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 its blue crest and black and white plumage is familiar to many people. The male and the female are identical except that the male is slightly larger. The blue jay is known for its intelligence and its complex social system in which it forges close family ties.

The blue jay is known to be a powerful and energetic bird. He uses his cry to warn other birds and animals in danger, but he can also scream for no apparent reason.

In addition, it imitates the falcon’s cries very well. The blue jay uses its particular crest to transmit emotions with other birds. For example, when it stands, it means that he is excited, surprised or aggressive. If he is afraid, his crest is oriented in all directions, and if he feels calm, his crest is flattened on his head.

The adult blue jay is also known for its unusual moulting. It undergoes a complete change of plumage between June and July. He is greedy for ants or other “material” to clean his plumage, for example, used materials such as cigarettes.

The general diet of the blue jay consists of fruits, nuts, seeds and insects, but also eggs of other birds and chicks of other species. The blue jay is monogamous and forges lasting bonds. The male and the female build the nest, the male staying with the female to help her feed while she hatches her eggs.

The blue jay has a wide variety of habitats. It prefers mixed forests that provide a wide variety of food. It can be found from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. It is a partially migratory bird, especially in northern regions.