Bird Guide

California Scrub Jay vs Woodhouse's 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
Woodhouse's Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii)

Woodhouse's Scrub Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

90 gShrubland

Woodhouse's 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. The species has a blue head, wings, and tail; a gray-brown back; and grayish underparts. The throat is whitish with a partial blue breast band ("necklace"). The call is described as "harsh and scratchy". Compared to the California scrub jay, Woodhouse's has a duller blue, darker gray underparts, a less distinct blue necklace, and a straighter bill.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Jo Roberts · 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 Woodhouse's Scrub Jay.