A beautiful bird is the only kind we cage

A Chinese proverb

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird, and a member of the family Corvidae native to North America. It belongs to the “blue” or American jays, which are, among the Corvidae, not closely related to other jays.

Blue Jays have strong black bills used for cracking nuts, and acorns and for eating corn. They also eat grains and seeds in addition to insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.

Identification Tips:
• Length: 10 inches
• Black sturdy bill
• Blue crest and upperparts
• Black eyeline and breastband
• Grayish-white throat and underparts
• Bright blue wings with black bars and white patches
• Long blue tail with black bars and white corners
• Dark legs
• Migrates during the day in small flocks

Have you seen this bird?

Originally a wild bird of the woods, the jay was canny enough to adapt itself to civilization, and nowadays it often builds its nest close to man, even in our gardens.

Range: The United States and southern Canada, chiefly east of the Great Plains; partially migratory.

Winter: The blue jay is an attractive winter bird. He fits well into the wintry scenery: bright, clear sky, and the blue shadows on the snow.

Enemies: Jays are subject to attack from the smaller, quick-moving hawks but appear in the main to be able to protect themselves.