Do Blue Jays Migrate?

Blue jays possess some of the most stunning characteristics of any jay species. Many birders are drawn to their vibrant blue and black trim. They’re hard to miss, and fun to watch. Generally speaking, jays are known for their intelligence, but blue jays have quite interesting, if not outlandish migratory habits.

Bluebirds do migrate. Each year, groups of up to fifty members gather in flocks and migrate south along the East Coast and the Great Lakes. However, some jays will remain within their northern range throughout the winter.

The following year, the remaining jays may end up flying south, while some migrating jays will stay put. Each bird’s migration varies from year to year. You ask why they do it? Read on to find out!

Some bluebirds will stay in northern regions over winter

When Do Blue Jays Migrate?

The spring migration of bluebirds usually begins in April and runs through June. Then, for birds that move back south for the winter, migration begins in September and usually ends in October.

Interestingly, non-migrating bluebirds had a higher survival rate than migrating bluebirds. Even short migrations can be painful journeys that require the birds to expend a lot of energy. As long as winters are not too harsh and food sources are plentiful, the jays are relatively safe to remain in breeding grounds year-round.

Close up portrait of a blue jay

Do bluebirds migrate in summer?

Some bluebirds migrate during the summer. Birds that migrate south for the winter always return to their summer breeding grounds. On the other hand, if the jays’ breeding grounds are in warmer regions, such as the Southeast, they will remain year-round.

Do bluebirds migrate in winter?

Bluebirds do migrate during the winter, but not all bluebirds do. Those already living in warmer climates will remain in their territories year-round. In colder northern climates, however, jays migrate south some winters and stay in their breeding grounds during others.

Blue jay on the ground with an acorn in its beak

Why Do Blue Jays Migrate?

Bluebirds migrate based on available resources. They subsist on fat crops (fruits of trees and shrubs) such as acorns and other nuts. Fat crops, or hypertrophy events as some call them, rarely occur. For example, large populations of acorns may only appear every few years.

Therefore, bluebirds cache various nuts for later use. When stocks are low or yields of major crops are particularly low, jays may migrate south, where food sources are more readily available.

Are the Blue Jays cache nuts?

Bluebirds do stockpile their food supply. Did you also think that squirrels are the only animals that do this?

These jays are particularly fond of acorns and beech nuts. During a good harvest year, they collect the nuts and stash them, hoping to return to the cache when fresh food sources are scarce. A single jay can store thousands of nuts a year. Do you think they remember where all these caches are?

of course not. The jays will forget, and then the nuts will sprout and more trees will grow! Like many species, bluebirds are excellent seed dispersers.

blue bird landed on tree stump

How far do bluebirds migrate?

When individual bluebirds migrate, they usually don’t move more than a few hundred miles. Of course, the same jay that migrated last year might not do so next time.

Do bluebirds migrate in flocks?

The irregular migratory blue jay travels in flocks during the season it chooses to migrate. These flocks usually consist of five to fifty jays, moving south during the day and resting at night.

Do all bluebirds migrate?

Not all bluebirds are migratory. Some remain at the breeding grounds year-round, including winter. Although, each bird will be different from year to year.

It appears that juvenile jays are more likely than adults to migrate south for the winter. However, both juvenile and adult bluejays migrate.

Blue jay perched on a blooming crabapple tree

How Do Bluebirds Survive Winter?

Since bluebirds typically stay year-round in regions with severe winters—the Northeast, the Great Lakes region, and even Canada—they must adapt to survive. One of the most important aspects of their existence is shelter.

When the weather is particularly inclement, bluebirds seek cover in dense evergreen foliage. The dense undergrowth provides protection from the wind and from heavy rain or snow.

If shelter comes first, an adequate food supply is a close second. To ensure they have enough to eat through the winter, bluebirds stockpile acorns and other nuts throughout the growing season. They will then return to those stores in the winter.

blue jay in snow

Bluebird Immigration FAQs

Do bluebirds migrate in summer?

Bluebirds occasionally migrate during the summer. Spring migration usually begins in April but can continue into summer, usually ending in June.

Do bluebirds migrate in winter?

Bluebirds do migrate in winter, but the migrations are irregular. Jays that have breeding grounds in warm climates may never migrate because food sources are readily available and winters are mild. Northern jays, on the other hand, migrate depending on the year. If the food source is dense in their breeding area, they are likely to be there year-round.

A small flock of bluebirds in Naples, Florida

Will Blue Jays Migrate to Florida?

When food sources are scarce in breeding grounds, some bluebirds migrate to Florida for the winter. However, bluebirds that breed in Florida stay there year-round. They are adaptable to four-season climates and are less likely to be short of food in winter.

Did Blue Jays Migrate From Minnesota?

Some bluebirds migrate from Minnesota in the winter, especially when their nut stocks are low. However, even in the coldest parts of the state, many bluebirds remain year-round residents. They are perfect for surviving the cold winter.

Did Blue Jays Migrate From Michigan?

Bluebirds may migrate from Michigan during certain winter months. This usually depends on their food supply. Cold weather and snow are no problem for these birds. They are usually year-round residents.