Beautiful Birds

 Blue Jay

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name - Cyanocitta cristata

Domain               - Eukaryota

Kingdom             - Animalia

Phylum               - Chordata

Class                    - Aves

Order                  - passeriformes

Family                - Corvidae

Genus                 - Cyanocitta

Species               - C.cristata

The Blue Jay is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America. Blue Jays relate to everything from strength to confidence to communication, depending on the context in which you see them. For some, these birds have the reputation of being loud, aggressive, and mean. Native American lore says that seeing a blue jay near by ensures good luck for whoever crosses it's path. Blue jay's symbolism can vary somewhat. to some, they are thought to be good omens that  symbolize happiness and peace. 

It lives in most of the eastern and central unites 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. The oldest blue jay studied by researchers in the wild lived to be 17 years and 6 months old, most blue jays live to about 7 years old. Adult blue jays measure 10 - 12 inches ( 25 - 30cm ) with a  wingspan of 13 - 17 inches ( 34 - 43cm ). The average adult blue jay weighs 70 - 100g. Males are slightly larger than females.

Blue jays have a reputation for being aggressive but this just a manifestation of their territorial behavior. Blue jays are not inherently mean but they  are fierce protectors of their nests and food sources. Blue jays are one of those bird species that we have unfair preconceptions about. There might be one major reason why blue jays attack you. You may come close to their bird feeders. We are too large for them. That's why they form a mob and attack us.

Blue jays are common, but their populations have declined by an estimated 0.6% per year for a cumulative decline of about 27%  between 1986 and 2019 according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Partners in flight estimates a global breeding population of 17 million.

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