Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a vibrant and intelligent bird native to North America, easily recognized by its striking blue plumage and distinctive crest. Known for its complex social behavior and varied vocalizations, this species plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by aiding in seed dispersal and pest control.
| 🇫🇷 | Geai bleu |
| 🇩🇪 | Blauhäher |
| 🇲🇽 | Arrendajo azul, Urraca azul |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
How to Identify
The Blue Jay is easily identifiable by its vibrant blue plumage on the back and wings, contrasted with a white breast. It also features a distinctive black pattern on the head and a characteristic bill shape and size.
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Characteristics
| Length | 22–30cm |
| Weight | 70-100g |
| Wingspan | 34-43cm |
| Clutch Size | 3-6 eggs |
| Incubation | 16-18 days |
| Fledging | 17-21 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 2-6 years |
Resources
Where and When to Spot
While Blue Jays are rarely seen in urban parks, they are frequently observed in the more remote parks on the island of Montreal.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc Bernard-Landry | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | - | - | x | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | - | - | - |
| Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois | - | x | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.