The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Description
Average weight: between 70 g and 100 g
Average height: about 30 cm long from beak to tail
Life expectancy: 7 years
This large songbird with a blue crest and black and white plumage is familiar to many people. The male and female are identical except that the male is slightly larger. The blue jay is known for its intelligence and for its complex social system in which it forms close family bonds.
Behavior
The blue jay is known to be a powerful and energetic bird. It uses its call to warn other birds and animals of danger, but it can also call for no apparent reason.
In addition, it imitates the cries of the hawk very well. The blue jay uses its particular crest to convey emotions with other birds. For example, when it stands up, it means that it is excited, surprised or aggressive. If it is afraid, its crest is oriented in all directions, and if it feels calm, its crest is flattened on its head.
The adult blue jay is also known for its unusual molt. It undergoes a complete change of plumage between the months of June and July. It is avid for ants or other "material" to clean its plumage, for example, used materials such as cigarettes.
The blue jay's general diet consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects, but also eggs of other birds and chicks of other species. The blue jay is monogamous and forms long-term bonds. The male and female build the nest, with the male staying with the female to help feed her while she incubates her eggs.
Habitat
The blue jay has a wide and varied habitat. It prefers mixed forests which provide a wide variety of foods. It is found from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. It is a partially migratory bird, particularly in northern regions.
Average weight: between 70 g and 100 g
Average height: about 30 cm long from beak to tail
Life expectancy: 7 years
This large songbird with a blue crest and black and white plumage is familiar to many people. The male and female are identical except that the male is slightly larger. The blue jay is known for its intelligence and for its complex social system in which it forms close family bonds.
Behavior
The blue jay is known to be a powerful and energetic bird. It uses its call to warn other birds and animals of danger, but it can also call for no apparent reason.
In addition, it imitates the cries of the hawk very well. The blue jay uses its particular crest to convey emotions with other birds. For example, when it stands up, it means that it is excited, surprised or aggressive. If it is afraid, its crest is oriented in all directions, and if it feels calm, its crest is flattened on its head.
The adult blue jay is also known for its unusual molt. It undergoes a complete change of plumage between the months of June and July. It is avid for ants or other "material" to clean its plumage, for example, used materials such as cigarettes.
The blue jay's general diet consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects, but also eggs of other birds and chicks of other species. The blue jay is monogamous and forms long-term bonds. The male and female build the nest, with the male staying with the female to help feed her while she incubates her eggs.
Habitat
The blue jay has a wide and varied habitat. It prefers mixed forests which provide a wide variety of foods. It is found from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. It is a partially migratory bird, particularly in northern regions.
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