Many people wonder if the familiar “blue jay” of eastern North America can be found in California. While the state is home to several striking blue birds, the species most widely recognized as the “Blue Jay” is not among them.
The Eastern Blue Jay’s Absence in California
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is primarily found across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and parts of Texas. Characterized by vibrant blue, white, and black plumage, a prominent crest, and a distinctive black U-shaped collar, this species is not found in California. Its western distribution generally stops where arid pine forests begin, contrasting with California’s distinct ecosystems.
California’s Native Blue-Hued Jays and How to Identify Them
California hosts several blue-plumed jays, often confused with the Eastern Blue Jay.
The Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a common resident of western forests, found across California from coastal areas to the Sierra Nevada. It has a prominent crest and very dark coloration, with a sooty black head, neck, and upper back blending into blue wings and tail. Steller’s Jays prefer coniferous and mixed forests and are known for their varied, often harsh, vocalizations.
Another widespread blue jay in California is the California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica). Unlike the Steller’s Jay, the California Scrub-Jay does not have a crest. It features a striking azure blue head, wings, and tail, with a gray-brown back and clean white underparts, often with a bold blue breast band. These birds are common in oak woodlands, chaparral, and suburban areas throughout the Pacific seaboard. Their calls are harsh and scratchy.
Other blue-hued jays with more restricted ranges in California include the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii). This species has duller blue and dingier gray coloration, a less distinct blue necklace, and a straighter bill. It inhabits sparse woodlands of juniper and pinyon pine in arid foothills, primarily east of the Sierra Nevada. The Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis) is found exclusively on Santa Cruz Island, one of California’s Channel Islands. It is larger and more richly colored than its mainland relatives, with deep blue upperparts, a dark gray back, and a large black bill. The Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) is a crestless, dull blue jay that travels in large, noisy flocks. As its name suggests, it is strongly associated with pinyon pine woodlands, where it feeds heavily on pine seeds.
Other Blue Birds You Might Encounter in California
Beyond jays, several other blue-colored birds are commonly seen in California, which might also be mistaken for “blue jays” by a casual observer.
The Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) is a small thrush with a vibrant blue back, head, and throat, and a rusty orange breast. Females have duller blue bodies and wings with a gray throat and dull orange breast. These birds are smaller than jays and inhabit open woodlands, farms, and orchards, often perching on fence wires.
Another striking blue bird is the Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena). The male is recognizable by its brilliant sky-blue head and back, a rusty breast band, and a white belly, along with noticeable white wing-bars. Females are plainer brown but may show a cinnamon wash. Lazuli Buntings are smaller than jays and are often found in brushy areas, riparian zones, and shrublands during the summer breeding season.
The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is also present in California, particularly at higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada during summer. The male is almost entirely sky-blue, a paler shade than the Western Bluebird, without the rusty breast. Females are gray with blue tinges on their wings and tail. In winter, Mountain Bluebirds may move to lower elevations, including agricultural fields and grasslands. These bluebirds differ from jays in their more slender build and gentler nature, often hovering over fields to catch insects.