Bonanza Bird #6: The Western Scrub-Jay
ALERT: The Western Scrub-Jay was split into the California Scrub-Jay and Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. For 18 days we're adding a new Birdorable bird every day as part of our... Read more »
California Scrub-Jay
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About the California Scrub-Jay
Also known as: Santa Cruz Jay, Western Scrub-Jay
California Scrub-Jays are medium-sized birds of the crow and jay family. They are found along the western coast of the United States and down Baja California. Until 2016 they were "lumped" with the Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay as the species Western Scrub-Jay.
California Scrub-Jays feed on fruit and seeds during the summer, switching to a diet of mostly nuts and seeds in other parts of the year. They are especially known for eating acorns, hammering at the hard nuts with their bills to get the nutmeat inside.
These jays inhabit oak woodlands, scrublands, and suburban areas across California and parts of the Pacific Northwest. They build their nests in trees or shrubs, using twigs, leaves, and other plant materials. California Scrub-Jays are omnivorous, with a diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, and small animals. Their adaptability in feeding and nesting makes them successful in a variety of habitats.
California Scrub-Jays are known to exploit deer parasites. The birds will stand on the backs of mule deer and eat ticks and other insects on the deer in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Find cute products & gifts with our Birdorable California Scrub-Jay
California Scrub-Jay Photos
Details & Statistics
Added to Birdorable
Hatched January 26, 2018
Scientific Name
Aphelocoma californica
Bird Family
Measurements
Length:
11 to 11.8 inches
(27.9 to 30 cm)
Wingspan:
15.4 inches
(39.1 cm)
Weight:
2.5 to 3.5 ounces
(70.9 to 99.2 grams)
International Names
Chinese
西丛鸦
Czech
sojka západní
Danish
Kratskade
Dutch
Westelijke Struikgaai
Finnish
kalifornianpensasnärhi
French
Geai buissonnier
German
Kalifornienhäher
Italian
Ghiandaia occidentale
Japanese
アメリカカケス [amerikakakesu]
Norwegian
Krattskrike
Polish
modrowronka kalifornijska
Portuguese
Gaio-dos-matos-ocidental
Russian
Западная кустарниковая сойка
Spanish
Chara Californiana
Swedish
västlig snårskrika
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