Island Scrub-Jay Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesIsland Scrub-Jay
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.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 15, 2020Adult
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.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 16, 2020Adult
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.
© Julien Birard / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 08, 2022Adult
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.
© Kevin Vande Vusse / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 05, 2019Juvenile
Juvenile is duller than adult, with extensive brown upperparts extending to the head.
© Ethan Goodman / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 13, 2019Adult
Inhabits chaparral and oak woodlands on Santa Cruz Island. Often perches atop shrubs and trees.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 04, 2009Adult
An opportunistic forager that feeds on insects and small vertebrates in addition to its primary food source, acorns.
© Bryan Calk / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 08, 2019Adult
A bold, inquisitive species, unafraid of humans.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 15, 2020Adult
Inhabits primarily chaparral and oak woodlands.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 15, 2020Similar SpeciesCalifornia Scrub-Jay
Adult
California Scrub-Jay does not occur on Santa Cruz Island, which is the only place where Island Scrub-Jay is found. California Scrub-Jay is smaller than Island Scrub-Jay, with lighter blue upperparts, a paler mask, and whitish undertail coverts (vs. bluish in Island Scrub-Jay).
© Ilya Povalyaev / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, November 07, 2020
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