ID Keys: Blue upperparts with grayish upper back, grayish
underparts, white chin and eyebrow
The
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay is similar in appearance to multiple other Scrub Jay
species. Until 2016, they were called the Western Scrub-Jay, along
with what is now the California
Scrub-Jay.
The two are generally similar in appearance and mannerisms, but the
Woodhouse's is paler and is the one found in drier, interior habitats of the
southwestern United States. The Island Scrub-Jay and the
Florida Scrub-Jay are two other
very similar species that were once considered a single species along with
the Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. Woodhouse's Scrub Jays are a common sight and
sound throughout much of the southwestern U.S., often seen conspicuously foraging in
suburban landscapes, or heard when giving their variable harsh calls.
Habitat
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays can be found in a
variety of shrubby and brushy habitats. but are often found in pinyon pine and juniper.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding a wide variety of plant
and animal matter. Woodhouse's 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, Woodhouse's
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.
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 Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay populations, and
the IUCN considers
them a species of "Least Concern". Populations
may be expanding northward and eastern in the last few decades.
