The blue jay is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America. It lives in most of the eastern and central United States; some eastern populations may be migratory. Resident populations are also in Newfoundland, Canada; breeding populations are found across southern Canada. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common in residential areas. Its coloration is predominantly blue, with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest; it has a black, U-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest. Males and females are similar in size and plumage, which does not vary throughout the year. Four subspecies have been recognized.
Region
Eastern North America
Typical Environment
Blue jays inhabit mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, forest edges, and woodlots from the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic and from the Gulf Coast into southern Canada. They are common in suburban neighborhoods, parks, and urban green spaces where mature trees are present. They frequently use edges and openings, benefiting from patchy, fragmented habitats. Winter distribution shifts with food availability, especially acorn crops, leading to irregular southward movements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Blue jays are intelligent corvids known for caching acorns, which helps disperse oak trees. They are skilled mimics and often imitate hawk calls, possibly to gauge danger or deter competitors. The crest position signals mood: raised when excited or aggressive, flattened when relaxed. They readily visit backyard feeders and adapt well to human-altered landscapes.
John James Audubon drawing circa 1830s
Blue jay in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in autumn.
Merlin chasing a blue jay
Blue jay in flight
Temperament
social and vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Blue jays typically form monogamous pairs and defend territories during the breeding season. Outside breeding, they gather in loose flocks and participate in mobbing predators. They cache food, especially acorns and seeds, in numerous sites to recover later.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Their vocal repertoire includes loud, rasping jeer calls, clear whistles, and soft, musical murmurs. They often mimic hawk calls such as those of Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. Soft contact notes and quiet songs are used between mates and family groups.
