Common Name
Island Scrub-Jay
Scientific Name
Aphelocoma insularis
Conservation Status
Channel Islands National Park has afforded some protection for the island scrub-jay. Sheep and pigs have severely degraded habitat on the islands, but efforts to control their impact have been underway.
Habitat
This species breeds in coast live oak woodland or chaparral dominated by scrub oak on Santa Cruz Island.
Natural History
This species has been split from the Western Scrub-Jay because of its brighter plumage and different genetic makeup. It is restricted to the island of Santa Cruz off the California coast, where its entire population would be threatened by any major disturbance.
Additional Information
Please visit or nationalzoo.si.edu for more island scrub-jay facts.
