7 Other Jays in North America

Blue jays are one of the most beautiful bird species native to North America. The species is easily recognized by its blue, black, and white feathers and its crest. They can be seen throughout Colorado to Newfoundland. They not only look good, but they also have a beautiful song. Many consider these birds as a symbol to their state or city, Toronto has even named their sports team after it. However, blue jays are not the only jays around. There are a number of other incredible jays which have stunning looks, as well as great voices.

Stellar jay

Stellar jays have a deep blue color, a triangular crest with black heads, and small white markings around its beak. They’re commonly seen though the evergreen forests and woods along the west coast, from Canada down to certain parts of Mexico. Pacific coast Stellars have a different look compared to the ones found in the Rocky Mountains.

Gray jay

They’re commonly seen in Canada, but they do fly south to Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon. They’re identified with their short beak, fluffy bodies, and round heads. These jays tend to hang around camp sites a lot and would often swoop down and pick off food from campers.  They store food during summer and live off their supply through winter. Unlike most jays, they also mate during the colder months. 

Green jay

Seen throughout southern Texas and the surrounding areas, green jays often surprise people with their looks. They’re the only green colored jays, which makes them even more special. It does, however, have some blue feathers around their face. They live off insects and lizards and would sometimes even feed on baby birds of other species.

Florida scrub-jay

Seen in Florida and areas around it, they have white and blue feathers and a short, black beak. Unfortunately, this sub-specie is facing habitat loss due to the rapid destruction of trees in Florida. They’re even listed as threatened in the Endangered Species Act.

Western scrub-jay

The Western scrub-jay is seen in the same areas as Stellar jays live. Another gray and blue colored jay, they stand apart from the others because they don’t have a crest. They prefer to live in pairs where the females stay with the eggs while the male goes off and finds food.

Pinyon jay

These birds come in blue and gray. They’re commonly seen around the Great Basin region of the U.S. The Pinyon jay is named after pinyon pines which they feed on. Unlike other jays, they don’t have feathers on the base of their bills. It’s also easier for the birds to peck on pinecones without them.

Mexican jay

The Mexican jay is mainly seen in Mexico, but they also nest up north to certain parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. Feeding off acorns, they’d open them by grasping the acorn with their feet, while still hanging on the branch, and use their beaks to break them open.