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Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A fairly large, lanky songbird with long, floppy tail and an often hunched-over posture. The bill is fairly long and straight, with a pointed tip.

    Relative Size

    Larger and bulkier than a Western Bluebird; smaller than an American Crow.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 11.0-11.8 in (28-30 cm)
      • Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100 g)

Regional Differences

A subgroup of Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay occurs in southern mainland Mexico and is sometimes called "Sumichrast's" scrub-jay. Compared with the Woodhouse's in the U.S., these show more contrast between blue upperparts and white underparts, and have a less distinct blue necklace. On the Edwards Plateau of Texas, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays are darker blue with a narrower necklace, browner underparts, and a heavier, less pointed bill.