Cardinal vs. Blue Jay Research 1

Cardinal vs. Blue Jay Research
Kerri Cardinal
RES 110
Research and Information Utilization
Marcella Gardner, Instructor
July 18, 2013

Cardinal vs. Blue Jay Research

Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are beautiful and colorful creatures. They are both members of the bird species classified as Chordata Aves and belong in the Passeriformes or perching, songbird category. These two birds are known as the most colorful in the species. Although both birds are in the same species and have similarities, their behaviors vary in their habitat, diet, and mating ceremonies. It is especially easy to identify the two birds. Their markings are similar in regards to color contrast, with black and white stripes against a brilliant background of either cardinal red or royal blue. They both have a crown worn like a hat that is raised or lowered, depending on their “moods.” One thing to note is that the Blue Jay does lose its feathers but the Cardinal does not molt. The regions in which these birds live are similar. Both the Cardinal and the Blue Jay reside in the United States and Canada East of the Rocky Mountains. Cardinals also reside in some southwestern states (Arizona and California), and as far north as New York and the New England states. Blue Jays migrate and move south during the cold of winter; whereas, Cardinals can tolerate colder climates and do not migrate. Cardinals and Blue Jays differ in their habitat or homes as well. Cardinals prefer shrubs and vegetation lower to the ground; whereas Blue Jays tend to stay in the woods and higher branches. Blue Jays do enjoy parks and the suburbs but the Cardinal tends to stay near birdfeeders in residential neighborhoods. The two species make their nests for comfort with similar materials, using twigs, straw, weeds, and clothe found in its territory. The Cardinal builds its nest small and neat but the Blue Jay is often messy making do with what it finds. Although the two types of birds will defend their territory, it is the male Cardinal, who is the protector where Blue Jays will group together to fend off potential predators. The Crane (2001) website indicates that the Cardinal and Blue Jay diets are similar. Both feast on grains, seeds, fruits, and insects, making the red bird a Granivores. The Blue Jay enjoys the same but also includes nuts, mice and frogs, and occasionally other birds’ unborn eggs. This extra appetite causes it to be known as Omnivores. Obviously both species of bird have mating seasons, and they mate for life or until one of the pair dies. However they each practice different rituals. The red birds participate in what is called “mate feeding.” The male will flirt by getting a seed or grain, approaching the female and offers it to her as if kissing her. This is the beginning of a bonding between the male and female and continues until the female lays eggs. According to Wild Bird Watching (n.d.), that this is one way the female determines “whether the male can and will provide for her and her young” (Cardinals). The female usually raise two sets of young per year. She normally lays four eggs that hatch in approximately 12 days. The young will leave the nest in 11 days, flying at 20 days after hatching. “On average, northern cardinals live for three years in the wild although several individuals have had life spans of 13 to 15 years. The longevity record for a captive northern cardinal is 28 years!” (The Pennsylvania State University, 2002) Blue Jays seem to be less formal in their mating behavior. The Wild Bird Watching (n.d.) website also indicates that in early spring several (seven or more) birds gather in the top of trees. There are several males and one female. The males fluff and dance, showing off for the female until she flies off. The males continue until she has chosen her mate. Then the nesting begins. The female may raise two broods, depending on the warmth of the weather in their location (north or south), laying three to seven blue, green or yellow speckled eggs that incubate in about 17 to 18 days. The male may help during this time by occasionally sitting on the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the young fletch lings take flight in about 17 to 21 days. The reproductive age for both male and female is approximately one year. The average life expectancy is seven years although according to BioKids (2002-2013), they have been known to live up to 17 years. The facts show that these two birds are not only beautiful but also have many interesting qualities. They are both unique when it come to their mating habits and have minor differences concerning their diets. They have similar reproductive patterns and will both die to defend their young. These feathered friends are fascinating animals and there is much more to tell. There are many web sites that offer much more detailed characteristics and information than mentioned hear but hopefully, this has triggered some interest in the bird watching for the reader.

References

BioKIDS. (2002-2013). Retrieved from http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Cyanocitta_cristata/

Crane, J. (2001). Cardinalis cardinalis" (On-line), Animal diversity web. Retrieved from

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Cardinalis_cardinalis/ Natureworks, retrieved from http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/bluejay.htm
Natureworks, retrieved from http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/cardinal.htm Technological solutions, inc. (TSI). (2013). Ducksters. Retrieved from http://www.ducksters.com/animals/cardinal.php
The Virtual Nature Trail retrieved from: http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/logo.gif
Wild bird watching. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wild-bird- watching.com/Cardinal.html#sthash.VeAH1084.IwxzxM0w.dpbs
Wild bird watching. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wild-bird- watching.com/Blue_Jay.html#sthash.pUv88zmw.dpbs

Certificate of Originality
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Kerri Cardinal
August 1, 2013