For many people, a bluebird can be a variety of birds. Depending on where they live and what they see, it could be a jay or bluebird, blue bunting, giant pitta, blue whistling thrush or blue coffin beak. This blog covers two of the most popular bluebirds in North America: the bluebird and the blue jay. Despite the fact that their feathers have shades of blue, which is an optical illusion, they are very different.
First, the blue jay is much larger and louder than the blue bird. Although classified as a passerine or songbird, it doesn’t so much sing as it squeals and makes other interesting sounds. It is a member of the Corvidae family, which means it is related to the crow and raven, which are also large, aggressive and intelligent birds. The bluebird belongs to the Turdidae family and is therefore a species of thrush. There are also four subspecies of the blue jay and three species of the bluebird. Read on to learn more about how to tell the difference between a blue jay and a bluebird.
Comparison of Bluebird and Bluejay
This table allows you to tell at a glance the differences between the bluebird and the blue jay.
| Blue bird | Bluejay | |
|---|---|---|
| The size | 5.9 to 8.3 inches | 9 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 0.85 to 1.31 oz | 2.60 to 3.26 oz |
| Habitat | orchards, orchards | shrubs, forests, parks |
| Life span | Six to 10 years old | From seven to 26 years old |
| Body | Stocky | Long, combed |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Aggressive |
| Nest | In a hollow or nest box | Bowl-shaped nest in trees |
| Sexual dimorphism | Females are dimmer | Men and women are the same but males are slightly larger |
The three different species of bluebird also have subspecies. The eastern bluebird has seven subspecies, which are mostly found in Mexico, Central America, southeastern Canada, and the eastern and central parts of the United States.
The western bluebird has six subspecies, most of which are found in Mexico. The mountain bluebird, known for its sapphire blue male plumage, has no subspecies.
The blue jay is divided into four subspecies, but they are so similar to each other that some scientists do not consider them a subspecies at all. The largest blue jay is Cyanocitta cristata bromia, which is located in the North of the United States and Canada. The smallest blue jay is Cyanocitta cristata sempleiwhich is located in the south of Florida.
Five key differences between Bluebird and Bluejay
1. Bluebird vs Blue Jay: size
The blue jay is much larger than the blue bird. The largest of the blue jays, the northern blue jay, can reach 12 inches in length compared to 8 inches in the large bluebird. The size and aggressiveness of the blue jay gives it an edge over the blue bird in which they live together.
2. Bluebird vs. Blue Jay: Where is Blue
The blue color is distributed differently around the body of the bluebird and the blue jay. The male mountain bluebird is completely bright blue, while the female is mostly gray, and the blue on her wings and tail is blue-gray. The wings, back and head of the male oriental blue bird are sapphire blue, and his chest is rusty red. Females have a gray head, blue stripes on the tail and wings, and their breasts are more orange in color than rust.
The male western bluebird has a bright blue head and throat, the chest and sides are orange, and the belly is gray. There is a brown spot on the back. The female is less bright blue on the wings, tail and body. Her throat and belly are gray and her chest is a dull orange.
In contrast, the blue jay has a white face and blue on the wings, tail, back and crest, with a black collar on the neck that rises up the sides of the head. The wings are beautifully decorated with stripes in black, blue and white. The underside of the bird is off-white. Unlike bluebirds, males and females have the same coloration, but males are slightly larger.
Blue jays also have a scallop on the top of their head that rises up when the bird is irritated and bristles when frightened. The comb descends when the bird is relaxed. Bluebirds have no crest.
3. Bluebird vs. Blue Jay: behavior
Blue jays are not only known to be aggressive towards other birds. They are known to hunt birds of prey and humans who get too close to their nest. They occasionally raid the nests of other birds, including bluebirds, in search of eggs and chicks. They drive other birds away from feeders or force them to drop food. On the other hand, smaller birds such as bluebirds prey on blue jays. The blue jay is also a slow aviator and a favorite meal of birds of prey such as hawks.
Bluebirds are not necessarily timid birds, but their small size makes them vulnerable to attacks from larger, bolder birds. House sparrows are smaller than bluebirds, for example, but are persistent, occupying nests and feeding places. Bluebirds, which naturally nest in tree holes, are also attacked by cats, raccoons, squirrels, snakes and possums, as well as birds of prey.
4. Bluebird vs. Blue Jay: vocalization
While bluebirds are known for the sweetness of their songs and calls, bluejays are known for their alarm bells and other interesting vocalizations. Like corvids, they can mimic both human speech and the calls of hawks. Other bells are like squeaking water pumps, rattles, or bells. On the other hand, some calls are so quiet that it is difficult for people to hear them.
5. Bluebird vs. Blue Jay: reproduction
Blue jays form monogamous pairs that last for life. Bluebirds are somewhat monogamous. They mate for at least one breeding season, but are not afraid to mate with other birds on the side. Bluebirds from an older brood often help raise chicks from the last brood. This is not observed in blue jays.
Next: 10 animals that reproduce asexually