Jays are intelligent birds known for their vibrant plumage. Many species display striking blue feathers, making them a subject of curiosity for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. These birds inhabit diverse environments, from dense forests to suburban gardens, with their distinctive colors and complex behaviors.
The Familiar Blue Jay
When people refer to “the Blue Jay,” they typically mean Cyanocitta cristata, a species recognized across eastern and central North America. This bird has bright blue, black, and white plumage, and a prominent crest that can be raised or lowered. Its vocalizations range from musical calls to harsh squawks.
The Blue Jay’s range extends from Newfoundland west to Alberta and south through Florida and Texas. Within this broad geographical area, four recognized subspecies of Cyanocitta cristata exist. These include Cyanocitta cristata cristata in the southeastern U.S., Cyanocitta cristata bromia across much of the northern and central parts of its range, Cyanocitta cristata semplei found in southern Florida, and Cyanocitta cristata diademata in the mountains of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. These subspecies primarily show subtle differences in size and the intensity of their blue coloration, adaptations that reflect their specific regional environments.
Other Blue Jays
Beyond Cyanocitta cristata, several other blue bird species are informally called ‘blue jays.’ These are separate species, each with unique characteristics and ranges. One prominent example is Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), which is found across western North America.
Steller’s Jay has a darker blue body and blackish-brown head, contrasting with the familiar Blue Jay’s brighter blue. Like Cyanocitta cristata, it possesses a noticeable crest. Another group of blue-colored birds are the various scrub-jay species, such as the California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica), Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii), and the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). These birds lack a crest and have plainer blue wings and tail with grayish-white underparts.
The Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), found in western U.S. pinyon pine and juniper woodlands, is another blue species. Unlike the crested jays, the Pinyon Jay has an uncrested, plain blue body without the strong black and white patterns seen in Cyanocitta cristata. It often travels in large, noisy flocks.
Spotting the Differences
Distinguishing between these blue jays involves several key identification features. The presence or absence of a crest is a primary indicator; the familiar Blue Jay and Steller’s Jay have prominent crests, while scrub-jays and Pinyon Jays do not. Coloration patterns also provide clues, such as specific shades of blue, white or black markings, and gradients. For instance, the familiar Blue Jay has distinct white wing bars and black necklace markings, differing from Steller’s Jay’s solid dark head or the Pinyon Jay’s plainer blue.
Size and body shape also help differentiate these species. Subtle variations in their build are observable with practice. Geographic range is often a reliable indicator; the familiar Blue Jay dominates eastern and central North America, whereas Steller’s Jays and Pinyon Jays are exclusive to western regions. Scrub-jays have more localized distributions within the west and Florida.
Vocalizations are distinct among these species and serve as an identifier. The familiar Blue Jay’s repertoire includes various calls, from mimicry to its ‘jay jay’ cry. Steller’s Jays have harsh, raspy calls, while scrub-jays produce scratchy or chattering sounds. The Pinyon Jay is known for its high-pitched, nasal ‘kraw’ calls, given in chorus by its flock.