The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a highly recognizable songbird, known for its vibrant blue, black, and white plumage, as well as its notable intelligence. As a member of the corvid family, it possesses a remarkable capacity for learning and adapting, which is reflected in its diverse diet. Blue Jays are omnivorous, meaning they readily consume both plant and animal matter, allowing them to thrive across various habitats in eastern North America. This adaptability ensures they can survive year-round, utilizing both natural food sources and supplemental food provided by humans. Understanding this varied menu is the first step in attracting these colorful backyard visitors.
The Preferred Seed Menu
Nuts and seeds form a significant portion of the Blue Jay’s diet, providing the concentrated fats and protein necessary for their high energy demands. At backyard feeders, unsalted peanuts are arguably their most sought-after item, whether provided shelled or still encased in their fibrous husks. Jays often test these large nuts for freshness and weight before carrying them off to a secure location.
Black oil sunflower seeds are another top-tier choice due to their thin shells and high caloric content. These seeds are easier for the jay to crack open compared to the larger striped variety, offering a quick energy source. Safflower seeds are sometimes eaten by Blue Jays and are a good option for deterring squirrels, which tend to avoid the bitter taste of safflower.
Beyond feeder fare, native nuts are a staple of the Blue Jay’s wild diet. Acorns are the single most important food source in the fall and winter. The jay uses its strong, pointed bill to crack open the tough shells of acorns, beechnuts, and hickory nuts. This preference for large, hard-shelled items distinguishes the Blue Jay’s feeding habits from many smaller songbirds.
Suet, Fruits, and Non-Seed Delicacies
The Blue Jay’s omnivorous nature means it relies on a variety of other high-energy foods beyond seeds and nuts. Suet, a rendered form of beef fat, is a highly beneficial food, especially during the colder months when the added fat helps jays maintain body temperature. This winter supplement is often mixed with ingredients like dried fruit or cracked corn to increase its nutritional appeal.
Corn, typically offered as cracked corn or whole kernels, is readily consumed by Blue Jays and is a lower-cost option for filling platform feeders. In the wild, their diet shifts seasonally, with insects becoming a dominant food source during the spring and summer breeding seasons. Protein-rich items are consumed to support the development of their young.
Protein Sources
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Dried mealworms
The vegetable portion of their diet includes natural fruits and berries, which are abundant in late summer and fall. They frequently consume wild cherries, grapes, blackberries, and elderberries when available in their habitat.
Blue Jay Foraging and Caching Behavior
The feeding behavior of the Blue Jay is characterized by its strategic approach to food storage, a survival instinct known as caching. When food is abundant, the jay makes repeated trips from a source to hide items for later consumption during times of scarcity. This is facilitated by a specialized stretchable pouch in the throat, called a gullet or craw, which allows them to carry multiple items at once.
A single Blue Jay can carry three to five acorns or a large number of sunflower seeds in its bill and gullet before flying off to hide its bounty. They demonstrate remarkable spatial memory, allowing them to recall the location of thousands of individual caches. This caching habit is ecologically important, as forgotten acorns inadvertently planted by jays are a significant factor in the regeneration of oak forests.
Because of their large size and tendency to carry food away, Blue Jays prefer to feed from sturdy, open structures. Wide platform feeders or large hopper feeders work best, accommodating their bulk and allowing them to easily select and grab whole nuts.
Foods That Should Be Avoided
When feeding Blue Jays, it is important to offer only appropriate, fresh, and high-quality items to ensure their safety and health. Heavily processed human foods, such as bread, crackers, and pastries, should be avoided completely. These items provide little nutritional value and often fill the bird’s stomach with empty calories.
Salt is particularly harmful to birds because they cannot process it efficiently, so all nuts and seeds offered must be unsalted. Any food that is spoiled, moldy, or rancid poses a serious health risk, as the toxins and bacteria can cause severe illness.
Toxic Foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Avocados
Feeders should be regularly sanitized to prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria. Providing a consistent source of fresh, clean water in a bird bath is also necessary for hydration and bathing. Focusing on providing natural, high-fat, and protein-rich foods ensures the Blue Jay receives the balanced diet it needs to thrive.