BLUE JAY

_Cyanocitta cristata cristata. Case 2, Fig. 20_

Color, habits and voice combine to render the Blue

Jay conspicuous. L. 11-3/4.

_Range._ Eastern North America from Georgia to

Quebec; migratory only at the northern limit of

its range. The Florida Blue Jay (_Cyanocitta

cristata florincola_, Case 4, Fig. 75) is smaller

(L. 10-3/4) and grayer above. It is found

throughout Florida.

Washington, rather rare P.R., common T.V., Apl.

28-May 15; Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Ossining, tolerably

common P.R. Cambridge, common P.R., abundant T.V.,

Apl. and May; Sept. and Oct. N. Ohio, common P.R.

Glen Ellyn, common P.R. SE. Minn., common P.R.

If the Blue Jay were as good as he is beautiful he would be our most

popular bird. But fine feathers do not always make fine birds, and to

those who judge birds by human standards the Blue Jay's loud, harsh

voice, overbearing manners, and nest-robbing habits are unpardonable.

With all his faults, however, the true bird enthusiast loves him still.

His bright colors, dashing ways and intelligence win our admiration and

we feel honored when he makes his home near ours, building in early May

a well-made nest in a tree-crotch, for the reception of the 4-6

olive-green, thickly speckled eggs.