western scrub jay

bird

Also known as: Aphelocoma californica

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July 20, 2026

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The western scrub jay is a type of jay, a bird belonging to the family Corvidae. These birds are known for their bold and raucous nature and inhabit woodlands. Jays are generally omnivorous, with some species known to steal eggs and many storing seeds and nuts for later use. They typically build twiggy, cuplike nests in trees and tend to be gregarious after breeding season.

The western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica) is found throughout western North America. It is characterized by a blue head, tail, and wings, with a brownish back. Unlike some other jays, scrub jays lack crests. They are often found in habitats like scrub oak and chaparral.123

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jay
…coerulescens), found in Florida; the western scrub jay (A. californica), found throughout western North America; and the island scrub jay (A. insularis), found only on Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of California. They are locally called “blue jays,” but they lack the crests of C. cristata.
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…coerulescens), found in Florida; the western scrub jay (A. californica), found throughout western North America; and the island scrub jay (A. insularis), found only on Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of California. They are locally called “blue jays,” but they lack the crests of C. cristata.
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