Bird Guide

California Scrub Jay vs Florida Scrub Jay

California Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)

California Scrub Jay

Aphelocoma californica

Medium86 gShrubland

The California scrub jay is a medium-sized bird, approximately 27–31 cm (11–12 in) in length (including its tail), with a 39 cm (15 in) wingspan, and about 80 g (2.8 oz) in weight. In general, this species has a blue head, wings, and tail; a gray-brown back; grayish underparts; and white eyebrows. The throat is whitish with a blue necklace. The call or "squawk" is described as "harsh and angry-sounding".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the California Scrub Jay
Recorded by Jonathon Jongsma · Call · Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara, California, United States · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Simone Littledale · CC BY 4.0
Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)

Florida Scrub Jay

Aphelocoma coerulescens

Medium77 gShrubland

It measures 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in) in length, and weighs from 66 to 92 g (2.3 to 3.2 oz), with an average 80.2 g (2.83 oz). The wingspan of the jay is 33–36 cm (13–14 in). It has a strong black bill, blue head and nape without a crest, a whitish forehead and supercilium, blue bib, blue wings, grayish underparts, gray back, long blue tail, black legs and feet.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Jody Mask · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: California Scrub Jay and Florida Scrub Jay.