* The Jaybird's Appearance: Blue jays are known for their vibrant plumage, but they do have a distinctive bare patch of skin around their eyes. This could be a contributing factor to the phrase, suggesting a visual image of a bird partially lacking feathers.
* Early Usage: The earliest documented uses of the phrase date back to the 19th century. For example, an 1852 newspaper article from Wisconsin uses it in the context of a man who had "lost his clothes" due to a fire.
* Folklore and Superstition: While there's no concrete evidence, it's possible the phrase originated from folklore or superstition. Perhaps there was a belief that jaybirds were particularly vulnerable or unlucky when molting, leading to the association with nakedness.
* Regional Variations: It's also worth noting that the phrase has variations, such as "naked as a jay" or "naked as a jaybird in a snowstorm," suggesting regional differences in usage and evolution of the expression.
In conclusion, the exact origin of "naked as a jaybird" is uncertain. It likely evolved through a combination of the jaybird's appearance, early 19th-century usage, and possibly folklore or superstition.