Jay (?), n. [F. geai, OF. gai,
jaj, perh. fr. OHG. gāhi. Cf. Gay.]
(Zoöl.)
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 colored, and usually have a crest.
&fist; The European jay (Garrulus glandarius) is
a large and
handsomely colored 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 kæ. The common blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata.), and the related species, are brilliantly colored, 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.
Jay thrush (Zoöl.),
any one several species of Asiatic singing birds, of the genera Garrulax,
Grammatoptila, and related genera of the family
Crateropodidæ; as,
the white-throated jay thrush (G. albogularis), of India.
Hear it pronounced