Discover All 4 Types of Blue Jay Birds (With Pictures)

Bluejays are passerine birds in the corvid family, native to the eastern half of the United States. They are a popular species among the birding community because of their vivid blue color, black collar, and prominent crest. But there are several birds that are often mistaken for bluejays. Are there multiple species? Spot four species of blue jay birds and learn about their location and appearance.

How many species of bluebirds are there?

There are four subspecies of bluebirds. However, variation in this species is subtle and no clear boundaries exist.this northern bluebird Is the largest subspecies, distributed in Canada and the northern United States. You may notice that the duller, paler feathers are almost washed out in appearance.

coastal bluebird It can be seen along the US coastline from North Carolina to Texas. But they were absent in South Florida. This subspecies is of medium size with brightly colored plumage. florida bluejay Inhabits southern Florida and is the smallest subspecies. Their plumage is similar to that of the northern blue jay, with darker blue plumage.

this inner bluebird The last subspecies of blue jay, found in the interior of the United States, often mixed with the northern blue jay. These medium-sized birds have darker contrasting colors, with vivid blue above and clean white below.

While there are subtle differences between blue jay species, all subspecies tend to share the same behavior and diet. Bold and aggressive, this bird will chase away predatory birds such as hawks and owls, as well as rob other birds’ nests. They are omnivorous and feed on plant matter, nuts, grains, fruit and small invertebrates.

How many species of jay birds are there?

There are more than 40 species of jays in the Corvidae family, several in the Western Hemisphere. There are ten species of jays in North America, including the blue jay.

The following are other jay species:

• Brown Jay
• mexican jay
• Canada Jay
• green jay
• the jay
• tiger jay
• florida scrub jay
• California scrub jay
• island scrub jay

What kind of bird looks like a blue jay?

California scrub jays are often mistaken for blue jays. They are big and thin, with long tails and straight and wide mouths. Their color often turns people off, though. The scrub jay has sky blue and gray upper body, white lower body and blue collar. The blue color will vary with the light, and from a distance the bird looks very similar to a blue jay. However, it does not have a checkered pattern on its wings and back. The California scrub jay also lacks a crest.

What is the difference between Steller Jay and Blue Jay?

Many jay birds look alike, especially when they are relatively the same color. However, Steller’s jay is quite distinct from blue jay. Their charcoal heads and necks are their most distinctive features. They also possess a more prominent triangular crest than bluebirds, and their blue plumage is darker. But they are bold, smart, and loud like bluebirds.

What attracts bluebirds to your yard?

If you live in the central and eastern United States, bluebirds can be an interesting bird to visit when they visit your backyard feeder. They live within their range year-round and always enjoy feeding stations and birdbaths.

This species is larger than other passerines and may require a sturdier feeder for perching. Consider adding a deck or open tray feeder to your property. They also like to visit trees and bushes that bear nuts and fruit. They are an excellent natural food source, and you don’t have to worry about bluebirds bullying other birds and cleaning out your feeders.

Favorite feeds for blue jays include:

• sunflower seeds
• broken corn
• suet
• Mealworms

You can attract bluebirds in winter by providing heated bird baths and not pruning evergreen trees in your yard. These birds use tree branches for shelter during the colder months.

IAN WARKENTIN

I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.

Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.