CANADA
2010
Birds Of Canada Blue Jay
25 Cents Coloured Coin
Specification:
RCM Number: 109964
Face Value: 25 Cents
Mintage: 14,000
Composition: Nickel Plated Steel
Weight: 12.61 g
Diameter: 35.0 mm
Edge: Plain
Finish: Specimen (with colour on the reverse)
Artist: Arnold Nogy (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Flight seems almost effortless for the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) as it glides through the air with surprising speed while barely flapping its wings. However, the jay’s quiet arrival is often announced by its harsh calls, which sometimes mimic other birds such as the Red-shouldered Hawk. The jay’s calls often alerts other birds to the presence of humans, cats or other possible predators.
Another surprise—its vivid blue colour is an illusion created by the unique inner structure of the jay’s feathers and they way they reflect light. Crush a Blue Jay feather and the blue tones disappear. This shimmering blue adorns the Jay’s crest, back, wings and tail, which are also accented in black and white. Unlike many bird species, there are no obvious differences in the plumage of males and females.
The Blue Jay is a very noisy bird that makes its home all over the province of Quebec