from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jay \Jay\, n. [F. geai, OF. gai, jaj, perh. fr. OHG. g[=a]hi.
Cf. {Gay}.] (Zool.)
Any one of the numerous species of birds belonging to
{Garrulus}, {Cyanocitta}, and allied genera of the family
{Corvidae}. They are allied to the crows, but are smaller,
more graceful in form, often handsomely colored, and usually
have a crest.
[1913 Webster]
Note: 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 {k[ae]}. 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 ({Aphelocoma 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}.
[1913 Webster]
{Jay thrush} (Zool.), any one several species of Asiatic
singing birds, of the genera {Garrulax}, {Grammatoptila},
and related genera of the family {Crateropodid[ae]}; as,
the white-throated {jay thrush} ({Garrulax albogularis})
(also called the {white-throated laughingthrush}), of
India.
[1913 Webster]