The vibrant flash of blue darting through the trees is a familiar sight to many across eastern and central North America. With its bold coloring and raucous calls, the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is one of the most recognizable and well-known birds on the continent. But there's far more to this avian icon than meets the eye. At first glance, the blue jay is a study in contrasts. Its back, wings, and tail are a brilliant azure blue, while its face, throat, and underparts are a soft,...