SCRUB JAYS (California Jays)

Identification
The scrub (or California ) jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ) is distinguished by its crestless head, olive-gray back, and white throat, outlined in blue. Its head, tail, and wings are blue. Calls are harsh, raspy, and varied, often in series of ones or twos. It belongs to the same family ( Corvidae ) as the other jays, magpies, and crows.

Range
Scrub jays are found in the western United States , parts of Mexico , and in central Florida . Although they do not migrate long distances, they do move to lower elevations in winter.

Habitat
Scrub jays commonly inhabit the oak and brush-covered foothills of the mountains, timbered canyons, river bottoms, oak-lined sloughs and creeks, as well as the shade trees and dense shrubbery of residential areas.

Food Habits
Beal (1910) reported that the diet of the scrub jay consisted of 73% plant and 27% animal matter. The plant matter was about one-third fruits and berries, and two-thirds acorns, nuts, and grain. Nuts and acorns are often stored or hidden for later use, though it is debatable how many hiding places jays remember. The animal matter varied greatly, and included insects, spiders, snails, and small vertebrates, including bird's eggs and nestlings.

General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior
Nests are usually found on brush-covered hillsides or in creek bottoms in low bushes, shrubs, and trees. Most nests are located near water, but sometimes they may be found up to a mile (1.6 km) away. Egg laying occurs from early March through June, with the peak occurring in April. Usually 4 to 6 eggs are laid. Incubation lasts about 16 days and the young are able to leave the nest in about 18 days. Scrub jays do not flock to the degree that crows or starlings do. Jays usually feed alone, but where populations are high, they may form nearly continuous lines when flying to and from a food source.

Damage and Damage Identification
Jays are omnivorous and therefore may damage several agricultural crops such as nuts, fruits, grains, peas, corn, and berries. They also take insects, small mammals, reptiles, and eggs and young of gamebirds and songbirds. Jays have a pronounced preference for fruits. Cherries, plums, prunes, pears, figs, grapes, and other fruits are often pecked and eaten. Depredations on almonds, pecans, and pistachios can be severe.

Legal Status
Scrub jays are classified as migratory nongame birds in the Code of Federal Regulations. They may be controlled only under a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion
Netting may help to keep birds away from fruit trees and vines.

Frightening
Propane cannons, Av-Alarms®, and shooting are used to frighten and disperse birds.

Repellents
None are registered.

Toxicants
None are registered.

Trapping
Rat snap traps.

Shooting
Offensive jays can be eliminated by shooting.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The above information was adapted from PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WILDLIFE DAMAGE with permission of the editors, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert M. Timm, and Gary E. Larson (Cooperative Extension Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control, Great Plains Agricultural Council Wildlife Committee).


GOT CRITTERS? WE CAN HELP
Wildlife Management Services uses a variety of integrated and ecologically responsible pest management techniques - depending on the circumstances of the problem, the extent of the damage, and public health threats. Call (800) CRITTER for the Wildlife Management Services office nearest you. You can also find an office in your area by using our Office Finder.