Blue Jay
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Genus: Cyanocitta
Species: Cyanocitta cristata
The Blue Jay is a noisy bird best known for its strikingly blue plumage. Although the Blue Jay, as the name implies, appears to be blue, it actually has no blue pigment in its feathers. Melanin, which is brown in color, is the only pigment found in Blue Jay feathers; the blue appearance comes from the scattering of light in certain cells of the feathers. The Blue Jay is quite intelligent and has been known to use tools in captivity, although this has never been witnessed in the wild. It is able to mimic the call of the Red-shouldered Hawk, possibly to either warn other birds of the presence of a predator or to make other predators believe that one is nearby. The tall crest that adorns its head is lowered when feeding peacefully around others of its kind, as well as when it is feeding its young. The black markings on the face of the Blue Jay just above the beak differ from bird to bird, and this may be how this species can identify individuals.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Black collar and sides of the neck, blue plumage on top, white underbelly, and white wing bands
Length: 11 inches
Wingspan: 16 inches
Diet: Seeds, fruits, berries, and invertebrates
Habitat: Parks, woodlands, or forests
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
