ExploreBirds

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay is a cheerful bird with bright blue feathers and a curious personality. They love to hop around in bushes and trees, looking for tasty bugs and seeds to eat.

Habitat: Scrublands

Appearance

The Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay has a plain blue head, wings, and tail, with a contrasting grey back and creamy white underparts. It lacks any crest or markings on its head, distinguishing its sleek, unpatterned blue from other jay species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusAphelocoma
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgecolorful trait badge
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

9

Interesting facts

These smart birds have been observed using tools to get tricky food.

They can fly directly into thick bushes at top speed without getting hurt.

They can recognize individual human faces and remember them for years!

Young jays sometimes stay with their parents to help raise new siblings.

Special abilities

Ability

Memory Maestro

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay can remember thousands of food caches because of an incredible spatial memory that helps them survive harsh winters.

Ability

Acorn Planter

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay has a habit of burying acorns that helps them spread oak trees by forgetting some of their hidden treasures.

Ability

Social Communicator

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay can use a variety of calls because of complex vocalizations that help them warn others of danger.

Measurements & details

Length
25-29 cm
Wingspan
38-46 cm
Weight
0.07-0.1 kg
Lifespan
8-16 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
17-19 days

Diet & Feeding

These omnivores munch on nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects, even hunting small critters!

Primary Foods

  • acorns
  • pinyon pine nuts
  • insects
  • berries
  • small lizards

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Woodhouse's Jay

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay?

The easiest way to identify Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay?

25-29 cm

What is Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay's wingspan?

38-46 cm

How much does Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay weigh?

0.07-0.1 kg

How long does Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay live?

8-16 years

How fast can Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay move?

45 km/h

What does Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay eat?

These omnivores munch on nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects, even hunting small critters!

Where is Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay usually found?

Scrublands

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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