A blue jay will first molt body and head feathers, with the latter often molted rapidly and leaving the jay with a baldheaded look. The jay will next molt wing and tail feathers in a measured and precise sequence that maintains flying ability.

How often do Bluejays molt?

Blue Jays go through one complete molt a year in late summer. This molt usually proceeds in an orderly fashion so that you barely notice that it's going on. But Blue Jays (as well as Northern Cardinals) often experience a complete molt of their head and maybe even their neck feathers.

Why does a blue jay molt?

All birds replace all of their feathers at least once a year. That means the old ones fall out while new ones grow in. ... Most woodland birds moult just after the nesting season is completed. By September the blue jays and other birds will be looking spiffy in their new fall wardrobe.