Do Blue Jays and Cardinals Get Along? Friends or Foes?

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Do Blue Jays and Cardinals get along? Not really. Blue Jays and Cardinals don’t usually get along together and tend to avoid living near one another. 

They may seem friendly when first meeting, but you’re more likely to observe them being aggressive towards each other after some time together.

Even though Blue Jays are mean to other birds, they are kind to members of their groups. But do Blue Jays chase away the Cardinals? Let’s investigate the habits of these birds more thoroughly.

Why Do Blue Jays and Cardinals Fly Together?

Blue Jays and Cardinals often fly together because they like the same places to live and eat. Also, when they fly in groups, they are safer from predators because bigger numbers can scare away possible threats.

Blue Jays and Cardinals also do better when there are more of them. This is a phenomenon known as “safety in numbers.” By traveling together, they are better at noticing predators or other dangers. 

This lets them share information and talk to each other through calls that let them know when danger is near or when resources are available.

Can Blue Jays and Cardinals Stay Together?

blue jay and cardinals in same territory

Blue Jays and Cardinals can live in the same area but don’t usually stay together or form long-lasting relationships. 

Cardinals are known for their bright red feathers and beautiful song and sounds. They only mate with one partner. They like to set up their areas and build their nests in thick bushes or trees, where they can raise their young without being bothered.

Blue Jays are more social and less likely to stay with the same partner for a long time. They have beautiful blue feathers and loud calls. They usually live in small family groups and keep in touch with each other. 

Blue Jays are very territorial and will fight anyone who comes into their territory, even other Blue Jays.

Do Blue Jays and Cardinals Get Along?

Blue Jays and Cardinals don’t get along because they have different territories and compete for food and breeding areas. Each species has its own needs and likes, which can cause problems when their territories are invaded.

Male Cardinals fight hard to protect their areas, which they mark by making sounds and acting aggressively. They will attack anyone who enters their territory, even Blue Jays, to protect their breeding areas and other important resources.

Similarly, Blue Jays are just as protective as other birds, and they can be aggressive when protecting their territory or looking for food. Because they are bold and eat the same food as Cardinals, they sometimes have to compete with Cardinals for food. 

Even though both species have unique calls and warning signs, there can be problems when their habitats intersect or when there aren’t enough resources.

Do Cardinals and Blue Jays Mate?

The Cardinals and Blue Jays don’t usually get together. They are from different species and have different ways of mating and bonding.

Male Cardinals attract mates by showing off their bright colors, singing beautiful songs, and performing elaborate shows. They mark their areas and do mating practices by singing and giving food to each other. 

Once Cardinals find a partner, they mate and build nests together. The female Cardinal lays eggs in the nest, and both parents help raise the young.

On the other hand, Blue Jays have their ways of getting together and mating. They make various sounds, like loud calls and sounds that attract female Blue Jays. 

Are Cardinals More Aggressive Than Blue Jays?

Each can be hostile in various ways, depending on their circumstances or how desperately they need to protect their area or assets.

Humans usually think that the Cardinals are more fierce and defensive than Blue Jays. Male Cardinals can get aggressive when defending their mating grounds. They scare off other birds by fluttering, jabbing, and producing loud sounds.

Where else, Blue Jays can behave violently to defend their territory and resources as well. Their “jay” sounds warn other birds of their arrival and territory.

How Can You Protect Cardinals From Blue Jays?

Preventing Cardinals and Blue Jays from fighting with each other can be handled by the following measures:

1. Set Up Different Feeding Stations

bird feeding station

Set up several feeding stations in your garden that are far apart and made to meet the needs of each bird species. Use bars or feeders with smaller perches to keep Blue Jays and other bigger birds from eating the food meant for Cardinals.

2. Get Fancy With Your Feeders

These feeders have movable perches or food holes to keep bigger birds out. With these feeders, it’s easier for Cardinals to get food, and bigger, more aggressive birds can’t take over the feeding area.

3. Give a Warm Welcome

Make a place for Cardinals to live by planting thick plants, bushes, or trees that give them shelter and places to nest. By ensuring Cardinals have a good place to live and plenty of food, Blue Jays and Cardinals will have less trouble with each other.

4. Provide a Range of Food

Cardinals like to eat nuts, flowers, and animals, among other things. To attract Cardinals, put out a mix of bird seeds and foods like berries or chopped apples. This range of food can make it easier for Cardinals and Blue Jays to share the few available resources.

5. Spread Out the Times You Feed the Birds

Blue Jays are busy all day, but the Cardinals are more active in the early morning and late afternoon. By spreading out feeding times, you can give Cardinals food without Blue Jays being there, reducing the chance of fights.

6. Watch and Change

Pay attention to how and when the birds in your garden eat and behave. If you see Cardinals and Blue Jays fighting often, try moving or changing the feeders. You can also give them different food options or add more feeding stations to give them more ways to live together peacefully.

How to Get Cardinals to Come to Your Garden?

Cardinals are probably the most desired birds by gardeners. Humans wish to have them in their gardens because of their colorful feathers and many beautiful songs. 

Moreover, Cardinals are easy to keep happy. Your garden might be the ideal home for these adorable birds with a few simple grass and bird feeder changes.

How to Get Blue Jays to Come to Your Garden?

You might spot Blue Jays in your garden if you live near a forest. However, you will increase your odds of seeing this beautiful blue bird by including a hopper or tray feeder in your garden. These birds also like peanuts, sunflower seeds with dark oil, and safflower.

Final Thoughts

So, do Blue Jays and Cardinals get along? The unfortunate answer is no. Although Blue Jays are a bit bigger and friendlier, Cardinals will defend their territories when invaded. These species of birds do share a lot of resources, but they do not cohabit with each other. 

If you take the necessary steps to entice these birds, they will come to your yard. Moreover, if done properly, they may even set up their own little habitats there. By knowing how to treat these beautiful creatures, you are bound to gain their trust.

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Dylan Green – Author & Birding Expert

Dylan Green​

Dylan Green is our author, birding maestro, and walking encyclopedia of birds. We call him our vigilant hawk, who scans the sky, observes birds, and documents their behavior and characteristics. And above all, he is a magical storyteller. Let us warn you, Dylan has a contagious love of birds, and his thorough guides demonstrate his knowledge of them. You guys are going to love his blog posts.

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