Woodhouse's scrub jay is a species of scrub jay native to western North America, ranging from southeastern Oregon and southern Idaho to central Mexico. Woodhouse's scrub jay was until recently considered the same species as the California scrub jay, and collectively called the western scrub jay. Prior to that both of them were also considered the same species as the island scrub jay and the Florida scrub jay; the taxon was then called simply the scrub jay. Woodhouse's scrub jay is nonmigratory and can be found in urban areas, where it can become tame and will come to bird feeders. While many refer to scrub jays as "blue jays", the blue jay is a different species of bird entirely. Woodhouse's scrub jay is named for the American naturalist and explorer Samuel Washington Woodhouse.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Great Basin and interior West of the United States south through the Southwest and highlands of northern and central Mexico. Favors pinyon–juniper woodlands, oak scrub, chaparral, and open pine–oak forests, as well as arid foothills and canyon country. Readily occupies semi-urban edges, parks, and suburbs adjacent to scrub or open woodland. Generally resident year-round, with minor local movements in response to food availability.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A clever corvid, Woodhouse's scrub-jay is known for caching acorns and pinyon seeds and remembering hundreds of hiding spots, helping disperse oaks and pines. It is nonmigratory and common in towns and suburbs within its range, often visiting bird feeders. Formerly lumped with the California scrub-jay as the western scrub-jay, it is generally duller blue with a grayer back than its coastal counterpart.
Temperament
bold, inquisitive, and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with occasional glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and strongly territorial around nests. Monogamous breeders that build twiggy cup nests in dense shrubs or small trees. They cache food extensively and may dominate feeders and other birds in their territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a mix of harsh, scolding shreee and shraak calls, along with softer chatter within pairs. Not especially musical, but highly expressive and variable, with alarm calls carrying over long distances.
