical form Cyanocitta stelleri slelleri is the bird of Van- 
couver Island and coast from Cook Inlet, Alaska, to Oregon. The Queen Charlotte Jay 
(le Geai de Reine-Charlotte) Cyanocitta stelleri carlottae is confined to Queen Charlotte 
Islands. The blues are darker, and the black is deeper and more extensive. The Black- 
headed Jay (le Geai a tete noire) Cyanocitta stelleri anneclens is the bird of the interior. 
It is most like the typical form, but on an average has more decided whitish blue streaking 
on the forehead, and usually has a silvery grey spot over the eye. These characters are 
not constant, however, some coast birds having considerable forehead streaking, and 
many interior ones having no spot over the eye. 
A true jay in all its habits, ways, and actions. All said of the Blue 
Jay will apply to this species, but it being more numerous in its natural 
habitat must be considered more seriously. 
475. Magpie, la pie. Pica. pica. L, 15-20 (Tail 10). Plate XLIX B. A large 
appearing, very long-tailed bird, spectacularly coloured in black and white. 
Distinctions. With large size, long, sweeping tail, and intense black and white con- 
trasts, mistakable for no other Canadian bird. 
Field Marks. Showing distinctions as above. 
Nesting. An enormous mass of sticks in lower branches of trees or bushes, with nest 
ua centre, entrance and exit in opposite sides. 
Distribution. Europe, northern Asia, and western North America. In America, west 
of the Great Lakes from middle Y'ukon to New Mexico. In Canada, common on the 
southern prairies, in the bluffy country adjacent, and in southern British Columbia, ex- 
cept the coast district. Occurs erratically north and eastward. Apparently extending 
its range in these directions. 
SUBSPECIES. The American Magpie (la Pie d’Amerique) Pica pica hudsonia 
differs from the Old World form only slightly in plumage characters, but very much in 
voice. 
One of the most spectacular, beautiful, and interesting of western 
birds, but a considerable pest for all that. It is most often seen retreating 
up the coul4e, chattering as it glides from bush to bush, its broad showy 
colour surfaces in brilliant contrast with the dark green background. At 
other times a small flock or family party will be seen passing noisily along 
