Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Audubon Illustration

John James Audubon, Birds of America (1827-1838). Public domain.

Range & Recent Observations

Last Spotted Near You

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About the Blue Jay

The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America. It lives in most of the eastern and central United States; some eastern populations may be migratory. Resident populations are also in Newfoundland, Canada; breeding populations are found across southern Canada. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common in residential areas. Its coloration is predominantly blue, with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest; it has a black, U-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest. Males and females are similar in size and plumage, which does not vary throughout the year.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Family: Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the crows, jays, and magpies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

Know when the Blue Jay turns up near you

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