The Blue Jay, once a bird of the eastern United States, has steadily expanded its range westward and is now a common blue bird in Colorado.

The Blue Jay prefers open areas with scattered trees, shrubs, and other densely forested vegetation.

The top of these medium-sized blue birds is grayish blue, with bright arctic blue wing and tail feathers. Their underparts are light gray in color.

Blue Jays are social birds that live in small groups called colonies, with one dominant pair and several subordinate members in each.

The Blue Jay frequently imitates hawk calls, particularly those of the Red-shouldered Hawk. These calls may alert other jays that a hawk is nearby, or they may be used to trick other species into thinking a hawk is nearby.

photo credit: Lenny Frieling

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