Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), watercolor sketch
About blue jays:
Blue jays are common to urban areas (among others) in the eastern and midwestern U.S. They form monogamous bonds which often last until one of the pair dies. Average lifespan is about seven years. They eat insects, nuts, fruit, seeds, and eggs of other birds. They especially like areas with oak trees and eat acorns. Blue jays bury a lot of acorns and other seeds, more than they can eat. Of their various calls, one sounds like that of the red-shouldered hawk, which they use to scare off other birds. Breeding is from March to July. Nests are built in evergreen trees and are 5 to 20 feet high.
