California Scrub-Jay
California Scrub-Jay
(Aphelocoma californica)
California Scrub-Jay eggs
Photo © Floyd Schrock
California Scrub-Jay Eggs
Photo © René Corado
California Scrub-Jay adult
Photo © Michael Rieser/Macaulay Library
California Scrub-Jay juveniles
Photo © Brian Sullivan/Macaulay Library
California Scrub-Jay
Photo © Michael Rieser/Macaulay Library
Calls
© Paul Fenwick / Macaulay Library
Calls
© Bob Hasenick / Macaulay Library
Calls
© Paul Fenwick / Macaulay Library
Calls
© Nathan Pieplow
Calls
© Paul Fenwick / Macaulay Library
Flock calls
© Diane Schroeder / Macaulay Library
Whisper song
© Herb Elliott / Macaulay Library
When To Look
Source: Birds of the World
Where To Find It
Source: Birds of the World
Habitats
Substrates
What You'll Find
Nest Type
Chick
Clutch Size
1
2
3
5
Nest Height
14 ft
6 ft
Nesting Statistics
Incubation Period
17-19
days
days
Brooding Period
16-26
days
days
Useful Hints
- California Scrub-Jay and Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay were considered a single species known as Western Scrub-Jay until 2016.
- Both members of a pair help with nest-building.
- Either sex selects a nest site and initiates nest construction. A potential nest site is indicated to the mate by making an undulating flight to the site while producing loud flight vocalizations, often while carrying nest material. Wheeze vocalizations are produced upon approach to the site.
- Nests are often well hidden amid foliage, vines, and mistletoe.
- Scrub-Jays frequently constructs nest platforms, especially at the onset of nesting season, that are never used.