The California Scrub-Jay is a long-tailed, crested-less blue jay of California's oak scrub and suburbs, known for its complex social intelligence and ability to cache thousands of acorns annually. Studies show it can plan for the future and keep track of what it has hidden, where, and for how long. It actively moves cached items when it suspects it was observed by a competitor.
Best time to see a California Scrub-Jay
The best time to see a California Scrub-Jay is January–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 85,549 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Scrub-Jay? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Scrub-Jay sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a California Scrub-Jay?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.