California Scrub-jay
A species of Scrub Jays, Also known as Western Scrub-jay Scientific name : Aphelocoma californica Genus : Scrub Jays
California Scrub-jay, A species of Scrub Jays
Also known as:
Western Scrub-jay
Botanical name: Aphelocoma californica
Genus: Scrub Jays
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
California Scrub-jays prefer to live in dry shrublands, oak forests, and treed backyards. These are mischievous little birds that like to steal acorns from Woodpecker hiding spots. However, when the scrub jays hide the acorns in a new spot they rarely remember where they've hidden them! It's a lose-lose situation. When not stealing acorns they like to spend time eating ticks and other parasites off the backs of mule deer. The deer seem to appreciate the attention and often hold up their ears to give the jays access.
Size
28 cm
Life Expectancy
15 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Clutch Size
1 - 5 eggs
Number of Broods
17 - 19 days
Nestling Period
17 - 19 days
Feeding Habits
California Scrub-jay primarily consume insects and fruits during spring and summer. In fall and winter, california Scrub-jay shift to nuts, seeds, and a large quantity of acorns. They also feed on small animals, including lizards and bird nestlings, often locating these by observing adult birds. California Scrub-jay consume plant material such as grass seeds, and will eat human-provided peanuts and sunflower seeds, along with agricultural crops like corn, almonds, walnuts, and cherries. They employ their stout bills to hammer open hard-shelled food like acorns. California Scrub-jay typically forage in pairs or groups and can be hand-fed by humans.
Habitat
California Scrub-jay inhabit a range of environments along the Pacific coast, predominantly found in oak woodlands, pinon-juniper forests, and chaparral. Preferring areas with abundant oaks, they adapt well to suburban gardens and mangrove forests. Their habitats span from southern British Columbia to Baja California, including the Central Valley's oak savannahs.
Nest Behavior
California Scrub-jay takes about 10 days to construct the nest, with both mates contributing. Exact egg-laying patterns are unspecified, but both parents are involved in nest building and likely share responsibilities for care of the eggs and young.
Nest Characteristics
California Scrub-jay's nest is typically situated 6-14 feet high, often in oak trees but also in laurel sumac, bay, madrone, and poison oak. The structure is a hidden basket of twigs lined with rootlets, plant fibers, and livestock hair, measuring roughly 6 inches across.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Suet
Cracked Corn
Peanuts
Peanut Hearts
Fruit
Millet
Milo
Mealworms
Bird Feeder Type
Large Tube Feeder
Suet Cage
Large Hopper
Platform
Ground
Sounds
Call
Recording location: United States
Call
Recording location: United States
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
California Scrub-jay exhibit dynamic and social behaviors, often seen in flock formations, particularly in non-breeding seasons. These birds are known for their assertive movements and vigilant postures, actively defending territories year-round as monogamous pairs. They engage in hierarchical flock interactions, mirroring dominance patterns. Territory defense includes physical confrontations and vocal challenges. Pair bonds are strong, with frequent mutual feeding, especially during breeding. Although largely territorial, california Scrub-jay might vacate their regions in response to food scarcity, leading to competitive resettlement in favorable conditions. California Scrub-jay face predation risks at various life stages from both terrestrial and avian predators.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Crows and jays Genus
Scrub Jays Species
California Scrub-jay 
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