CROWS, JAYS, ETC. FAMILY CORVIDÆ
BLUE JAY
Cyanocitta cristata cristata. [Case 2], Fig. 20
Color, habits and voice combine to render the Blue Jay conspicuous. L. 11¾.
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. 10¾) 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.
FLORIDA JAY
Aphelocoma cyanea
Size of the Blue Jay but quite unlike it in color. The head, wings and tail are grayish blue without white markings; the back is pale brown, the underparts dirty white, with the throat inconspicuously streaked and a faint bluish breast-band.
Range. Florida between lat. 27° and 30°, and chiefly along the coasts.
This is the 'Scrub-Jay' of Florida and is not to be confused with the Florida Blue Jay. It lives in districts where scrub palmetto grows, but also comes into gardens and grows where it soon responds to proper treatment and becomes semi-domesticated. It nests early in April.
CANADA JAY.
Perisoreus canadensis canadensis
Size of the Blue Jay; a gray bird with a black crown and white forehead, cheeks and throat.
Range. Northern New England and northern New York, northward; resident, rarely straggling southward.
Cambridge, A.V., one record, Oct.
It is singular that the Canada Jay at the north and the Florida Jay in the south should show exceptional confidence in man, while the Blue Jay always seems to regard him with suspicion. The very day we make camp in the north woods the Canada Jay or Whiskey Jack becomes our guest. As though assured of a welcome he fearlessly joins our party, helping himself to such supplies as please his fancy. Long before our arrival, when snow still covered the ground, he has reared his family and for the rest of the year has only his own wants to fill.
RAVEN
Corvus corax principalis
Much larger than the Crow, the throat with long, pointed feathers, instead of short, rounded ones. L. 24.
Range. North America rare and local in the Eastern States, south to New Jersey on the coast and to Georgia in the mountains.
Crows caw, while Ravens croak; but to be sure that you have actually seen a Raven he should be with Crows, when the Raven's much larger size is evident. Unless, however, you should visit the few localities in the eastern States where Ravens live you are not likely to make the bird's acquaintance. Ravens nest on cliffs as well as in trees. Their eggs, which resemble those of the Crow in color, are laid in April.
CROW
Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos. [Case 1], Fig. 19; [Case 3], Fig. 27
Sexes alike in color. L. 19½.
Range. North America; migratory at the northern limit of its range; roosting in colonies in winter.
Washington, abundant P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, common P.R. abundant T.V. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, common P.R. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch.-Nov., uncommon W.V.
The Crow and the Robin are probably the best known of all our birds. The former we treat as an enemy and the latter as a friend, and one therefore is as wild as the other is tame. Whether the Crow deserves to be outlawed has not as yet been decided. But we should not condemn him out of court and let us remember that as an intelligent, self-respecting citizen, who animates wintry wastes with his shining sable form and clarion call, he has other than economic claims to our consideration. The nest is placed in a tree about 30 feet up, and 4-6 eggs, green thickly marked with brownish are laid in April.
The Florida Crow (C. b. pascuus) is very near the northern bird, but has the wings and tail smaller, the bill and feet larger. It lives chiefly in the pine barrens of Florida and is much less common in the state than the Fish Crow.
FISH CROW
Corvus ossifragus
Brighter, more uniformly colored above and below, the feathers without dull tips.
Range. Atlantic and Gulf coast region from the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island Sound southward. Migratory only at the northern limit of its range. Found throughout Florida, but elsewhere usually not far from tidal water.
Washington, rather common P.R. Cambridge, A.V., one record, Mch.
In life the Fish Crow may be distinguished from the common Crow by its smaller size and hoarser voice. The difference in size, however, is evident only when the two are together, but once the cracked, reedy car (not caw) of the Fish Crow has been learned the species may always be identified when heard. It is somewhat like the note of a young Crow, but less immature. The nest and eggs are much like those of the common Crow. The eggs are laid in May.