The Blue Jay is a beautiful bird known for its bright blue plumage and loud, jay-like calls. While most Blue Jays have a crest on their head, some individuals sport a more pronounced crest that resembles a punk rock mohawk. This unique feather style has intrigued both bird enthusiasts and scientists alike. In this article, we’ll explore why certain Blue Jays develop these punky hairdos.
What is a mohawk on a Blue Jay?
A Blue Jay mohawk is an exaggerated crest of feathers on the bird’s head that sticks up like a punk rock hairstyle. The mohawk begins above the bird’s beak and extends backwards, getting taller as it reaches the crown of the head. While a normal Blue Jay crest may add an inch or two to the bird’s height, a proper mohawk can triple the height of the head from the beak to the tips of the feathers.
The mohawk consists of elongated head feathers that stand nearly vertical, rather than lying flat against the head as most crest feathers do. This gives the crest a spiked, punk rock look. The feathers are also often brighter blue than the rest of the body plumage.
How common are mohawk Blue Jays?
Blue Jays with mohawks are relatively uncommon. Ornithologists estimate that only 5-10% of Blue Jays exhibit a pronounced vertical crest. This means you have to observe quite a few Blue Jays before spotting one with a true mohawk.
The mohawk trait appears to be more common in some geographic areas than others. For example, Blue Jays along coastal California seem to have a higher percentage of mohawk sporting individuals. However, even in these hotspots, mohawked jays make up less than 25% of the local population.
Are the mohawks permanent?
The mohawk look is not necessarily a lifelong feature for Blue Jays. While some jays sport their punky hair year-round, other individuals seem to lose and regain their mohawks seasonally.
Season | Mohawk Prevalence |
---|---|
Breeding season | More common |
Winter months | Less common |
During breeding season, when birds are seeking mates, the mohawk style is more prevalent. However, some Blue Jays lose their vertical crest in the winter months as feathers molt and regrow. The same individual may regain a mohawk look the following spring.
Researchers believe testosterone levels may influence the presence and intensity of mohawk feathers. Like male peacocks displaying their bright tail feathers for prospective mates, male Blue Jays may sport mohawks more frequently during breeding season to attract females.
Why did mohawks evolve in Blue Jays?
There are a few theories as to why punky mohawk crests developed in some Blue Jay populations:
Attracting mates
The mohawk functions similarly to a peacock’s tail or deer’s antlers – an ornament to attract opposite sex mates. The bigger and brighter the mohawk, the more attractive the bird may appear to prospective partners. Studies show female jays prefer males with bigger crests.
Dominance displays
Mohawks may also help jays establish dominance in flocks. The punky ‘do allows jays to appear larger and more imposing to competitors. Similar to punk hairstyles in humans, mohawks give Blue Jays a bold, don’t-mess-with-me look.
Species recognition
The mohawk makes Blue Jays stand out at a glance, allowing for quick species identification. This is especially important for jays, who often live in mixed flocks with other birds.
Heat regulation
The mohawk’s vertical orientation may help facilitate heat loss in hot weather. More exposed head skin and efficient air circulation could cool Blue Jays quickly.
Blue Jay mohawk fun facts
- Even baby Blue Jays (known as fledglings) can sport mohawk feathers, though their crests are smaller.
- Blue Jay mohawks can grow over 3 inches tall from the beak to the feather tips.
- While mohawks occur in both males and females, males tend to have larger, more pronounced crests.
- East Coast Blue Jays are more likely to have mohawks than West Coast jays.
- Blue Jays use their crest feathers to communicate different moods. When frightened, they flatten their crest. When excited, it rises.
- In some Indigenous American cultures, the Blue Jay mohawk is seen as a “wisdom crown” adorning their heads.
- Mohawked Blue Jays have a similar punky hairstyle as the crested Jay from Eurasia.
Conclusion
The Blue Jay’s mohawk remains something of a mystery. While scientists have theorized reasons for its existence, further research is still needed. What we do know is that the punky hairdo sets some Blue Jays apart with a bold, eye-catching look all their own. The mohawk is one of the many wonderful – and weird – ways birds have adapted over time to attract mates, compete for resources, and thrive in their environments. One thing is sure – a mohawked Blue Jay will always warrant a second look!