National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Presidio of San FranciscoSerpentine grassland, Inspiration Point
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Presidio of San Francisco
Scrub Jay
(Aphelocoma coerulescens)
 
Scrub Jay
Will Elder, NPS
A Scrub Jay sits at the forest edge near Inspiration Point.
 

Natural History: The Scrub Jay eats nuts, fruits, insects, bird eggs (and the young) and often caches its food. It takes cover in scrub and woodlands and prefers willow habitats on the Presidio. This bird nests in twig cups in dense foliage from early March to mid-August.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in forests of willow, eucalyptus, live oak, and all developed areas. It breeds in the Presidio.

Frequency: This species is common all year.

Identifying Characteristics: The Scrub Jay has no crest. It has a blue head, wings, and tail. Otherwise, it is a brownish-gray with a white throat necklace.

Presidio Birds main page

Officers' Quarters built on Infantry Terrace in 1910  

Did You Know?
The entire Presidio has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Of the 870 structures on the former post, 470 are considered to have historical significance.

Last Updated: March 14, 2008 at 15:54 EST