The Blue JayThe Blue Jay

By KylieBy Kylie

6th Grade T.A.G6th Grade T.A.G

AppearanceAppearanceBlue Jays are blue on top, white to dull gray on Blue Jays are blue on top, white to dull gray on their stomach, have a blue crest, a black ring their stomach, have a blue crest, a black ring around their neck, and black and white around their neck, and black and white markings on their tail and wings.markings on their tail and wings.

Both male and female look alike.Both male and female look alike.

They are a little larger than an American Robin They are a little larger than an American Robin about 11 to 12 inches.about 11 to 12 inches.

NestNest

The nest is shaped like a cup.The nest is shaped like a cup.

Both parents help build the nest.Both parents help build the nest.

Nests are built in trees, shrubs, or a tree’s cavity.Nests are built in trees, shrubs, or a tree’s cavity.

The nest consists of twigs, strips of bark, grass, rags, The nest consists of twigs, strips of bark, grass, rags, weeds, feathers, leaves, roots, moss, and paper. Mud is weeds, feathers, leaves, roots, moss, and paper. Mud is often used to keep the nest together.often used to keep the nest together.

These nest are usually located 8 to 30 feet above the These nest are usually located 8 to 30 feet above the ground.ground.

BreedingBreeding

The breeding season is April to May.The breeding season is April to May.

Blue Jays breed in wooded areas, with oaks and pinewoods, Blue Jays breed in wooded areas, with oaks and pinewoods, near open spaces.near open spaces.

They lay 4 to 6 eggs.They lay 4 to 6 eggs.

These eggs are glossy and come in a variety of colors like, These eggs are glossy and come in a variety of colors like, pink, green, blue, or pale olive. They have brown, purple, or pink, green, blue, or pale olive. They have brown, purple, or olive specks on top.olive specks on top.

Both parents feed the baby birds.Both parents feed the baby birds.

When the babies are born, both parents stay with them for 3 When the babies are born, both parents stay with them for 3 weeks until they are ready to leave the nest.weeks until they are ready to leave the nest.

MatingMating

When it is mating season, a group of seven or more Blue Jays When it is mating season, a group of seven or more Blue Jays gather on top a tree.gather on top a tree.

In that group, there is one female.In that group, there is one female.

The female would fly to another tree and the males would The female would fly to another tree and the males would follow her. After, she would pick one male to mate with.follow her. After, she would pick one male to mate with.

DietDiet

Blue Jays eat a variety of foods and are omnivores.Blue Jays eat a variety of foods and are omnivores.

They eat grasshoppers, caterpillars, mice, and insects.They eat grasshoppers, caterpillars, mice, and insects.

Sometimes they feed on baby birds or bird eggs but that is only Sometimes they feed on baby birds or bird eggs but that is only a small percent of the times. They are mainly vegetarians.a small percent of the times. They are mainly vegetarians.

In winter, they eat acorns, beechnuts, seeds, and berries.In winter, they eat acorns, beechnuts, seeds, and berries.

To eat a nut, they hold the nut with their feet then crack it open To eat a nut, they hold the nut with their feet then crack it open with their beak.with their beak.

HabitatHabitat

Blue Jays are found mainly east of the Rocky Mountains.Blue Jays are found mainly east of the Rocky Mountains.

They can also be found in parts of southern Canada and They can also be found in parts of southern Canada and parts of western America.parts of western America.

                                       

Global range.Yellow: breeding only

Green: Resident all yearBlue: wintering only.

Fun FactsFun Facts

Their Latin name is Cyanocitta CristataTheir Latin name is Cyanocitta Cristata

The Blue Jay can imitate the sound of a red-shouldered hawk.The Blue Jay can imitate the sound of a red-shouldered hawk.

Blue Jay in FlightBlue Jay in Flight

More Pictures More Pictures