Blue Jay
[Cyanocitta cristata]
Another Corvid, Blue Jays are common throughout North America, and, most especially, at my birdfeeder. Although their beaks are made for cracking seeds and acorns, they like the suet feeder as much as the seed feeder... or maybe they just like being bullies to my sparrows and starlings!
Blue Jays are very intelligent, one of the few birds that has been observed using tools to get food and even to try and escape captivity! They are also known for being territorial and aggressive, and are protective of nests and quick to chase other birds, animals, and even humans away.
At 9 - 12 inches, with a wingspan of 13 - 17 inches, Blue Jays are one of the most easily identifiable birds in my backyard. Brilliantly blue, with a black collar that goes up to the crest, a white belly, dark legs and beak, and scaled wings will leave you no doubt that you've seen a Blue Jay.
American Crow
[Corvus brachyrhynchos]
Common throughout North America, this very distinguished Corvid begins my foray into my next set of posts: birds and animals I see locally. I usually see these guys on early morning strolls, looking a little bit ominous in the pre-dawn fog. A group of them is called a Murder of Crows, one of the most well-known collective nouns of the animal world.
Corvids are considered the most intelligent of bird families, and, more intelligent than most other animals. They use tools! Many species of Corvid, including the American Crow, have been observed angling twigs into hooks to pull insects out of holes in trees!
At about 16 - 20 inches long, with a wingspan of about 22 - 28 inches, American Crows are an iridescent black, with squared tails and slightly curved beaks. These two features, and their smaller size, will help to differentiate them from Ravens.
