Island Scrub-Jay Identification

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Identification
Photo Gallery
Similar Species

Island Scrub-Jay Photos and Videos

Adult

A large, dark scrub-jay found only on Santa Cruz Island off the Southern California coast. Adult has rich ultramarine upperparts with a dark gray back. Throat and central breast are grayish-white, and lower underparts are light gray.

Adult

A blue necklace partially extends onto the pale, lightly streaked breast. Note the light blue tinge to the undertail coverts at the base of the tail.

Adult

A large jay with dark blue upperparts and white-and-gray underparts. The face has a broad black mask bordered above by a thin whitish line.

Adult

Larger than California Scrub-Jays found on the nearby mainland, with deeper blue upperparts, a darker black facial mask and brown back patch, and a larger bill.

Juvenile

Juvenile is duller than adult, with extensive brown upperparts extending to the head.

Adult

Inhabits chaparral and oak woodlands on Santa Cruz Island. Often perches atop shrubs and trees.

Adult

An opportunistic forager that feeds on insects and small vertebrates in addition to its primary food source, acorns.

Adult

A bold, inquisitive species, unafraid of humans.

Adult

Inhabits primarily chaparral and oak woodlands.

See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

Compare with Similar Species

Click on an image to compare

California Scrub-Jay

Looking for ID Help?

Our free app offers quick ID help with global coverage.

Try Merlin Bird ID

Identification

The largest and darkest scrub-jay, identifiable solely based on range: found exclusively on Santa Cruz Island off southern California. Similar to California Scrub-Jay but larger, with darker back and darker mask. Inhabits scrubby woodland habitat, often on or near the ground. Typically found in small family groups.