California Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma californica
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Corvidae
About
The California scrub jay is a species of scrub jay native to western North America. It ranges from southern British Columbia throughout California and western Nevada near Reno to west of the Sierra Nevada. The California scrub jay was once lumped with Woodhouse's scrub jay and collectively called the western scrub jay. The group was also lumped with the island scrub jay and the Florida scrub jay; the taxon was then called simply scrub jay. The California scrub jay is nonmigratory and can be found in urban areas, where it can become tame and will come to bird feeders. While many refer to scrub jays as "blue jays", the blue jay is a different species of bird entirely.
Fun Fact
It ranges from southern British Columbia throughout California and western Nevada near Reno to west of the Sierra Nevada.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Inhabits areas of low scrub, preferring pinyon-juniper forests, oak woods, and edges of mixed evergreen forests.
Diet
Feed on small animals, such as frogs and lizards, eggs and young of other birds, insects, and (particularly in winter) grains, nuts, and berries.
Lifespan
19 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance