The blue jay’s mating season begins in March and extends into mid-July during which the birds build its nest, lay eggs and fledge the offspring. Blue jays most often have a monogamous breeding partner for life.
Both the male and female gather the materials and build the nest. Eggs are laid and incubated for 2 to 3 weeks and fledge for 17 to 21 days. Once the wings and muscles are developed, the birds stay together until the winter when the young leave to avoid competing for food. The common lifespan is about 7 years, although a wild blue jay was found to live for over 17 years.
