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Jay

(Science: ornithology) Any one of the numerous species of birds belonging to Garrulus, Cyanocitta, and allied genera. They are allied to the crows, but are smaller, more graceful in form, often handsomely coloured, and usually have a crest.

The European jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a large and handsomely coloured species, having the body pale reddish brown, lighter beneath; tail and wing quills blackish; the primary coverts barred with bright blue and black; throat, tail coverts, and a large spot on the wings, white. Called also jay pie, jenny jay, and kae. The common blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and the related species, are brilliantly coloured, and have a large erectile crest. The California jay (Aphelocoma Californica), the Florida jay (a. Floridana), and the green jay (Xanthoura luxuosa), of Texas and Mexico, are large, handsome, crested species. The canada jay (Perisoreus Canadensis), and several allied species, are much plainer and have no crest. See blue jay, and whisky jack.

(Science: zoology) jay thrush, any one several species of Asiatic singing birds, of the genera Garrulax, Grammatoptila, and related genera of the family Crateropodidae; as; the white-throated jay thrush (g. Albogularis), of india.

Origin: f. Geai, OF. Gai, jaj, perh. Fr. OHG. Gahi. Cf. Gay.