Species of the Week: Blue Jay
The blue jay, or Cyanocitta cristata, is a bird you have probably seen (if not heard!) on campus.
It is easy to recognize due to its blue, black, and white coloring, and often a signature crest on its head. They are medium-sized for birds, similar in size to a robin. They are native to North America and are found both in forests and urban/suburban areas.
Blue jays have a diverse diet of insects, nuts, and fruits, but their favorite food is acorns! They can carry their food in their esophagus, allowing them to carry up to five acorns and store to eat later. Because of this, you will often find them near oaks throughout campus.
The most common of their calls is the distinct, noisy (and sometimes annoying) “CAW” sound. Fun fact: This call is supposed to mimic that of a hawk, perhaps to deceive other birds or to alert other jays of a hawk’s presence. They have been known to use this call around feeders as a means of driving other birds away. See more examples of this call and other sounds of the Blue Jay here.
