Tag Archives: Blue Jay

Jays of Missouri (1 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in Missouri: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year-round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of Iowa (1 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in Iowa: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year-round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of Minnesota (2 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There are two types of jays that can be found in Minnesota with one being abundant, and the other being fairly rare. Here is everything you need to know about these two species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Canada Jay

Canada Jay
Identification

Canada jays (formerly known as Gray Jays) are fairly large birds with a dark gray back, wings, tail, and back of the head. They have a light gray underside and white on their face, forehead, and neck. Juvenile Canada jays are dark gray overall and look significantly different than adults.

Range

Canada Jays are birds of North Americas boreal forests, living in much of Central Canada, the Western Mountains of the United States, and some of the states bordering Canada in the Midwest and Northeast. This species is nonmigratory.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Canada Jays are ultimate omnivores, eating berries, carrion, insects, and even some types of fungi. They are known to take leftover food from humans, earning them the nickname camp robber. They also have been documented eating food soaked in alcohol and consequentially becoming intoxicated, earning them another nickname: Whiskey Jack.

Where to Find This Bird

Canada jays are at home in boreal forests as well as subalpine forests. Depending on the time of the year they can be reclusive while other times they seek out humans in hopes of getting a free meal.

In Minnesota, Canada Jays reside in the northern forests of the state yet due to low numbers coupled with the vast expanse of boreal forest in the region, they can be extremely difficult to find. The best way to encounter a Canada Jay is to drive the forest roads and hope to catch a glimpse of one.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of Michigan (2 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There are two types of jays that can be found in Michigan with one being abundant, and the other being fairly rare. Here is everything you need to know about these two species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Canada Jay

Canada Jay
Identification

Canada jays (formerly known as Gray Jays) are fairly large birds with a dark gray back, wings, tail, and back of the head. They have a light gray underside and white on their face, forehead, and neck. Juvenile Canada jays are dark gray overall and look significantly different than adults.

Range

Canada Jays are birds of North Americas boreal forests, living in much of Central Canada, the Western Mountains of the United States, and some of the states bordering Canada in the Midwest and Northeast. This species is nonmigratory.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Canada Jays are ultimate omnivores, eating berries, carrion, insects, and even some types of fungi. They are known to take leftover food from humans, earning them the nickname camp robber. They also have been documented eating food soaked in alcohol and consequentially becoming intoxicated, earning them another nickname: Whiskey Jack.

Where to Find This Bird

Canada jays are at home in boreal forests as well as subalpine forests. Depending on the time of the year they can be reclusive while other times they seek out humans in hopes of getting a free meal.

In Michigan, Canada Jays reside in the northern forests of the state yet due to low numbers coupled with the vast expanse of boreal forest in the region, they can be extremely difficult to find. The best way to encounter a Canada Jay is to drive the forest roads and hope to catch a glimpse of one.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of West Virginia (1 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in West Virginia: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year-round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of Alabama (1 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in Alabama: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of New York (2 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There are two types of jays that can be found in New York with one being abundant, and the other being fairly rare. Here is everything you need to know about these two species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Canada Jay

Canada Jay
Identification

Canada jays (formerly known as Gray Jays) are fairly large birds with a dark gray back, wings, tail, and back of the head. They have a light gray underside and white on their face, forehead, and neck. Juvenile Canada jays are dark gray overall and look significantly different than adults.

Range

Canada Jays are birds of North Americas boreal forests, living in much of Central Canada, the Western Mountains of the United States, and some of the states bordering Canada in the Midwest and Northeast. This species is nonmigratory.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Canada Jays are ultimate omnivores, eating berries, carrion, insects, and even some types of fungi. They are known to take leftover food from humans, earning them the nickname camp robber. They also have been documented eating food soaked in alcohol and consequentially becoming intoxicated, earning them another nickname: Whiskey Jack.

Where to Find This Bird

Canada jays are at home in boreal forests as well as subalpine forests. Depending on the time of the year they can be reclusive while other times they seek out humans in hopes of getting a free meal.

In New York, Canada Jays reside in the Northern forest of the state yet due to low numbers coupled with the vast expanse of boreal forest in the region, they can be extremely difficult to find. The best way to encounter a Canada Jay is to drive the forest roads and hope to catch a glimpse of one.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Jays of Indiana (1 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in Indiana: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding Youtube Channel.

Jays of Delaware (1 Species to Know)

Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in Delaware: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay
Identification

Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.

Range

Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.

Summary

Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding Youtube Channel.

Blue Jay vs Northern Cardinal: Which One is America’s favorite?

Having been a birder for a while, I have an understanding of which bird species really catch people’s attention. These are the birds that spark emotional reactions and make people want to learn more about not only that bird, but birds in general. Two of these species are the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay. Both species are often photographed, completely adored, and extremely popular. But what is it about these two birds that makes them so beloved, and which one is the most liked of the two? Let’s dive into the reasons for the amazing fan support behind the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay.

First, the Northern Cardinal. One of the things to initially notice about this species is it’s color. As far as red birds go, few stand out against a winter backdrop more than the Northern Cardinal. Males are bright red with a black mask and varying degrees of darker coloration on the wings, flanks, and tail. Females Are light brown with a much lighter mask and red accents most noticeable on their crest, wings, and tail. Both males and females have thick orange bills. Northern Cardinals live in the most of the united states but don’t typically stray too far west making hem a rare sight in states west of the Rocky Mountains. Most people first encounter this species at their bird feeders where they add a welcome splash of color. They will come and go throughout the day and are typically one of the latest feeders, often showing up as it’s getting dark. Away from bird feeders, Northern Cardinals like to spend time concealed in thickets and tangled branches, but males will sit up in the open and sing. 

Northern Cardinal

American culture is loaded with images of cardinals as two professional sports teams and several college sports teams have adopted this bird as their mascot. Additionally,  numerous artists have been inspired by their beauty and regalness. It’s also worth noting that the cardinal ended up as the state bird of seven different states. 

Northern Cardinals also captivate some people for a more spiritual reason. There is a belief among many that cardinals are representative of a lost loved one and a visit from a cardinal is a blessing and indicative of good luck. 

Much like the Northern Cardinal, the Blue jay is an extremely colorful bird. As their name suggests, they have a beautiful blue base color with different shades of blue on their wings and tail along with black and white accents. Their underside is white and gray and they have black on their face, neck and throat. This black color is widely variable in pattern and thickness and differs for each individual blue jay. Blue Jays have a slightly broader range than the Northern Cardinal as they spread farther west in winter, potentially making them viewable to more people in the United States than the cardinal. 

Blue Jay

Blue Jays are known to visit bird feeders where they will pick up seeds, peanuts and to be honest, just about anything edible. They can also be found away from bird feeders  in a variety of habitats and often travel in groups. One of the things that makes Blue Jays such interesting birds is their intelligence. They have intricate social hierarchies and communicate with many different calls. In addition to their normal noises, Blue Jays also have alarm calls and mimic a variety of bird species, especially hawks. The charisma and personality of blue jays combined with their incredible coloration make them a favorite of many birders and feeder watchers. As far as pop culture is concerned, the Blue Jay hasn’t seen quite the same level of fervor as the cardinal but still has one professional sports team named after them as well as a few prominent academic institutions.

Both the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay are certainly two of the most popular birds in the United States, but which one is the most popular? That’s for you to decide. Leave a comment below about which of these two birds is your favorite and share the post with someone you think may have a strong opinion. Both of these birds are awesome so theres no wrong answer.