Cyanocitta cristata
L 11" (28 cm).

Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)
Piercing “jay jay jay”; also musical “weedle-eedle.” Mimics call of Red-shouldered Hawk.

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Sexes similar. Blue crest, upper parts, and tail; black barring and white patches on wings and tail; black necklace on whitish underparts; and pale bluish-gray face.

Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, suburbs, cities, and almost anywhere with a combination of trees and grasslands.

Where in Nebraska: Common permanent resident statewide, perhaps somewhat less common in western Nebraska.

Status: Breeding range appears to be expanding steadily to the northwestern United States.

Fun Facts: Blue jays will store food in caches to eat later