Jess is one of the most colourful and vocal members of the Corvidae family, which includes parrots, squirrels and magpies. Known for their intelligence and physical appearance, Jays are popular with bird enthusiasts and casual bird watchers alike. In this article, we’ll explore eight species you should know about, each with unique characteristics and habitats. Understanding these fascinating birds will deepen your appreciation for their role in the ecosystem and how they interact with humans.
1. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
The bluebird is probably the best-known jay in North America. Found primarily in the Midwest and East, this bird is known for its brown plumage, distinctive white wings and plumage. It’s hard to call out its loud “jayyy jayyy”. Bluebirds frequent backyard feeding areas, where they enjoy corn, squirrels and beechnuts. They are also known for their intelligence and complex social behaviour, often mimicking the calls of other birds.
Habitat and Distribution
Blue jays inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, but they are also common in suburban areas. They are rare west of the Rocky Mountains but can be found across the eastern and central United States.
Behavior and Diet
Blue jays are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, and nuts. They are known for their habit of caching food for later use, which helps them survive harsh winters.
2. California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
The California Scrub Jay is a common sight in the western United States, especially in coastal areas and low-lying areas. This jay is blue and white crestless and is known to be adventurous and curious. It is usually found in scrubby bushes and backyards, where it forages for food.
Habitat and Distribution
California Scrub Jays can be found in California, Nevada, and Oregon. They prefer conifers, oak forests and urban areas with abundant food sources and nesting sites.
Behavior and Diet
Like other jays, California scrub jays are omnivores, eating insects, berries and nuts. They are known for collecting spiders, which helps them survive when food is scarce.
3. Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
Steller’s jay is a striking bird found in the mountainous West. It is the only all-dark jay with a crest, featuring a deep blue body and a black head with small white or blue spots. These birds are often seen in flocks, exploring evergreen forests and visiting backyard feeders.
Habitat and Distribution
Steller’s jays inhabit coniferous forests from Alaska to Nicaragua, preferring higher elevations where they can find food and shelter.
Behavior and Diet
Steller’s jays are known for their boldness and curiosity. They eat seeds, berries, insects, and occasionally small animals. They are also notorious for scavenging food from picnic areas and campsites.
4. Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus)
The Pinyon Jaya are unique among the Jaya because of their cooperative social structure. These birds are found in the western United States, mainly in pinyon and pine forests. They have short tails, usually brown, and have a visible nose that helps them communicate with the group.
Habitat and Distribution
Pinyon Jays can be found from Montana to Oregon south to New Mexico and Arizona. They thrive in pinyon and juniper forests, where they find their favourite food: pinyon pine nuts.
Behavior and Diet
Pinyon jays are highly social, often travelling in large groups. They eat seeds, nuts and insects, and store food for later use. Their numbers have declined dramatically due to habitat loss and changes in land use.
5. Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)
Canada jays, formerly known as grey jays, are endearing and tame birds found in boreal forests and mountainous regions. Their fluffy grey and white plumage and small bill make them easily recognizable. Canada jays are known for their friendly demeanour, often approaching hikers and campers for food.
Habitat and Distribution
Canada jays inhabit boreal and coniferous forests across Canada and the northern United States. They are also found in high mountain ranges.
Behavior and Diet
These jays are omnivorous, eating a variety of foods, including meat, bread, suet, and soft foods. They cache food in tree bark or branches, using their sticky saliva to secure it. Unlike other jays, Canada jays are quieter, relying on other birds to sound the alarm.
6. Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas)
Green jays are tropical birds that are expanding their range in the United States. They are known for their vibrant green plumage, blue face, and black throat. These jays are often seen at feeders in state parks and refuges, enjoying a variety of foods.
Habitat and Distribution
Green jays are found in South Texas, particularly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. They inhabit forests, woodlands, and brushy areas, where they can find food and nesting sites.
Behavior and Diet
Green jays are omnivorous, eating insects, fruits, seeds, and small animals. They are social birds, often seen in groups, and they communicate with a variety of calls and songs.
7. Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi)
Mexican jays are large, crestless jays with blue and grey plumage. They are found in the mountains of the southwestern United States and Mexico. These jays are social and cooperative, often staying in groups and sharing nesting duties.
Habitat and Distribution
Mexican jays inhabit oak and pine-oak woodlands in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico. They prefer areas with plenty of food and cover.
Behavior and Diet
Mexican jays are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and seeds. They are known for their communal behaviour, with group members helping to feed nestlings and defend territory.
8. Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
The Florida scrub-jay is a unique species found only in Florida. It is the only endemic bird species in the state, and it is recognized as federally endangered. These jays have blue and grey plumage, and they are known for their friendly and curious nature.
Habitat and Distribution
Florida scrub jays inhabit scrubby flatwoods and oak scrub habitats in central and coastal Florida. They are highly territorial and live in family groups.
Behavior and Diet
Florida scrub jays are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and seeds. They rely heavily on acorns, caching thousands each year to survive. Habitat loss due to development has led to their decline, making conservation efforts critical.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jays
Why Are Jays So Loud?
Jays are known for their loud calls, which serve multiple purposes. They use their vocalizations to communicate with each other, warn of predators, and establish territory. Their intelligence allows them to mimic other birds and sounds, adding to their vocal repertoire.
How Do Jays Find Food?
Jays are opportunistic feeders, using their keen eyesight and intelligence to locate food. They are known for their ability to cache food, hiding it in various locations for later consumption. This behaviour helps them survive when food is scarce.
Are Jays Aggressive?
Jays can be aggressive, especially when defending their territory or food sources. They may chase away other birds from feeders or nesting sites. However, their boldness and curiosity make them fascinating to observe.
How Can I Attract Jays to My Yard?
Providing a variety of foods, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet, can attract jays to your yard. Offering water sources and planting native shrubs and trees will also create a welcoming habitat for these birds.