With the name of this bird are associated stories of poor forlorn maidens, who have been unjustly accused of pilfering silver spoons, jewelry, etc.; while our hero, indulging in his natural propensity, and great partiality for all glittering things, has been the guilty culprit. The American bird has been compared and examined with the European, and no material difference can be discovered. When kept tame, in a family, he has the same qualities, and the same practices. He will answer to his name, will follow an inmate of the family all over the house, or out of doors; may be taught to articulate words, and will carry off everything that glitters that he can carry to his hoarding place, which has caused sometimes a great deal of trouble. Although his colors are but two, there is such a contrast, that with his fine long tail he has a very elegant appearance, and is so very tame and familiar, that he is always a great favorite, whether in a cage, or going at large in the house. If he is allowed to range the house, it will be well to keep the things he likes so well out of his reach, or he may put them where my Blue Jays put the surplus of their food, where it may be very difficult to find them.

Food

Their food, like the Blue Jays, they are no wise choice about; they will eat anything that is used in the house. In a cage they thrive well on meal and milk, and a bit of meat, cooked or raw. Gravel, and water to wash.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male of this bird has the head, neck, and upper part of the breast, of a deep velvet black; the inner vanes of the large wing feathers, the lower parts of the breast and belly, are pure white. The tail, of which the two middle feathers are much the longest, is most splendidly colored with green, blue, and purple reflections, on a glossy jet black. The only difference with the female is, that the colors are duller and fainter.

Location

Found throughout the interior of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and the Rocky Mountains - Resident.