Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley.
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Transcription
Pittika
1947
Cyanocitta stelleri
April 13 Woolsey Canyon.
Group of six observed moving back and forth between oaks on knoll west of horse corals and canyon proper just north stream west of old horse barn. A pair previously present in laurel area along main stream, near old horse barn, apparently also involved in activity of this flock, as it often consisted of 8 individuals; when the flock moved away from this area, however, the pair would return to it after distances several hundred feet to the west.
In oak grove, jays moved frequently through oak canopy apparently feeding upon abundant oak-moth larvae (this year's first crop). One individual uttered harsh, but not loud, and somewhat plaintive tera-tera-terra-aa, sidling up to another individual as it gave this note; the other jay moved off as the first came closely. There followed similar calling, approaching, and sidling on the part of the same bird, and in each of 4 times, courtship feeding occurred. Once a slight fluttering of wings on the part of the fed bird was seen. A third jay came closely to the 5th and 6th feedings and