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Birding/Stellar's Jay Crests

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Expert: Julia Booth - 6/5/2008


Question
Hello,
I am a 4th grade student in Washington State researching the crest of a Stellar's Jay.  I have found a little information about why Stellar's Jays have a crest.  I know they are ornamental and are postured by their mood.  Is there any other use for their crests?
Thank you for your help.

Answer
I know of no deeper purpose for it having a crest. It's just a physical characteristic that some birds have -Cardinal, Blue Jay, Tit-Mouse, Cedar Waxwing etc.

You might be able to find a study on whether or not females are more likely to mate with males that have larger or more pronounced crests -but you'd probably have to dig for it.

It's not an ornamentation that's related to breeding -like some shore birds have. Egrets and herons have special plummage that they grow to attract females during the winter.

Sorry. Good luck.  

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Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

Organizations
Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

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