Do Blue Jays Eat Other Birds? What do They Eat?

Last Updated on Jan 23 2023

Blue jays have developed a bad reputation for being overly aggressive, and some birdwatchers and casual observers consider them pariahs of the bird kingdom. They dive and squawk at humans who approach their nests and chase smaller birds away from the birdfeeders. Although they’re more territorial than other species, are blue jays capable of feasting on other species? Yes, blue jays are opportunistic creatures that can eat eggs and hatchlings, but the shocking behavior is not ordinary. They prefer eating meals that involve less risk.

The Typical Diet of Blue Jays

Blue jays are omnivorous, and they have a particular fondness for eating acorns. They seem to like variety in their meals, but 75% of their food each year comes from plants and vegetable matter. Since most of their diet is not meat-based, the birds’ reputation as murderers of infants is exaggerated. Some of the jay’s favorite snacks include:

The jay’s durable bill allows it to enjoy hard nuts that other species are incapable of piercing. After finding nuts or seeds, the bird uses its beak like a jackhammer to open the hard shell. Blue jays prefer eating caterpillars instead of insects, reptiles, or rodents, but they’re not opposed to feeding on dead animals when food is scarce. Blue Jays may decide to raid another bird’s nest when it’s desperate, but they’re not the only bird that dines on hatchlings and eggs.

Other Birds That Feast on Hatchlings and Eggs

Blue jays are one of the largest songbirds, and their size, aggression, and threatening beaks allow them to bully smaller songbirds. However, larger species, including birds of prey, are more likely to feast on baby birds than blue jays. Owls, hawks, and falcons dine on various mammals, reptiles, and fish, but they’re also bird eaters. Predatory birds are known for eating eggs and hatchlings, but you may be surprised by some of the other species that enjoy avian meat in their diet.

Mating Habits and Protective Nature of Blue Jays

Blue jays engage in a spirited aerial chase during the mating ritual, and males try to impress their partners by feeding them. Jays mate for life, and as parents, they’re fierce guardians of their family. After their eggs hatch, the parents share the feeding responsibilities.

Most birds are irritated when humans or other animals walk near a nest, but blue jays are not subtle about their warnings. They shriek, with their crests pointing upwards, and swoop down to attack if the invader fails to back off. Since several larger birds like hawks and owls prey on blue jays, they live in small flocks to protect their nests and territory. If they cannot handle an attacker, they form large mobs to force the predator away.

Migration

Although blue jay migrations have been tracked for several years, the reasons for the birds’ movements remain a mystery. Younger jays seem more willing to migrate than adults, but several adults also make long journeys to find new homes. Although most species move to warmer climates when migrating, blue jays do not seem to follow the same logic. Some birds will fly north to spend the winter and then fly south the following winter.

Vocalizations

Blue jays are vocal creatures that fill backyards with melodies, warn other birds of predators, and mimic other species. Although the theory is unproven, some have speculated that blue jays imitate other predatory birds when approaching a bird feeder to scare off the competition. Some of the jay’s best impersonations include Cooper’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, and red-shouldered hawks.

Physical Characteristics

The striking blue plumage of the blue jay is not a color that typically appears in nature. The bird only has the brown pigment melanin, but specialized cells on the feathers refract the light and make it appear blue. Damaged or crushed feathers lose their blue tint.

If you observe a blue jay from a safe distance, you can watch the crest on its head for signs of its mood. When the bird eats with other family members, it’s relaxed with its crest flattened against its head. The crest points upwards when it sees another bird or animal approaching the nest. Unlike other species, the male and female jays look almost identical. Even experienced bird watchers have problems identifying the sex without examining them close up.

Related Read: Do Birds Eat Ants? What You Need To Know!

Backyard Bird Feeding Tips

Some birdwatchers believe blue jays spoil their fun by chasing away other colorful songbirds. If the jays dominate your backyard feeders, you can minimize the problems with other birds with these tips.

Conclusion

The blue jay has been called the “backyard bully,” and it’s not opposed to feasting on other species’ eggs or hatchlings. However, other birds are not usually on the blue jay’s menu, and consuming another bird is rare. Jays would rather eat insects, fruit, seeds, and nuts. They’re territorial and protective parents who seldom allow weaker birds to hog the treats in bird feeders. The survival of the jays’ family is their only concern, and although they appear aggressive, they’re only trying to discourage the competition from depleting their families’ food sources.

Featured Image Credit: Karel Bock, Shutterstock