blue jay

American  

noun

1. a common, crested jay, Cyanocitta cristata, of eastern North America, having a bright blue back and a gray breast.

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blue jay British  

noun

1. a common North American jay, Cyanocitta cristata , having bright blue plumage with greyish-white underparts

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Etymology

Origin of blue jay

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

Who can forget his ongoing debate with himself and others about whether they’re called blue jays or scrub jays?

From Los Angeles Times

Never before had he been harassed by squirrels, and noisy blue jays and streetwise crows.

From New York Times

In the name of deeper discovery, Strassmann combed the scientific literature and profiled 16 household-name species, including the Northern cardinal and the blue jay.

From Seattle Times

Mockingbirds, blue jays, hummingbirds and butterflies pirouette through its palms, live oaks, maples and cypress trees.

From New York Times

A blue jay called; a red squirrel chittered.

From New York Times