Blue Jay, On the Lookout
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For a couple of years now, there has been a blue jay on our property with quite a unique skill: the ability to hawk call. He is so good at imitating another regular backyard resident — the red-shouldered hawk — that he is able to clear an area of other bird species within seconds, leaving him to enjoy the bird bath and feeder all to himself. We hear it all the time (and can tell the difference between him and a real hawk).
It is impressive.
You’ll hear this amazing jay vocalize the hawk at the beginning and middle of the track, then end with a traditional jay ‘yaak yaak‘ giving his family the ‘all clear.’
Finally. A nice soak, all to myself.
Who says birds aren’t smart?
♣
State testing this week — please excuse my absence!
I feel a Blog Binge coming on.
DirtNKids Blog 
Very impressive. I am convinced that many animals can outsmart us humans!
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We have the steller’s jay on our property and when they mimic the hawk, the little birds flee. It’s a great trick they have! 😀
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I was sad to have chased around a Steller’s for quite some time in Colorado, but he wouldn’t stay still long enough for me to shoot him. I am learning that many jays do this incredible copy-catting. I just felt so special for having caught him on a sound recording. Cheers, Jet!
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Our Blue Jays do the Hawk Call as well. I heard that they do this to keep the real hawks away. I have no idea if that is true or not but they surely will fool you making you think there are hawks nearby.
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Everybody’s gotta make a living right? Yes, mine fooled me for some time too. Thank you for the comment, Sonya!
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This is incredible! We have mynahs over here who do that, makes for a lot of confusion while birding but totally worth the showmanship!
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I’ve heard the mynas when we lived in Malaysia. Yes, this guy has quite the talent! Glad you enjoyed it, Christy.
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