10 Birds similar to Blue Jays
FLORIDA SCRUB-JAY The Florida scrub-jay, the only bird species in Florida, lives in low-growing scrub oak patches. It has a blue head, wings, tail, and white or light gray breast, belly, and back. Similar to the Blue Jay.
STELLER’S JAY The Steller's Jay, a large, impressive western U.S. jay, is a deep navy blue with a dark charcoal gray neck and head, resembling a blue jay. They breed at high elevations and migrate to lower ones in winter. Like their Blue Jay counterparts, they can mimic sounds and other birds.
WOODHOUSE’S SCRUB-JAY Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, a bird specializing in pinyon pine habitats, can be gray-blue or bright blue, with a white or gray underbelly and white specks. They are vocal and aggressive, and were previously considered one species but were split into two in 2016.
CALIFORNIA SCRUB-JAY The California Scrub-Jay, a "blue jay" of the Pacific Coast, inhabits dry shrublands, oak woodlands, and backyards from Washington to Mexico. They have a blue, gray-brown head and white underbelly, and may overlap with Steller's Jays.
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD The Mountain Bluebird is a small migratory thrush native to the Rocky Mountains, primarily found in trees and shrubs. They migrate to Mexico and western Canada during winter. The female is duller and has a pale blue underpart. Unlike Blue Jays, they have a crest on their head.
INDIGO BUNTING Indigo Buntings, migratory birds from South America, nest in the eastern US during spring and summer. Smaller than Blue Jays, they have short tails and conical bills. Identified by bouncy songs and trills, they search for seeds and insects.
CANADA JAY The Canada Jay, once known as the Gray Jay, is a gray jay found in northern North America, including Canada and Alaska, and the Rocky Mountain region. They nest and forage in higher elevations, using saliva to store food.
PINYON JAY The Pinyon Jay is a crestless jay found in shrub-wooded areas of pinyon-juniper and chaparral, traveling in noisy flocks. They feed on pinyon pine seeds and store them in caches. They are found in the western desert region of the US.
MEXICAN JAY The Mexican Jay, a light gray-blue bird with a smaller black bill, lives in groups of up to 25 in Mexico and the southwestern United States, sharing habitats with Pinyon Jays, Steller's Jay, and Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. They store seeds and pine nuts for future foraging.
GREEN JAY Green Jays are similar to Blue Jays in shape, behavior, and feeding habits but have a vibrant green primary color, a blue head and face, and a dark black throat. They are sleek, clever, and use sticks to find prey. Located in Mexico's Gulf coast and Texas.