BirdAnalyst
Species · Virginia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Blue Jay Population Trend in Virginia

All statesGeneralists

Blue Jay in Virginia has declined: down 49% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-49%Since 1968
88Routes In State
58Years

Notable Blue Jay Trends in Virginia

No notable trend signals for Blue Jay in Virginia. See the full index history below.

Blue Jay Population Forecast in Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Blue Jay in Virginia is projected to fall about 29% by 2029 — from 7.9 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.6 (95% range 2.3–8.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±20%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-29%Change by 2029
5.6Projected 2029 index
2.3–8.995% range
±20%Backtest error
19662029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20256.22.99.5
20266.02.79.3
20275.92.69.2
20285.72.49.0
20295.62.38.9

Blue Jay Survey Routes in Virginia

Routes recording Blue Jay in Virginia.
Newbern2819821968
Covington2220241966
Fincastle2220241966
Stickleyvill2119901975
Churchville1920241966
Gladys1820241994
W Augusta1620241967
Brandy Station1620242017
Great Falls1419781966
Clinchport1419781967
Irisburg1420241976
Cornland1420141975
Hebron 21420242023
Isom1320241969
Partlow1220151977
Hall1220231967
Taylorstown 21220242012
Stanley1120241966
Shipman1120241969
Hebron1120221981
Star Tannery1020241977
Taylorstown1020101967
Natural Brid1020241974
Big Island1020241968
Backbay1019741966

Blue Jay Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.