Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay


The Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay is a medium-sized bird found in the western United States. Adult birds measure around 11.5 inches in length, and weigh between 2.3 and 3.5 ounces. They have a blue-gray head, neck, and upper body, with a brownish-gray back and wings. Their underparts are a pale grayish-white, and they have a short, stout black bill.

One of the distinguishing field marks of the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay is their bold, white eyebrows that stand out against their blue-gray head. They also have a distinctive blue patch on their wings that can be seen when in flight. In addition, their tail is long and slightly rounded at the tip, with a bluish-gray coloration.

Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are non-migratory and can be found year-round in their range, which extends from southern Idaho to western Texas and from Nevada to western Colorado. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including scrublands, oak woodlands, and pinyon-juniper forests.

These birds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of items, including insects, seeds, fruit, and small vertebrates. They are also known to cache food items for later consumption, hiding them in various locations throughout their territory.

The Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay is a gregarious bird, often found in small family groups or pairs. They are vocal birds and communicate with a variety of calls and songs, including a harsh “squawking” call that is often used to warn others of potential predators. They are also known for their intelligence, and have been observed using tools to obtain food.

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