Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Blue Jay, photographed by Josiah Reed

Photo: Josiah Reed · iNaturalist · CC-BY-NC 4.0 (licence)

Call and song

About the Blue Jay

Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 6 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.