Many years ago, my wife and I observed a blue jay drive a young (apparently
healthy) mourning dove to the ground and peck it to death (in the head). The
jay then proceeded to consume the dove's brains. Needless to say, we were
shocked by the predatory behavior...something we had not previously witnessed.
It truly was a startling example of survival of the fittest.
Bob PeakTrigg County, KY
On Friday, December 23, 2022, 09:01:34 AM CST, Joyce Bender
<landstewardky@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I saw a blue jay carry off
hatchling once, but never observed predation on an adult.
Sent from my iPad
On Dec 23, 2022, at 9:48 AM, andrew melnykovych <estiles74@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Observed a Blue Jay attack, kill, partially consume and carry off the remains
of a House Finch a little while ago. On a platform feeder.
I know they're nest predators, but never heard of them taking adult birds.
Cornell Birds of the World mentions it, but says it's most often birds stunned
by a window strike.
Anyone else ever seen anything like this?
Photos (taken through window glass) may be found in checklist here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S124464672
Also on Birding KY FB page.
Andrew MelnykovychLouisville KY
