JAYS, CROWS

Western Scrub-Jay, Aphelocoma californica

Family Corvidae (Jays, Crows)

Size: 11.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open scrub-oak, urban areas

The Western Scrub-Jay is a long-necked, sleek, crestless jay. The upperparts are deep blue, with a distinct, lighter gray-brown mantle. The underparts are pale gray, becoming white on the belly and undertail coverts. It has a thin white superciliary stripe, the malar area is dark gray, and the throat is streaked with white and gray above a pale, gray-blue “necklace” across the breast. Flight is an undulating combination of rapid wing beats and swooping glides. Its diet consists of nuts, seeds, insects, and fruit. The adult is illustrated.