Deep in North American woods, the elusive Pileated Woodpecker, the largest of its kind, drums and carves unique rectangular nests, shaping a wild symphony.
Medium-sized, the male Blue Jay features a black crest, collar, and beak. Gray-blue on head, back, and wings, with a distinctive eye line and size difference.
Female Blue Jays resemble males but are smaller. Both have blue upperparts, gray-white underparts, and distinctive markings. Average size: 11", 16" wingspan, 3 oz.
Blue Jays are vocal mimics, producing various calls like jeering nyeeah nyeeah. They mimic species, including Red-shouldered Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks.
Versatile omnivores, Blue Jays feed on nuts, berries, insects, and small animals. Skilled nest predators, they forage in pairs or small groups.
Blue Jays nest in trees using twigs, rootlets, and mud. Females lay 2-7 eggs, incubate for 17-18 days. Male feeds chicks for 8-12 days. Fledglings leave nest in about 3 weeks.
They thrive in woodlands and backyards across eastern USA and Canada. With a population of 17 million, they're Least Concern but face habitat challenges.
Mimicking hawk sounds, Blue Jays startle small birds to snatch their food, employing a clever strategy for a quick meal.