Description of the Blue Jay
Length: 11 inches
Wing span: 16 inches
Same as male.
Seasonal change in appearance
Juveniles are similar to adults.
Blue Jays inhabit oak and pine woodlands, towns, and parks.
Blue Jays eat insects, nuts, fruits, seeds, eggs, frogs, and carrion.
Blue Jays will rarely kill adult birds.
Blue Jays forage both in trees and shrubs and on the ground.
They will mob hawks and owls that enter the Blue Jay's territory.
Blue Jays are resident across much of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada. The population appears to be increasing.
Blue Jays are typically loud and conspicuous, though when nesting they become much more secretive.
Blue Jays do not defend territories, but pairs will defend their nest site from other individuals.
Calls include a harsh “jaaay” scream, but many other vocalizations are made. Well known for mimicking Red-shouldered and Red-Tailed Hawks.
Click here to order a Blue Jay ring tone.
Learn to identify bird songs with the Stokes Eastern or Western Field Guide to Bird Songs on CD.
Peanuts, either shelled or in the shell, are a favorite of Blue Jays.