The blue jays belong to the Corvidae family. There are two bird species of the blue jay, the Northern blue jay and the western blue jay. The Western blue jays are, also called Steller’s jay species, look unique as their plumage and head crest are dark blue and black-colored. The blue jay’s plumage colors are brighter, with several black streak shades on their tails. The bright colors of these two birds draw the attention of many people. There is a light brown-colored breast.
The blue jay is found on the Atlantic coast or in the Rocky Mountains from Eastern Texas and Western Kansas to Southern Canada. They are also present in various habitats, such as parks, cities and suburban areas where mature trees or tall trees are present. They possess a body shape with a thick neck connected to an ample chest.
The feather patterns of blue jays are of great attention. There is a blue crest crowning the heads of blue jays. The blue jays tend to build a cup-shaped nest. The blue jay can be lured using sunflower seeds, corn, suet, and young birds. The blue jays exhibit sexual dimorphism and can surpass thrush birds. The blue jay calls sound like whistled and warbling loud whistling sounds.
On the other hand, the bluebirds belong to the family Turdidae. There are many bluebird species, including mountain bluebirds, eastern bluebirds and the western bluebird. The bluebird possesses big rounded heads and short legs paired with plump bellies and sleek chests. The female bluebirds include bluish tails and wings, while the male eastern bluebird has a blue plumage and a bright blue head.
The bluebirds favor cavities during building nests and lining them with small twigs, pine needles, grass, and other nesting boxes. These bird species are present in alpine meadows, mountain prairies, open fields and sparse woodland areas. Bluebirds are solitary birds requiring a nesting platform of about 8 square inches.
The bluebirds prefer to avoid confrontation and stay passive. They must be provided feeders on platform feeders or near the ground. The blue bird calls spring forth a series of whirrs, chucks, whines, and clicks to create liquid notes for their beautiful songs.
Although both bluebirds and blue jays look similar, differences also exist. For example, bluebirds and blue jays are present in South Dakota, western Nebraska, and golf courses. The females of both birds are responsible for building nests, like many other birds. Depending on where these little birds live, it can be a blue whistling thrush, a giant pitta, an indigo bunting, or a blue grosbeak. However, the nesting season of blue jays is from March to July, while the blue birds nest during August or even September.
Keeping in mind the understanding of bird watching, we know that blue jays and bluebirds are entirely different species. But people still confuse them. There is no need to worry as this blog post has provided exciting facts and information about these animal species as mentioned below;
Bluebird
Blue Jay
The bluebirds are brick-red or rusty on the breast and throat and deep blue-colored or vivid on the above of their bodies. The colors of these animal species depend on the light, and females possess a subdued orange-brown breast and are grayish above with bluish tails and wings. In contrast to it, the males appear plain gray-brown-colored from a distance.
The Blue jays possess bluish-purple back, crest, and head. The tail and wings are bright blue-colored with distinct black bars and white spots. In addition to it, these animal species have black-colored legs and feet and dark brown-colored eyes. The undertail coverts, abdomen, and chest of these intelligent birds are grayish-white or white-colored.
The bluebirds are present in various countries worldwide, including Honduras, Mexico, Canada, the western coast of India, Sri Lanka, Manipur, Brama, Bangladesh, Arrakan, Bago, etc. They are also native to various habitats, such as open country around trees, but with sparse ground cover and little understory.
The blue jays are also present in various countries around the world, including Central and eastern parts of North America, Southern Canada, eastern and central United States, Northeastern Texas, Florida, etc. They are also native to habitats, such as spruce-fir forests of northern Ontario and Florida pine woods.
The bluebirds possess a body length of about 6.3 to 8.3 inches or 16 to 21 centimeters, with a wingspan between 9.8 and 12.6 inches or 25 and 32 centimeters. In addition to it, the bluebird weighs between 0.95 and 1.20 oz or 27 and 34 grams.
The blue jays possess a body length between 9 and 12 inches or 22 and 30 centimeters from bill to tail. The wingspan is about 13 to 17 inches or 34 and 43 centimeters. They are smaller than crows. These species weigh approximately 2.5 to 3.5 oz or 70 to 100 grams.
The bluebirds require a proper diet to survive on the earth’s surface. These little birds mostly eat berries and insects. They feed on various insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, snails, earthworms, spiders, tree frogs, and lizards. However, berries are their primary diet in winter.
The blue jays also need proper food to survive, like other animals on the earth’s surface. These tiny creatures prefer hopper feeders or tray feeders rather than hanging feeders. However, their primary diet includes suet, seeds, sunflower, peanuts, leaves of oak trees, and often drinking from birdbaths.
The eastern bluebirds use different sounds to communicate with each other. They sing different songs for territoriality, mating and other purposes. These birds also appear to use visual clues to get expressed. The males sing beautiful songs, including lots of staccato chit calls, often delivered in chattering groups.
The blue jays also use various sounds to communicate with each other, like other animals on the earth’s surface. They can whisper, croak, rattle, screech, whistle, and sing queedle-queedle-queedle, besides ringing like bells. Furthermore, these birds lower and raise their crests, quiver, peck, pose and flash looks at each other.
The bluebirds are very social animal species, gathering in flocks of hundred or more at times. Despite all it, they are also territorial. They defend a feeding territory during winter and a feeding territory around their nests during the breeding season. In addition to it, the bluebird also protects nesting.
The blue jays are considered very territorial and aggressive little creatures. They keep other birds away from various bird feeders. The groups of blue jay species often attack predators and intruders. They sometimes decapitate and raid the nests of other birds.
Most bluebirds fly as far as two thousand miles between Texas and western Manitoba. The eastern bluebird may remain in its breeding territories the whole year or may move shorter distances from the southeastern United States. They are more seen in places where more food is available due to blizzards and snowstorms. Therefore, these little creatures are difficult to find.
Research has shown that one can quickly recognize blue jays from a distance due to their apparently effortless flight. The blue jay flies with the tail and body held level and with slow wing strokes. Flying in the mixed wood forests is their first preference. In addition to all these facts, they can fly at a maximum speed of about 20 to 25 miles per hour. The inner structure of feathers gives them coloration.
The bluebirds live for a specific time, after which they die. For example, they live for about 6 to 10 years in the wild. In contrast, the lifespan increases in captivity due to excellent environmental conditions.
The blue jays also live for a specific time, after which they are dead. For example, the blue jay lives for about 26 years and three months in captivity, but seventeen years only in the wild. It is difficult to tell their age.
Many animals prey on the bluebirds to survive. Squirrels, raccoons, snakes, and larger birds are their primary predators.
Like other animals on the earth’s surface, there are many predators of these animal species. Falcons, owls, and hawks are their main predators.
According to International Union for Conservation of Nature, the bluebirds are considered the species of least concern.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed blue jays the species of most minor concern.
FAQ’s
Sometimes people get confused and raise questions about the blue bird vs blue jay to clear their minds. Therefore, the answers to some of those questions are as mentioned below;
Are blue jays more aggressive than blue birds?
The blue jays are away from more aggressive as they don’t mind sharing territory and food with other bird species; and prefer to stay passive. In addition to it, they keep other birds away from feeders and protect their homes.
Conclusion
Various animals and plants are present worldwide, all possessing unique identification characters discriminating against them. The same is the case with the blue bird vs blue jay. Although both are similar species, differences also exist. But people still confuse them. There is no need to worry as this blog post provides exciting facts and information about these little creatures to clear people’s minds. It will greatly if you read this article with great care and pay full attention.
