ID Keys: Blue upperparts with grayish upper back, grayish
underparts, white chin and eyebrow
The
Western Scrub-Jay is the most widespread of the Scrub-Jay species.
This species, along with the Island Scrub-Jay and the
Florida Scrub-Jay,
were all once considered a single species. They are a common sight and
sound throughout much of the West, often seen conspicuously foraging in
suburban landscapes, or heard when giving their variable harsh calls.
Habitat
Western Scrub-Jays can be found in a
variety of shrubby and brushy habitats. In areas near the coast, they
typically live near oak woodlands and scrubby chapparal, while interior
birds are often found in pinyon pine and juniper.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding a wide variety of plant
and animal matter. Western Scrub-Jays feed heavily on sects and
spiders during the summer months, while the winter diet often consists of
more plant material, including seeds, acorns, fruits, and berries.
They will also take small reptiles, amphibians, young birds, eggs, and small
rodents when the opportunity arises.
Behavior
During the breeding season, Western
Scrub-Jays normally are found as isolated breeding pairs, and will
vigorously defend territories from other Scrub-Jays. Outside of the
breeding season, they are often found foraging in small family groups or
small flocks. Mated pairs typically stay together throughout the year.
Nesting
Both the male and female help build a
cup-shaped nest of sticks, plant material, and moss, usually relatively low
in a tree or shrub. The female incubates the eggs, with the male
feeding her during incubation. Both species will help feed and tend to
the young.
Song
Utters a variety of rather harsh-sounding
calls.
Migration
Considered permanent residents
throughout their range, although there is some dispersal of birds in years
of scarce food supplied in normal locations.
Will sometimes attend feeders for nuts
and seeds. Can often be found in suburban areas, hunting for insects,
as well as for fruits and berries in suburban landscaping.
There are currently no
perceived major threats to Western Scrub-Jay populations, and Birdlife
International cites it as a species of "Least Concern". Populations
may be expanding northward and eastern in the last few decades.
Photo Information
April 19th, 2007 - Point Reyes
National Seashore, California - Terry Sohl
