Western Scrub Jay
Aphelocoma californica
Western Scrub Jay, Aphelocoma californica, in the New River Mountains, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. October 2009.
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In the higher elevations of the Sonoran Desert with elements of Piñon/Juniper or Chaparral mixed in, Western Scrub Jay is fairly common. In some winters when food becomes scarce (particularily acorns) Western Scrub Jays will move into desert areas in search of food.
Scrub Jays lack the head crest that distinguishes Stellar's Jay (extreemly rare in winter on desert). The back and head appear azure blue with intensity dependent on the angle of incident light. There is a faint necklace usually visible between the light gray throat and chest. A light eyebrow stripe is present.