California Scrub Jay
Aphelocoma californica · Crows, Jays, and Magpies
The California Scrub-Jay is a striking, crestless songbird found in western North America. Known for its intelligence and bold demeanor, this species was formerly grouped with other scrub-jays as the "Western Scrub-Jay" until a taxonomic split in 2016. These jays are a familiar sight and sound in many habitats, including suburban areas.
Explore the full field guideResidentMedium-sizedHarsh callsOmnivorous
9 calls·first heard Jul 4·last 65d ago
When it's heardpeak 11a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Vibrant blue head, wings, and tail contrast with a grayish-brown back and grayish-white underparts.
- A distinct white eyebrow line is present, with a dark area around the eyes. The throat is whitish with a blue "necklace" band.
- Possesses a relatively large, stout bill that is long and thick with a small hook at the end.
- Features a long, rounded, and wedge-shaped tail.