The powerful, all-purpose bill of most jays efficiently handles a varied diet. Most of their diet is vegetable, but they also eat some insects. Their most important natural food source is acorns. They will also feed on berries such as elderberries, cherries and dogwood. Offer whole peanuts in a large platform feeder or on the ground or flat surface.
Jays also enjoy whole or shelled black oil sunflower seed. and striped sunflower seed .
Because jays are large birds, offer their favorite foods in a ground level platform feeder or feeder with lots of perching space. This will not only attract jays but many other birds that rely on this popular tree for food. Jays won't nest in birdhouses , but construct large, open shelf nests. They prefer sticks and twigs for nesting materials. They will also line their nests with grasses and mud.