If you’ve ever watched birds at your feeder, you’ve seen it happen — some birds wait politely, others charge in, and a few arrive like they own the place. This isn’t random behavior. It’s hierarchy.

In this post, we explore the very real pecking order among wild birds, with a fascinating look at how jays — from Scrub Jays to Steller’s Jays and even magpies — establish dominance, share space, and compete for food in your backyard.

Meet the jay family of birds—from Blue and Steller’s Jays to Green, Gray, Mexican, and Pinyon Jays. Diet, behavior, nesting, and backyard tips.