Crows and jays (Corvidae)
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata. Omnivore dominated by acorns and other nuts, plus insects, seeds and occasionally eggs.
- Scientific name
- Cyanocitta cristata
- Length
- 9.8–11.8 in
- Weight
- 2.5–3.5 oz
- Nest
- Open cup of twigs in tree crotches, usually 10–25 ft up
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–7 eggs
- Incubation
- 16–18 days
- Broods
- 1 per season (occasionally 2)
Identification
- Bright blue crest, back, wings and tail with black barring
- White face and underparts with a black necklace
- Bold white wing patches and tail corners
Voice
Loud "jay-jay" screams, liquid "queedle" notes, and convincing Red-shouldered Hawk imitations.
Diet and feeding
Omnivore dominated by acorns and other nuts, plus insects, seeds and occasionally eggs.
Blue Jays by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Arkansas | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Florida | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Georgia | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Illinois | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Indiana | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Iowa | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Kansas | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Kentucky | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Louisiana | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Maine | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Michigan | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Minnesota | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Mississippi | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Missouri | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Nebraska | Year-round resident | April–July |
| New York | Year-round resident | April–July |
| North Carolina | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Nova Scotia | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Ohio | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Oklahoma | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Ontario | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Pennsylvania | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Quebec | Year-round resident | May–July |
| South Carolina | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Tennessee | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Texas | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Vermont | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Virginia | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Wisconsin | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | May–July |
Frequently asked
What do blue jays eat?
Omnivore dominated by acorns and other nuts, plus insects, seeds and occasionally eggs. At feeders: peanuts in the shell, black-oil sunflower, suet, cracked corn.
How big is a Blue Jay?
9.8–11.8 in long and 2.5–3.5 oz.
Do blue jays use birdhouses?
No. Open cup of twigs in tree crotches, usually 10–25 ft up.
Sources
- Blue Jay — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Blue Jay life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Blue Jay — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.