Blue jays are notable for their diverse and often loud vocalizations, which contribute significantly to their presence in various habitats. These birds communicate through a wide range of sounds, from common calls to impressive imitations of other species.
The Signature “Jay” Call
The most familiar blue jay sound is the harsh, non-musical “jay jay” or “jeer” call. This loud vocalization is often repeated. Blue jays commonly use this call for several purposes, including alerting other birds to potential threats. It functions as a general alarm, signaling the presence of predators like hawks, cats, or even humans perceived as a danger.
Beyond alarms, the “jay” call serves as a contact call, helping blue jays communicate with one another, especially when foraging or establishing territories. A particularly loud and sustained series of these calls can indicate that a group of jays is actively mobbing a predator, attempting to drive it away.
Other Common Calls
Blue jays possess a broad vocal repertoire beyond their signature “jay” call. They produce a variety of other sounds, including clear whistles, clicks, and gurgling noises. One distinct call is described as a “teer-a-lee” or a “bell-like” ringing sound. They also make “squeaky gate” or “pump” calls, often accompanied by bobbing movements.
These varied vocalizations serve different functions. Blue jays use a sharp “rattle” or “squawk” as an alarm call, particularly when a predator is very close, signaling an immediate threat. Quieter, lower-pitched calls, sometimes described as guttural clicks, are used for close-range communication between individuals, such as during nest building or foraging. The “whisper song,” a soft medley of clicks, chucks, and liquid notes, can last for minutes and is often associated with courtship or quiet vocal displays.
Blue Jay Mimicry
Blue jays are remarkable mimics, capable of accurately imitating the calls of various other birds, most notably raptors. They frequently replicate the screams of Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and Cooper’s Hawks with impressive precision. These imitations can be so convincing that it is often difficult to distinguish them from the actual hawk calls. Blue jays have also been observed mimicking Ospreys and even unusual sounds like a rotary phone.
The reasons behind this mimicry are subjects of ongoing discussion. One theory suggests blue jays use hawk calls to warn other jays about the presence of a predator, acting as an alarm system for their social group. Another widely accepted theory proposes that jays use these imitations to scare away other birds from food sources, allowing them to access food with less competition. It is also thought that jays might mimic simply because they are vocal learners and incorporate sounds they hear into their repertoire.