BRITISH BIRDS. 
8 1 
from the corners of the bill on each fide proceeds 
a broad ftreak of black, which pafles under the 
eye ; the hinder part of the head, neck, and back 
are of a light cinnamon colour ; the breaft is of 
the fame colour, but lighter ; lefler wing coverts 
bay ; the belly and vent almoft white ; the greater 
wing coverts are elegantly barred with black, fine 
pale blue and white alternately ; the greater quills 
are black, with pale edges, the bafes of fome of 
them white ; lefler quills black ; thofe next the 
body cheftnut ; the rump is white ; tail black, with 
pale brown edges ; legs dirty pale brown. 
The Jay is a very common bird in Great Bri- 
tain, and is found in various parts of Europe. It 
is diftinguilhed as well for the beautiful arrange- 
ment of its colours, as for its harfh, grating voice, 
and reftlefs difpofition. Upon feeing the fportf- 
man, it gives, by its cries, the alarm of danger, 
and thereby defeats his aim and difappoints him. 
■ — The Jay builds in woods, and makes an art- 
lefs neft, compofed of flicks, fibres, and tender 
twigs : The female lays five or fix eggs, of a 
greyifh afli colour, mixed with green, and faintly 
fpotted with brown. Mr Pennant obferves, that 
the young ones continue with their parents till the 
following fpring, when they feparate to form new 
pairs. Birds of this fpecies live on acorns, nuts, 
feeds, and various kinds of fruits ; they will eat 
eggs, and fometimes deftroy young birds in the ab- 
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