Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay was split from the California Scrub-Jay in 2016, distinguished by its duller blue coloration, less distinct breast band, and habitat preference for pinyon-juniper woodlands in the interior West. It is a vital disperser of pinyon pine seeds, which it caches widely and incompletely retrieves. Its raspy, scolding calls are characteristic of pinyon-juniper country.
Best time to see a Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
The best time to see a Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay is January–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 13,146 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay sightings near you
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