Blue Jay

Brilliant lavender-blue to mid-blue on the back and wings, with a distinct blue crest/crown. The face is white with a black collar, and the underside is off-white or gray.

Crucial for forest regeneration as they cache seeds and acorns, many of which are forgotten and grow into trees; they also act as an alarm system for other species by screaming at predators.

Least Concern (Population stable)

Look for them in forest edges and suburban areas near oak trees. Listen for their distinctive 'jay-jay' calls or mimicry of hawks. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially those offering whole peanuts or sunflower seeds.