California Scrub-Jays with odd behavior | Bird Academy • The Cornell Lab

Erik
Participant

Chirps: 8

We have three siblings that were hatched in our backyard. They are just over a year old. They regularly perch on wires above our backyard. While doing this, they often puff themselves out in a crazy way. All of their feathers look very disheveled. It's rather comical! We've seen other scrub jays come into our neighborhood who do not do this. It seems to be specific to these three. Has anyone seen this behavior? Any theories as to what is behind it? I can try to grab a picture and add it later.

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Erik
Participant

Chirps: 8

I have another theory. I wonder if it is a sign of feeling safe. Of knowing that they are in an environment where everything is known to them and feels comfortable. That would explain why the other scrub jays don't exhibit this behavior when they come to the backyard. This environment is new for them.
Erik
Participant

Chirps: 8
Lee Ann van Leer
Moderator

Chirps: 112
There are several reasons a bird could puff up its feathers. Also several reasons a bird could look disheveled. Here are just a couple possibilities and it could be a combination of factors: According to Birds of the World our online subscription bird information service: <> Furthermore, birds will often puff up their feathers as a way to stay warm and conserve heat. --Lee Ann van Leer Bird Academy Project Assistant
- Erik
  Participant
  
  Chirps: 8
  
  I added some images. These three birds are almost always puffed up like this. Whenever they are sitting on the line. The weather and temperature doesn't seem to affect it. It truly feels like a learned/shared habit of these siblings! :)