What is the best way to identify a blue jay?

The blue jay is a common and colorful songbird found throughout eastern and central North America. With its bright blue feathers and loud, squawking call, the blue jay is a bird that is hard to miss. However, given the variety of birds that may resemble a blue jay, accurately identifying them does take some knowledge. This guide will provide tips on the key identification markers that set the blue jay apart from look-alikes.

Size and Shape

The blue jay is a medium-sized songbird, measuring between 9-12 inches in length with a wingspan around 13-17 inches wide. They have a plump body shape and proportionately large head. The blue jay’s crest, a feathered crown on top of their head, is short and so gives them a flat-headed appearance.

When spotted amongst a mixed flock of birds or perched at a distance, check the bird’s contours and dimensions against more familiar species. A blue jay is noticeably larger than a chickadee or nuthatch but is dwarfed by a crow.

Color Patterns

Of course, the most telling identification marker of a blue jay is its distinct color pattern. The head crest, back, wings and tail are primarily muted blue. Their face is white and outlined by a black necklace across the throat. Their underside and belly feathers are soft gray-white.

When sighted, look for areas of bright blue on the bird. Especially check the wings and backside when the bird is flying. The contrast of blue wings against a light gray belly or white face is unique to the blue jay. Also look for the signature black necklace for confirmation.

Behaviors

In addition to visual cues, the behaviors of blue jays provide helpful identification clues. Blue jays are talkative, social, brash and aggressive birds. They have a vast repertoire of loud calls, from friendly chattering to alarming shrieks when threatened. Even the quietest stands of trees and woods will erupt with blue jay sentry calls at passersby.

You’ll also commonly see them socializing. Blue jays form family flocks and will spend more time near each other than alone. Watch a suspected blue jay for a minute or two to see if others emerge and start bickering and calling together.

Blue jays are also bold. They will readily come to feeders and often chase away other birds. Note any especially bossy birds at your feeder asserting their dominance as likely blue jays.

Common Look-Alikes

When trying to confirm a blue jay sighting, it helps to also contrast it against two birds it is commonly confused with: the Steller’s jay and the gray jay.

The Steller’s jay shares the same bold, social habits but has a distinctly different appearance. While both sport a black necklace, the Stellar’s jay’s is thicker and more pronounced, almost looking like a mask across its face. The Steller’s jay also lacks the same bright blue hues, instead appearing more charcoal across its top, with lighter feather tips giving it a scaled texture.

Meanwhile, the gray jay resembles a blue jay in shape and behavior but differs wildly in color. True to its name, gray jays have gray and white coloration all over, sometimes with faint black barring along their back and wings. The clue is absence of any blue feathers at all on gray jays.

Habitat and Range

Finally, consider the habitat and location. Blue jays reside year round across most of the eastern and central United States and Canada. On their breeding grounds, they prefer mature forests mixed with small clearing and forest edges that receive ample sunlight. During winter, they expand to more open areas near feeders or food sources.

Compare you sighting locale against the blue jay’s range. If you are on the US west coast, for example, then you are likely seeing Steller’s jays instead. Also, take note of the scenery. A bird spotted deep in an unbroken evergreen forest is less likely to be a blue jay than one seen at a park or backyard.

In Summary

The best tricks to identifying a blue jay are:

• Look for medium sized songbirds with smooth body contours

• Check for blue wings, tails, backs and crests contrasting lighter bellies

• Note necklaces and large heads lacking a pointed crown

• Listen for loud fussing and calls amongst social flocks

• Observe bossy behavior chasing off other birds

• Rule out solid gray jays or highly scaled Steller’s jays

• Consider habitat needing nearby clearings and deciduous trees

So next time you spot a bird that catches your eye with its deep blue hues, listen for the ruckus and watch it interact with other species. Chances are high you’re looking at the one-and-only blue jay. With a better ability to positively identify them, you can appreciate how their energy and color adds to any environment.

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