|
D & D Wildlife Photography
|
The Western Scrub Jay is a bright & contrasty bird, common in coastal California, particular in any deciduous woodlands (oak woodlands are perfect), but its range is widespread in the western U.S. Description: Robin-sized, but large strong bill and long tail make it appear larger. Head, wings, and tail blue (conspicuous when it glides in a long, undulating flight); back dull brown; underparts light gray. No crest; dusky face mask. White throat offset by incomplete blue necklace.Like all jays, this species may be secretive and silent around its nest but is frequently noisy and conspicuous. Scrub-jays often eat the eggs or young of other birds, but in summer they mainly eat insects.
Length: 11 to 13 inches
Habitat:Scrub oak, woodlands, and chaparral, but does not breed in low scrub because it needs watch posts; also inhabits suburban gardens.
Voice: Call is loud, throaty jayy? or jree? In flight, a long series of check-check-check notes.
Other Behavior: These birds also eat acorns, and bury stores of them to eat later. The jays bury many more acorns than they can eat and have actually helped plant oak forests that had been destroyed by fire or drought.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED