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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XIV
Field-journal plate: Blue Jay
The Blue Jay plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XIV

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Corvidae · Taxon 8229

Length25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in)
Wingspan34–43 cm (13.4–16.9 in)
Weight70–100 g (2.5–3.5 oz)

Field marks

  1. Prominent blue crest that can be raised or lowered
  2. Blue upperparts with pale gray to white underparts
  3. Bold black facial markings and a black necklace across the throat
  4. Strong, straight black bill and dark eyes
  5. Blue wings and long, rounded tail barred with black, with white wingbars and tail corners

HabitatForest edges, oak woods, mixed woodlands, woodlots, parks, and other tree-rich residential habitats.

BehaviorNoisy, intelligent omnivore that forages on the ground and in trees; carries food to cache, holds seeds or nuts in its feet to peck them open, and may mimic hawk calls.

Palette

medium bluepale bluewhitelight grayblack