Species BirdsWoodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

CommonBird
Illustration of Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii)

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.

Habitat
Pinyon-juniper woodlands and scrubby foothills
Diet
Pinyon nuts, acorns, insects, and small vertebrates
How common
Common

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