Blue Jay's are among our favorite birds here in United States. They capture the imagination of nearly everybody. The Blue Jay has a large presence as a song bird. The Blue Jay's beautiful song is one of the best. Their bright blue marking single them out as they travel around the land. They love yards and woodlands as they hop along looking for food. They always seem protective of what they think are there woodland areas. Their songs and calls seem to ward off other creatures in the area.

With your binoculars take some time and look for general markings and characteristics, things that you notice right off. Do not spend a lot of time trying to memorize different aspects of the Blue Jay. Just look for general information and then you will be able to quickly recognize what group these birds belong to by noticing size, general shape, colors and their behavior.

I suggest that you keep a note book of these characteristics. You can add to it from time to time. This will help you understand and learn. But be patient and note things only one at a time. Otherwise you may get tired and discouraged because you can’t remember everything at once. It will all come in time as you watch these birds. Also take a look at the field marks such as a wingbar and eyering markings to tie some IDs down.

Please remember also to note what time of year you see them as well as other kinds of birds you see in your neighborhood. Then you will be able to keep track of them better next year when the return.

A good field book on birds will help, but do not try to memorize everything in it all at once. Just learn about your specific bird of interest.

Blue Jay

Size & Shape

A large, bold songbird with a straight bill and triangular crest

Color Pattern

Bright, almost sparkling blue above, with a black necklace and gray-white under parts

Behavior

Inquisitively explores woodlands and yards, moves in long hops; piercing calls

Habitat

Forest edge, woodlands, urban and suburban parks and yards