Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
CORVIDAE Members: Blue Jay 390
General Comments
The Blue Jay is one of our best known birds, breeding across the eastern half of the country, and certainly doing so in all 100 counties of the state. It also has noticeable spring and fall diurnal migrations, with small flocks moving just over treeline to the northeast in spring and southwest in fall. At all seasons, the species favors mature hardwood or mixed forests and woodlands, typically somewhat open, such as wooded residential areas; forests with a considerable number of oaks are preferred. Drier forests are also preferred over swamps.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5B,S5N
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Permanent resident, with some migratory movements. Common and conspicuous across the province; however, absent as a breeder, and usually in winter, on coastal islands. Uncommon on the Outer Banks in migration, but can be fairly common in migration along the southern coast. Peak counts: 500, Carolina Beach, 29 Sep 1962.
Piedmont
Permanent resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Common and conspicuous across the province, and often very common in spring and fall. Noticeable flights in Apr and early May, and late Sep to mid-Oct. Peak counts: 250, Catawba, 15 Apr 2002.
Mountain
Permanent resident, with very noticeable migratory movements. Common breeder to over 5,000 feet, but absent above about 5,500 feet. In winter, generally fairly common at lower and middle elevations; uncommon above perhaps 4,000 feet. Strong movements in late Apr and May, and in Sep - Oct, when it can be very common. Peak counts:
Finding Tips
None needed.