Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Family Corvidae

Bold in both color and behavior, the widely recognized and vibrant blue jay exemplifies the gregarious nature of the corvidae family.

Identifying Traits (both sexes):

• Head, body, and tail bold blue above
• Breast and underside off-white
• Sharp, think black bill
• Long tail with white shafts at the corners
• Black collar distinctive
• Wings have white spots
• Size: 28 cm (11”)
• Weight: 70 g (2.5 oz)

Voice: The blue jay’s call is a loud, raucous jay! jay! jay!  Blue jays can also produce a wide variety of other sounds, and they sometimes mimic the calls of hawks.

Habitat: Blue jays live naturally in oak, pine, and scrub forests, but they have become very successful in suburban areas as well.

Range: Blue jays are year-round residents throughout the continental U.S.

Interesting Facts: Despite their relatively small size, blue jays can be ferocious in the defense of their territory.  Blue jays will dive and mob birds of prey, dogs, and even humans without fear, calling wildly and swooping until the intruder is driven off.