ExploreBirds

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

The California Scrub-Jay is a cheerful blue bird that loves to hop around in trees and bushes. They are very smart and can even remember where they hide their food!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The California Scrub-Jay has striking sky-blue wings, tail, and head, contrasted with a grey back and white belly. A thin blue necklace often separates its throat from its chest. Unlike many jays, it lacks a crest.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusAphelocoma
California Scrub-Jay
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California Scrub-Jay

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A scrub-jay can remember where it buried up to 5,000 acorns and seeds!

These clever birds can recognize individual human faces they encounter often!

They sometimes imitate the calls of hawks to scare off rivals from food.

They sometimes trick other birds by pretending to hide food in empty spots.

Special abilities

Ability

Memory Mapper

California Scrub-Jays can remember thousands of food cache locations because their sharp memory helps them find buried treats months later.

Ability

Acorn Planter

California Scrub-Jays help grow oak forests because they bury acorns and sometimes forget them, letting new trees sprout.

Ability

Smart Scrutinizer

California Scrub-Jays can solve complex problems and even use tools because their clever minds help them find tricky food.

Measurements & details

Length
27-31 cm
Wingspan
38-46 cm
Weight
0.07-0.1 kg
Lifespan
9-19 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
15-17 days
Migration Distance
0 km

Diet & Feeding

These smart birds feast on a mix of tasty plants and small creatures, especially acorns!

Primary Foods

  • Acorns
  • Insects
  • Berries
  • Seeds
  • Spiders
  • Small reptiles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Scrub Jay

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch birds from a distance and not to disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is California Scrub-Jay?

27-31 cm

What is California Scrub-Jay's wingspan?

38-46 cm

How much does California Scrub-Jay weigh?

0.07-0.1 kg

How long does California Scrub-Jay live?

9-19 years

How fast can California Scrub-Jay move?

35 km/h

What does California Scrub-Jay eat?

These smart birds feast on a mix of tasty plants and small creatures, especially acorns!

Where is California Scrub-Jay usually found?

Urban areas

How does California Scrub-Jay hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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