Sounds of the Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Shortcut: Jaay and jaay-jaay notes, tool-ool, tweedledee, clicking sounds.

Song: Varied, see calls.

Call: The common call is a harsh, jeering jaay or jaay-jaay, which often attracts other jays. Intense versions are given in alarm. Calls accompanying the bobbing display include a musical, bell-like toolool, toolool, a squeaky wheedleee, wheedelee, and odd clicking sounds. Soft nasal notes are given when birds are in close proximity, especially during mate feeding and nest building. Blue Jays frequently mimic hawk calls, especially those of the Red-shouldered Hawk.