A member of the crow family in spite of its handsome plumage, it is, like the others, an egg thief; it also fond of garden peas. However, it destroys quite a number of beetle and larvae pests. Acorns and beechmast are also eaten in quantity. Its nest, made of twigs and lined with fine roots, is well-concealed in a small tree or bush.
Chiefly a woodland bird, it is shy and crafty, and usually betrays its presence only by its harsh call. It has a crest which it can erect, and striking blue wing feathers - used in the making of artificial flies for fishermen. |