\Jay\, n. [F. geai, OF. gai, jaj, perh. fr. OHG. g[=a]hi.
Cf. {Gay}.] (Zo["o]l.)
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.
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 ({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} (Zo["o]l.), 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 ({G. albogularis}), of
   India.