Blue Jay

A skilled mimic and prodigious hoarder, the Blue Jay caches thousands of acorns each autumn and can imitate the scream of the Red-tailed Hawk convincingly enough to startle other birds. Bright blue above with black barring on the wings and tail, it has a white face and underparts, a black necklace, and a prominent crest. It occupies deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and suburbs across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, with some populations migrating irregularly. Its diet spans nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and occasionally the eggs or nestlings of other birds. Cup nests hold two to seven eggs, incubated for 17 to 18 days, with young fledging at 17 to 21 days. Beyond the harsh ringing 'jaay', it gives soft, bell-like notes within flocks. It is listed as Least Concern.