California Scrub Jay

Overview

The California scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica) is a nonmigratory species of scrub jay native to western North America. It is currently classified as a species distinct from Woodhouse's scrub jay, though some authorities maintain a lumped taxon. The species is common in both natural and urban environments across its range.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird approximately 27–31 cm in length with a 39 cm wingspan.
• Plumage features a blue head, wings, and tail, a gray-brown back, and grayish underparts.
• Markings include white eyebrows and a whitish throat with a blue necklace.
• Emits a harsh, angry-sounding call or squawk.

Habitat

Native to western North America, the species ranges from southern British Columbia through California and western Nevada near Reno, west of the Sierra Nevada. It inhabits low scrub areas, preferring pinyon-juniper forests, oak woods, and edges of mixed evergreen forests, as well as suburban gardens and urban areas. Its range has expanded northward over time, with populations now commonly found in the Puget Sound region.

Diet

Foraging is typically conducted in pairs, family groups, or small non-kin groups outside the breeding season. The diet includes small animals such as frogs and lizards, eggs and young of other birds, insects, fruit, vegetables, and in winter, grains, nuts, and berries. They also exploit ephemeral surpluses by storing food in scattered caches within their territories.

Did you know?

California scrub jays are the only non-primate or non-dolphin species shown to plan ahead for the future, a cognitive ability known as metacognition. They can also remember the locations of over 200 food caches, along with the specific food item stored and its rate of decay.