Bluejay Bird Information
The Blue Jay--a bird from the family Corvidae--is one of the most well known birds in North America. Not only are Blue Jays common, they are not in danger of becoming extinct like many other species of birds that are negatively impacted by urbanization. Blue Jays interact well with humans, so they are a common and favorite bird of nature lovers.
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Identification
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Blue Jays are very easy to spot---mostly due to the bright colors on their outer feathers. Normally Blue Jays are a mix of blue, black, and white on their top feathers. Blue Jays have a rounded tail and are considered medium-sized compared to other birds.
Behavior
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Blue Jays have a variety of calls at their disposal. The Blue Jay's calls carry long distances and are normally produced while the bird is perched in a tree. While flying, Blue Jays are generally quiet.
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Location
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The majority of Blue Jays are located along the middle to eastern half of the U.S., as well as in Canada. They generally live in forest areas and often nest in oak trees. They're very common near suburban and urban areas, most likely due to the abundance of food that people provide.
Migration
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Blue Jays migration is considered mysterious. Unlike many other bird species, no direct pattern has been documented in Blue Jay behavior. Blue Jays will sometimes migrate along the Atlantic coast, but the migration is generally random and will sometimes skip years. Young Blue Jays tend to migrate more than adults.
Food
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Blue Jays feed on a variety of food sources, including insects. They also commonly eat small vertebrates, especially those that might be injured. Blue Jays eat grain and a variety of nuts as well.
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References
- Photo Credit blue jay image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com