blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• 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

Similar species:

Because of its large size, blue coloration and crest the blue jay is quite
distinctive. Steller's jay has dark underparts. Other jays lack a crest and

have different markings.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status:Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat:Urban
Nest Location:Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type:Open-cup
Clutch Size:3-6
Length of Incubation: 16-18 days
Days to Fledge:17-21
Number of Broods:1 in north, 2-3 in south
Diet: Mostly nuts and seeds; lesser quantities of fruit insects eggs

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February C

 

 

Back to Inventory of Bird Families and Species