Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata |
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 Characteristics Range Habitat Diet Life Cycle Behavior |
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Characteristics) The blue jay is between 9 and 12 inches long. It is bright blue on top and white to gray on its throat, chest and belly. It has a gray-blue crest on its head and black and white bars on its wings and tail. Its bill, legs and feet are black. It also has a black "necklace" on its lower throat.
RangeThe blue jay can be found in southern Canada and in the United States, east of the Rock Mountains. The blue jay is migratory and northern populations will move south in the winter.HabitatThe blue jay is common in deciduous forests. It is also found in residential areas.
| DietThe blue jay is omnivorous. It eats fruits, acorns, seeds, nuts, insects, mice and frogs. Sometimes a blue jay will raid a nest for eggs and young birds. When a blue jay eats nuts, it holds the nut with its feet and cracks it open with its bill. The blue jays is a seed spreader. It often buries food to eat later. Some seeds and nuts are never recovered and grow into trees and other plants!Life Cycle) The female blue jay lays four to six eggs in a nest made of sticks and twigs and lined with grass. Nests are made in trees and shrubs. The female incubates the eggs, although sometimes the male will help. The eggs incubate for about 17 days. Both parents bring the chicks food.
BehaviorThe blue jay is very aggressive and territorial. Groups of blue jays often attack intruders and predators. They often drive other birds away from bird feeders. The blue jay is also very vocal. It makes a number of different calls including its distinctive "jay- jay." It also growls, whistles and chatters.
Image Credits: Clipart.com unless otherwise noted |
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