Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a white-faced bird with a distinctive blue crest, back, wings and tail. A collar of black is often found around the throat and head, and bills, legs, feet and eyes are also black. The Blue Jay has a very heavy bill which is used to peck open a variety of nuts, acorns and cocoons. Male and female Blue Jays are almost identical in appearance. Males are just slightly larger than females. The Blue Jay is known as a loud and aggressive bird. Its cries are used to warn other birds and animals of danger, but are also often used for no apparent reason. The jay is also known to imitate hawk calls. Its distinctive crest is used as a communication tool to convey the bird’s mood. When the crest is erected, making a prominent peak, the bird is excited, surprised, or aggressive. If the jay is frightened, the crest bristled out in all directions. If the bird is relaxed, the crest is laid flat on the head.
