The California Scrub-Jay can be found all along the west coast, and has thrived in urban environments, making them a regular in backyards in the Willamette Valley.
About the California Scrub-Jay
Size & Shape: 12″. Medium-sized, long-tailed, without crest.
Color: Blue above (head, wings) with brown back patch, white eyebrow, dark cheek, white throat with partial blue breast band, blue-gray underside.
Behavior: Omnivorous. Eats more seeds in fall, winter, often buries acorns for future retrieval, visits bird feeders. Forages frequently on ground, in brush, usually in flocks. Secretive when nesting.
Habitat: Prefers deciduous, scrubby, open or semi-open terrain with thick brush, neighborhoods, gardens, farms, often near oaks.
Field Marks: Blue head with white eyebrow, neck wings and tail, brownish gray back, white throat, light gray underparts, long blue tail.
Voice: Listen here.
Fun Facts: California Scrub-Jays have been known to steal acorns from Acorn Woodpeckers and other jays. Because of that, California Scrub-Jays will look around before hiding their food to make sure no other jays are watching.
Scientific Name: Aphelocoma californica