Species · GBIF taxon 2482414
Aphelocoma californica
aphelocoma californicaAlso known as California Jay, Western Scrub-Jay
California scrub jays are highly intelligent, bold corvids known for their striking blue and grey plumage and remarkable spatial memory. They harvest and cache thousands of acorns each autumn, meticulously burying them in the soil and remembering the exact locations of their stores months later. These adaptable birds thrive in oak woodlands and suburban gardens alike, frequently announcing their presence with harsh, raspy scolding calls.
IntelligentVocalUrban-Adapted
- diet
- Omnivorous (acorns, seeds, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs)
- family
- Corvidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, West Nile virus, and domestic cat predation
- life Span
- 9 to 15 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Offer Raw Peanuts: Place unsalted, in-shell peanuts on a flat platform feeder to attract these curious birds.
- Listen for Scolding: Follow their loud, raspy scolding calls to locate them moving through the canopy.
- Watch for Caching: Observe their behavior on lawns as they tap acorns into the ground and cover them with leaves.