From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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]