Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

The Blue Jay is a noisy, aggressive, and intelligent bird. Common and wide-ranging, the Blue Jay is admired for its beautiful plumage, but its reputation is clouded by its harsh treatment of other songbirds, chasing them from feeders and sometimes stealing their eggs and young.

Look For : This bird is blue above and grayish white below, with black markings on the face and tail. The tail has a white tip. Also, bright-blue crest, a black necklace, and black-and-white spots on the wings.

Length : 11-12 1/2".

Habitat : Woods, suburbs, city parks.

Range : Eastern Canada and U.S.