How to Attract California Scrub-Jays
California scrub-jays are bold western jays with a blue head, wings, and tail, a gray-brown back, and no crest. They're common in yards, parks, and oak woodlands along the Pacific Coast.
What scrub-jays eat
Peanuts in the shell and black-oil sunflower are their favorites. They often grab a peanut and fly off to bury it for later.
If you only buy one seed, make it black-oil sunflower. It's high in fat, has a thin shell small birds can open, and nearly every seed-eating bird loves it.
Check price on Amazon for Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed (opens Amazon)An open tray feeder that welcomes the widest range of birds, including cardinals, doves, jays, and juncos that prefer to feed in the open.
Check price on Amazon for Woodlink 3-in-1 Platform Feeder (opens Amazon)Plant oaks
Scrub-jays depend on acorns and bury thousands each fall. An oak tree is one of the best long-term ways to attract them.
Add water
A bird bath is a big draw in dry western summers.
Birds notice moving water from far away. This floating solar pump turns any bird bath into a small fountain in spring and summer, with no wiring.
Check price on Amazon for AISITIN 2.5W Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump (opens Amazon)Frequently asked questions
Where do California scrub-jays live?
Along the Pacific Coast, from Washington to Baja California. Woodhouse's scrub-jay is a close relative in the interior West.
Why do scrub-jays bury food?
They store acorns and peanuts for later, and research suggests they plan ahead for future meals.
Are scrub-jays the same as blue jays?
No. Blue jays live in the East and have crests. Scrub-jays have no crest.
Not sure which feeder fits your yard?
Answer three quick questions and we'll match you with the right setup.