Pinyon Jay Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesPinyon Jay
Adult
Smaller, crestless jay with a long sharply pointed bill and shorter tail. Entirely dull blue, except for whitish chin.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryNevada, December 13, 2020Adult
The bill is longer and the tail shorter than other jays. Dull bluish gray overall.
© Milton Vine / Macaulay LibraryOregon, October 16, 2017Adult/immature
Eats seeds, plants, insects, acorns, and visits bird feeders.
© Dennis Arendt / Macaulay LibraryOregon, May 02, 2019Adult
Crestless dull blue jay with a long, pointed bill and short tail.
© Joachim Bertrands | Ornis Birding Expeditions / Macaulay LibraryColorado, April 16, 2018Juvenile
From below often looks grayish. Uses its long, pointed bill to access pine seeds.
© Glenn Kincaid / Macaulay LibraryUtah, May 13, 2020Adult/immature
Eats seeds, plants, insects, acorns, and visits bird feeders.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryMontana, June 01, 2001Flock
Highly social. Breeds in colonies and forages in large flocks.
© Mike "mlovest" Miller / Macaulay LibraryArizona, November 12, 2017Habitat
Found in groups in pinyon-juniper woodland, sagebrush, scrub oak, and chaparral.
© Ryan O'Donnell / Macaulay LibraryUtah, March 15, 2009Adult
Forms large, often noisy flocks.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryMontana, June 01, 2001Similar SpeciesMexican Jay
Adult
Mexican Jays have a longer tail, a shorter bill, and less blue on the chest than Pinyon Jays.
© Richard Fray / Macaulay LibraryArizona, March 06, 2017Similar SpeciesWoodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Adult (Woodhouse's)
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays have a longer tail than the short-tailed Pinyon Jay. They are also brighter blue on the head and back than Pinyon Jays.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryColorado, November 22, 2012Similar SpeciesCalifornia Scrub-Jay
Adult
California Scrub-Jays have a longer tail and are brighter blue above with a darker gray back than Pinyon Jays.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 02, 2011Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Crows, Jays, and Magpies(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae)
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