Blue jays can be very aggressive to other birds; they sometimes raid nests and have even been found to have decapitated other birds. It builds an open cup nest in the branches of a tree; both sexes participate.
What is the behavior of a blue jay?
The blue jay is very aggressive and territorial. Groups of blue jays often attack intruders and predators. They often drive other birds away from bird feeders. The blue jay is also very vocal.
What does it mean when a blue jay flies at you?
Van explains that blue jays are often judged because they’re bold and can be aggressive, but “this is a sign of intelligence, strong survival instincts, and family loyalty—not meanness or gluttony.” In the same way, she says, blue jays can indicate we’re receiving unfair judgment from others.
Are blue jays scared of humans?
Blue Jays are such feisty, clever birds and aren’t afraid of humans. In fact, they’re one of the most intelligent birds you’ll see in your backyard. They’re members of the corvid family, including other jay species such as Steller’s Jays, ravens, crows, and magpies.
How aggressive is a blue jay? – Related Questions
Are Blue Jays rude?
Blue jays have a reputation for being aggressive but this just a manifestation of their territorial behavior. Blue jays are not inherently mean but they are fierce protectors of their nests and food sources. Blue jays are one of those bird species that we have unfair preconceptions about.
Can a blue jay hurt you?
Blue jays can be extremely aggressive, especially when they have young chicks, and can dive bomb you, your kids and your pets. They can also be loud and poop in and around your lawn or garden. You can scare blue jays away without hurting them or them hurting you.
What are blue jays scared of?
A single fake owl, a few convincing rubber snakes, or something similar can scare blue jays away.
How do you get a blue jay to come to you?
How to Attract Blue Jays
- Mealworms, fresh or dried.
- Suet cakes, shreds, nuggets, or suet butter.
- Sunflower seeds of any type.
- Cracked corn or whole corn kernels.
Do birds get scared of humans?
Birds are typically afraid of humans because their instinct tells them humans are potential predators. We often make noises and movements that are unfamiliar to many wild birds. They can also sense our curiosity in them, which can be perceived as a threat if we are too close.
Why do blue jays dive bomb people?
Or there’s a certain spot on your walk around the neighborhood: When you hit it, a bird zips by and dive-bombs your head. Don’t take it personally. It’s not you; it’s spring, a time when birds get very protective and territorial about their young. The bird isn’t attacking; it’s just trying to scare you away.
What is the enemy of a blue jay?
Adult blue jays are often preyed on by various species of hawks, owls, and falcons. Nestlings are preyed upon by squirrels, cats, snakes, American crows, other jays, raccoons, opossums, and birds of prey, such as hawks.
How do you get rid of aggressive blue jays?
The best bet for how to get rid of blue jays is to give them space and a feeder of their own. Serve peanuts in a feeder or put sunflower seeds in a large hopper feeder in an isolated area. “I call blue jays ‘beautiful bully birds’ because they can empty a peanut feeder in less than an hour.
Why does a blue jay scream?
1. Jeer Calls. These are loud, non-musical screeches and are meant to alert other blue jays that there are predators nearby such as hawks. These calls are also used by a blue jay to locate his mate.
Do blue jays remember faces?
Ravens and other members of the corvid family (crows, jays, and magpies) are known to be intelligent. They can remember individual human faces, expertly navigate human environments (like trash cans), and they even hold funerals for their dead.
Are blue jays bully birds?
Bully birds such as blue jays and European starlings are a nuisance, but you can take some simple steps to prevent them from dominating feeders—and allow less aggressive birds to enjoy your hospitality.
How smart is a blue jay?
Seriously smart. They are a member of the Corvidae family, which includes ravens and crows, and consequentially, they are extremely intelligent. In fact, many scientists consider this Corvid family of birds to be the smartest animals on Earth.
Sarah Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has also been working as a mindfulness teacher for more than 10 years.
