How to Attract Blue Jays: A Guide to Blue Jay Birdhouses

CC Dawn Huczek

If you’ve ever had a bird feeder in your yard, chances are good that a Blue Jay has visited. These frisky, brilliantly colored birds are one of the most likely to visit a man-made feeder. The vibrant blue patterns on a Blue Jay’s feathers make them easy to spot. Even if you don’t see the Blue Jays in your yard, their song is likely to wake you up in the morning.

 

Blue Jay nesting needs

Blue Jays want to live near trees and will typically make their nests on a sturdy branch or at the fork of a tree. Both males and females build the nest, and with their similar coloring, it is sometimes difficult to tell which is which.

Nests are typically made up of moss, bark, small twigs and other plant materials. Sometimes Blue Jays will use mud to hold these pieces together, but not always. Nests are built to resemble a cup, usually about the size of a one cup measuring cup.

Choosing a birdhouse

Blue Jays are easily attracted to an open nesting platform in your backyard. Choose one that has the following specifications:

  • Floor space of approximately 8×8 inches,
  • Ceiling eight inches from the base,
  • An angled ceiling that is open on three sides is ideal.

By following these steps, your Blue Jay birdhouse will seem like a hole in a tree to the birds and make them feel completely comfortable laying their eggs.

Placement of a Blue Jay nesting box

Make sure that your new Blue Jay house is at least eight feet off the ground and away from any area where predators, like cats and rats, could reach them. The best height is 10-12 feet.

Try placing your birdhouse on the side of your garage or attaching it to a tree. Even windowsills and free-standing poles work for Blue Jays.

When to set up your birdhouse

Fall and winter are the best time to set up your new birdhouse. Blue Jays are actively looking for a comfortable house and/or feeder at this time of year. Once you have attracted the birds to your yard, they are likely to return for years to come. Particularly the male Blue Jay will return to the place of his birth year after year.  These lovely little birds are creatures of habit!

Blue Jay’s Mating

Blue Jays build their families from March to July. Both parents will stay with their babies for most of the first year. These birds are monogamous and like to stay together until one of the pair dies.

Blue Jays may have a bad reputation for being mischievous, but they are one of the most strikingly beautiful birds you can attract to your yard. Follow this simple guide to attract Blue Jays to your yard all year long.

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1 thought on “How to Attract Blue Jays: A Guide to Blue Jay Birdhouses”

  1. I have no clue how old this article is but I’m still going to ask my question.

    Do you think that bamboo would work to make a blue-jay house? Would they still be attracted to it or would they possibly be completely ignorant of it?

    Reply

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