Blue Jay

Start with these clues

Look for a blue crest and white patches on the wings and tail.

Relative size

Medium

Look around

Trees, Shrubs

Region and season

Primarily eastern and central; seasonal movements vary.

Compare carefully

Western scrub-jays lack the tall crest.

A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.

Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.