Its still a little early for the migrating birds to pass through Central Texas, though some waterfowl is already moving. Nonetheless, a visit to the bird blinds at Pedernales Falls State Park still provides a good view of some of our more year-round or winter residents. Mostly finches and cardinals, sparrows and titmice. But notable (for its assertive behavior and assertive voice) are the Western Scrub-Jays. A striking blue bird lacking the crest of their common cousins the Blue Jays, the Scrub Jays screech and cackle, swoop in, fly over, and appear anything but shy near their smaller fellow visitors to the various feeders.
Although I haven’t seen it, there are reports (UC Davis’ story is below) of Scrub Jays holding funerals for their fallen comrades, calling other birds to the body of a fallen Jay to shout and sing (sort of) over it. I had a pet rat once that appeared to mourn for a week following the death of its mother, and one hears of similar behavior in elephants. Perhaps there is more to animal emotions that we readily recognize.
Article on Scrub Jay "Funerals"
Scrub jays react to their dead (UC Davis)
Field Guide entries about Scrub Jays:
Although I haven’t seen it, there are reports (UC Davis’ story is below) of Scrub Jays holding funerals for their fallen comrades, calling other birds to the body of a fallen Jay to shout and sing (sort of) over it. I had a pet rat once that appeared to mourn for a week following the death of its mother, and one hears of similar behavior in elephants. Perhaps there is more to animal emotions that we readily recognize.
Article on Scrub Jay "Funerals"
Scrub jays react to their dead (UC Davis)
Field Guide entries about Scrub Jays:
- The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
- All About Birds (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
- National Wildlife Federation
- Complete Birds of North America (2006) (National Geographic)
- Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- WhatBird.com