Subspecies
Four subspecies are generally accepted, though the variation within this species is rather subtle and essentially clinal. No firm boundaries can be drawn between the inland subspecies. The ranges of the coastal races are better delimited.
- Cyanocitta cristata bromia – northern Blue Jay
- Canada and northern USA. The largest subspecies, with fairly dull plumage. Blue is rather pale.
- Cyanocitta cristata cristata – coastal Blue Jay
- Coastal USA from North Carolina to Texas, except southern Florida. Mid-sized and vivid blue.
- Cyanocitta cristata cyanotephra – interior Blue Jay
- Inland USA, intergrading with C. c. bromia to the north. Mid-sized, quite dark blue on mantle contrasting cleanly with very white underside.
- Cyanocitta cristata semplei – Florida blue Jay
- Southern Florida. The smallest subspecies, much like C. c. bromia in color.
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The bright Cyanocitta cristata cristata in Johnston County, North Carolina
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Cyanocitta c. cristata
Ash, North Carolina -
A C. c. cyanotephra in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa
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C. c. semplei, a small form, in Collier County, Florida
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C. c. bromia in Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
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C. c. bromia, Young Northern Blue Jay in Ontario, Canada
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C. c. bromia, Northern Blue Jay in Ontario, Canada
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