Blue Jay
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a member of the Blackbird family. It is 11 inches in length. It has a bright blue back and wings, grayish white underparts, face, chin, and throat, white spots and black barring on the wings, and black barring on the tail. It also has a bluish crest, a black collar line that extends from the crest to around the front of the neck, a black bill, and black legs and feet.
This bird is found in forests, parks, gardens, and yards. Some populations remain in the same location year-round, but more northern ones migrate south in flocks of dozens of birds. The Blue Jay eats sunflower seeds, nuts, and suet.
The Blue Jay call is a loud, Jay, Jay, Jay or Thief, Thief, Thief. It also has a call that sounds like an old-fashioned squeaky pump-handle, and makes a variety of other calls as well. It is also a good mimic of several hawk species.
This bird is found in forests, parks, gardens, and yards. Some populations remain in the same location year-round, but more northern ones migrate south in flocks of dozens of birds. The Blue Jay eats sunflower seeds, nuts, and suet.
The Blue Jay call is a loud, Jay, Jay, Jay or Thief, Thief, Thief. It also has a call that sounds like an old-fashioned squeaky pump-handle, and makes a variety of other calls as well. It is also a good mimic of several hawk species.
For a range map and other information, click here.
Click below for examples of Blue Jay vocalizations: