Are Blue Jays Aggressive?

Despite their smaller size, blue jays are known for being aggressive. They can be aggressive for a few different reasons, including:

• Territorial: Blue jays protect their territory fiercely, especially when their young are present. They may attack and chase away birds larger than them, such as hawks and crows.
• Nest Defense: They may become especially aggressive as a predator or threat gets closer to their nest or young. Even though they are not common threats, they may even attack humans and pets that come too close.
• Food Competition: While not as common as other causes, some blue jays may become aggressive when defending food sources. They may aggressively drive off smaller birds around bird feeders and other food sources.
• Predatory Behavior: Although they aren’t typically predatory, blue jays occasionally raid nests and eat eggs or even small birds.

It may not be odd to see blue jays being aggressive for one reason or another. However, it’s important to remember that this is part of their natural behavior.

Are Blue Jays More Aggressive Than Other Birds?

Blue Jays can be fairly bold. However, they aren’t particularly more aggressive than other birds. Small birds may be equally as aggressive, but their smaller size makes their aggressive behaviors easy to miss. Blue jays tend to be aggressive loudly, so you may notice it more often.

Many birds exhibit aggression for the same reasons blue jays do. For instance, practically every species will become defensive if their nest is threatened.

Blue jays may be more aggressive at certain times, such as during breeding season. They may also become more aggressive if there is a perceived lack of food. If they’re afraid of not finding other food, they may be more aggressive in defending the food they have.

Like with all species, blue jays vary in personality, too. Some individuals may be more aggressive than others.

So, yes, blue jays do exhibit aggressive behaviors, similar to other birds. However, their aggression is similar to what other bird species exhibit. While they may be undeniably bold, they aren’t necessarily more aggressive than other birds.

How Do I Prevent Blue Jay Aggression

There is no way to prevent aggression completely when it comes to blue jays in your yard. However, there are some ways to discourage aggression.

Many blue jays become aggressive when competing for food. Therefore, you can offer several feeding options spread across your yard to reduce competition. Blue jays particularly love peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. Other birds may prefer other mixes. Include some of both for the best result.

You may want to consider a larger feeder specifically designed to accommodate blue jays, placed away from other feeders intended for smaller birds.

Blue jays feel safer when they have access to trees and shrubs, as these provide them with natural hiding places. Planting a mix of trees and shrubs in your yard can provide natural barriers to prevent blue jays from feeling aggressive.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images