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Jay (Western Scrub)

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Aphelocoma californica

Range

They are found west of the Rocky Mountains from southern Washington down into Texas and Mexico.

Habitat

They live in scrubby places and open woodlands where oak trees grow.

Body Traits

The scrub jay is a big perching bird with a blue head, wings, and tail. They have a white patch on the throat that is bordered by a blue necklace. They have a gray back and a white eyebrow.

Habits

They are known for being able to hide seeds and nuts and find them later. They also seem to be able to learn this trick from watching other jays and can stash hundreds and hundreds of them every season. Like all jays, they are not shy birds but are often seen in yards and parks.

Diet

They eat nuts and seeds like acorns, using their big beaks to break into the nut for the meat inside. They also each insects.

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Reproduction

Females lay up to 6 light green eggs with some spotting in a nest of twigs built in a bush or shrub.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vetebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Aphelocoma
Species: A. californica

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