California scrub-jay - National Parks Gallery

This bird is the "blue jay" of oak woodlands and chaparral shrublands in California. They are also found in backyards, pastures, and orchards. Scrub-jays are assertive, vocal, and inquisitive. You’ll often notice scrub-jays silhouetted high in trees, on wires, or on posts where they act as lookouts. They eat mostly insects and fruit during spring and summer. They switch to nuts and seeds during fall and winter, especially acorns. They also eat small animals such as lizards and nestling birds. California scrub-jays have a mischievous streak. They will steal acorns from acorn woodpecker caches, and some even steal acorns they’ve watched other jays hide.