California Scrub-Jay

The California Scrub-Jay (Scientific name - Aphelocoma californica) is one of two species (the other Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay) that were formerly both known as the Western Scrub Jay. These birds range from the Baja Penninsula in Mexico up to the Pacific Northwest. They display a deep blue head, neck, wings and tail and a brownish grey back and light grey underparts. They have a blue head with a white eyebrow stripe. Bill is dark and straight with a slight hook at the end. The similar Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay is found in the more eastern parts of California and into Nevada and down into central Mexico. Photos taken at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, California in May 2016.