the blue jay is a passerine bird in the family corvidae, native to eastern north america. it lives in most of the eastern and central united states; some eastern populations may be migratory. resident populations are also in newfoundland, canada; breeding populations are found across southern canada. it breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common in residential areas. its coloration is predominantly blue, with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest; it has a black, u-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest. males and females are similar in size and plumage, and plumage does not vary throughout the year. four subspecies have been recognized.