Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a common crows, jays, and magpi found in 4 countries, weighing about 88 g. The blue jay is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America.
About the Blue Jay
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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The blue jay measures 22–30 cm (9–12 in) from bill to tail and weighs 70–100 g (2.5–3.5 oz), with a wingspan of 34–43 cm (13–17 in). Consistent with Bergmann's rule, jays from Connecticut averaged 92.4 g (3.26 oz) in weight, while jays from warmer southern Florida averaged 73.7 g (2.60 oz). There is a pronounced crest on the head, a crown of feathers, which may be raised or lowered according to the bird's mood. When excited or aggressive, the crest will be fully raised. When frightened, the crest bristles outwards, brushlike. Voice: Blue jays can make a large variety of sounds, and individuals may vary perceptibly in their calling style. Like other corvids, they may learn to mimic human speech. Blue jays can also copy the cries of local hawks so well that it is sometimes difficult to tell which it is.
What the Blue Jay sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom.
When to see it
The Blue Jay can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Blue Jay on live cams
- Cornell Lab FeederWatch CamIthaca, New York, USA · Streaming now
- Farmer Derek Feeder CamKansas, USA · Streaming now
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Blue Jay?
- The blue jay measures 22–30 cm (9–12 in) from bill to tail and weighs 70–100 g (2.5–3.5 oz), with a wingspan of 34–43 cm (13–17 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Blue Jay?
- The Blue Jay is a medium sized bird weighing about 88 g.
- Where can you see a Blue Jay?
- The Blue Jay occurs in 4 countries, including the United States, Canada and St. Pierre & Miquelon.
- What does a Blue Jay sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Blue Jay on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Blue Jay?
- The Blue Jay is most easily confused with the Steller's Jay.
- Is the Blue Jay endangered?
- The Blue Jay is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Blue Jay for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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