A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Aphelocoma californica
Large Blue and Gray Bird. 11 inches in length. Blue head, wings, tail and breast band with a brownish patch on the back. Dull white chin, breast and belly. Very long tail. Female is the same. Young are very similar to the adults. 1 Brood of babies per year. Eat insects, seeds and fruit. Live in many parts of New Mexico year round.
Dwell in urban areas and often visit bird feeders. These birds form monogamous bonds for many years. Male is very dedicated before and after eggs are laid. The first year hatchlings stick close to the parents for a couple of years aiding with new babies. Tend to bury their food for later consumption. Probably are responsible for many of the oaks and pines due to leaving their food and the seeds sprouting in their absence.
I've seen these birds chase other ones away from bird feeders. They make a very loud higher pitched crow type noise and can be rather annoying. Information was taken from: Birds of New Mexico Field Guide by Stan Tekiela
Spotted on Aug 27, 2012
Submitted on Aug 27, 2012
1 Comment
Woodhouse's scrub jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii)