Regular migrant, nesting species, and winter resident. May. Fall migration begins in mid-August with the formation of loose flocks. Peak movements during fall occur 5-15 September and most migrants have departed the Northern Highland by 15 November. Fairly common breeding species in the Western Upland and Central Plain, common in the Northern Highland. Mean breeding density in that area was 23 pairs per 40 ha.
Blue jays are among the few conspicuous members of the winter avifauna in the Valley.
Populations vary considerably each winter because of various environmental factors affecting habitat suitability and food supply. Lowest winter populations occur in the mixed deciduous-coniferous forest type of the Northern Highland. Blue jays use a variety of habitats for nesting, including deciduous and coniferous communities, edge situations, and various ornamental plantings in residential areas. Highest breeding densities occur in northern coniferous communities including Jack Pine Barren and mixed deciduous-coniferous habitats. In the Western Upland, blue jays are common in Southern Deciduous Forest and in remnants of oak savannah.