Blue jays are common across eastern and central North America, known for their vibrant plumage and distinctive calls. Their nesting behaviors often raise questions about nest placement. Blue jays almost never nest on the ground; their typical strategy involves elevated locations that offer protection. They prefer to build nests in trees and shrubs, establishing a secure environment for their young.
Typical Blue Jay Nesting Locations
Blue jays primarily construct nests in trees and large shrubs, choosing locations that provide concealment and structural support. They use both coniferous and deciduous trees, with choices depending on the time of year. For instance, if nesting begins before deciduous trees fully leaf out, blue jays may opt for conifers for year-round cover. As the season progresses and deciduous trees gain foliage, they may then select these for nesting sites.
Nests are typically situated in a vertical crotch of the tree trunk or within a horizontal limb fork, often positioned well out from the main trunk. The usual height ranges from 8 to 30 feet above ground, though some nests can be found as high as 50 feet. This elevated placement helps protect eggs and young from ground predators. Blue jays can nest in various suitable trees, including oaks, maples, pines, and cedars, as long as the tree offers good cover. Ground nesting is extremely rare, typically only happening under unusual circumstances such as a lack of suitable elevated sites, parent injury, or severe habitat disturbance.
Blue Jay Nesting Behavior
Blue jays craft sturdy, cup-shaped nests. They construct the outer shell from twigs, grass, and bark strips, sometimes reinforcing them with mud. The inner lining is made from softer materials like rootlets, moss, dry leaves, and grasses, creating a comfortable space for eggs. In human-populated areas, blue jays may also incorporate found materials such as string, paper, cloth, or plastic.
Both male and female blue jays participate in nest-building, though the female often shapes more while the male gathers materials. A typical clutch consists of 3 to 7 eggs, with 4 or 5 being most common. The female primarily incubates eggs for 16 to 18 days, with the male often bringing her food. After hatching, the altricial young are naked and helpless, requiring both parents to provide food for 17 to 21 days until they fledge. Even after fledging, young blue jays often remain with parents for one to two months, continuing to receive care and learning foraging skills.