Discover 7 Meanings and Signs of Seeing a Blue Jay

They’re communicative, committed, and unapologetically joyous. When you see one, you can’t pull your eyes away. They force you to pause and relish the moment with an awe-stricken expression. But is there a hidden message for you? Discover seven meanings and signs of seeing a blue jay!

What is a Blue Jay?

Blue jays are omnivorous songbirds distinguished by their beautiful blue, white, and black colors. Their crests reach toward the sky, like a mini-mohawk. They are boisterous birds that highly value familial bonds. Blue jays are social and demonstrate their intelligence via the social systems they create.

They love acorns, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Some blue jays migrate while others remain in their preferred habitats year-round. Although they like nuts, they also snack on insects, and 1% of blue jays have had remnants of birds or eggs in their tummies!

Types of Blue Jays

There are four subspecies of blue jays. The largest of the group is the northern blue jay, which calls the northern part of the U.S. and Canada home. You can tell them apart from other blue jays not just based on size, but also on color. Their blue colors aren’t as bold — they’re rather pale in comparison. The coastal blue jay is a medium-sized bird found along the U.S. coastline, from Texas to North Carolina.

Interestingly, coastal blue jays don’t grace Florida’s coastlines. However, this state has its own blue jay subspecies: the Florida blue jay. This bird is the smallest of the bunch. The interior blue jay is the fourth subspecies and unlike the coastal blue jay, this bird settles in the interior regions of the U.S. Their colors are bold and vibrant.

7 Meanings and Signs of Seeing a Blue Jay

1. Expression  

Blue jays show you what true expression is — they’re loud and they’re unbothered with what anyone thinks about the sounds they make. When the blue jay is present in your life, it’s a reminder that your true thoughts are worth speaking, that you don’t have to remain silent to appease others, and that using your voice for expression helps you meet your own needs. Their blue color also points to the color of your throat chakra, which helps you open up more and speak with conviction.

2. Adaptability

Blue jays have the ability to thrive in a variety of different environments. They are resourceful, making use of whatever is around them. When you see a blue jay, you are reminded that life requires flexibility and adaptability. You may have a narrow focus now that requires expansion, so you can see the opportunities around you. Don’t get so fixated on a single path that you miss your opportunity to adapt to something greater.

3. Confidence

Blue jays have an assertive nature. Their colorful plumage along with their full expression points to their boldness. When their territory is encroached upon, they defend it without hesitation. Blue jays remind you that you can take up space in the world. While sometimes that means speaking your truth, other times it means getting defensive about your boundaries and asserting yourself, including your right to exist just as you are.

4. Loyalty

Blue jays keep strong ties with their family members and when they choose a mate, that’s it for them. It’s a lifelong deal! They are inherently loyal, representing your life’s need for this behavior. On the one hand, your close circle should comprise only those who display this attribute. On the other hand, you need to examine your own behaviors and ensure they align with your values.

5. Vibrancy

The color of blue jays is noticeable, even in its paler varieties. These are bold and vibrant birds that catch your eye and mesmerize you. They represent joy and enthusiasm — when you see them, everything suspends in the air for a moment, and you’re immediately drawn into the present. The present is the ideal place to live. It allows you to experience delight and enjoyment.

6. Good Luck

For Native Americans, a blue jay symbolizes good luck. These adaptable birds demonstrate their resilience and confidence, reminding those who spot them that they too have these traits. The message is to continue forward with your accomplishments for there is positive change afoot.

7. Spiritual Guidance

Blue jays are spiritual messengers, arriving to give you guidance at just the right moment. Whether you’ve been asking for guidance about something specific or you have spotted a jay ‘out of the blue,’ there is a spiritual message contained within the encounter. Pause, reflect, and decipher what the blue jay has arrived to tell you.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Fiona M. Donnelly/Shutterstock.com