Island Scrub Jay

Aphelocoma insularis

About

The island scrub-jay, is unique in that it only occurs on Santa Cruz Island and no where else in the world! This makes it the only island endemic bird species in North America. Compared to its mainland cousin, the California scrub-jay, the island scrub-jay is larger, darker blue in color, and has a distinctive call.

Fun Facts

  • The island scrub-jay lives only on Santa Cruz Island, making it have the smallest range of any bird species in North America

  • The species probably diverged from its closest relative, the wide spread California scrub-jay about 150,000 years ago.

  • Island scrub-jays are monogamous and usually stay with their mates for life.

  • The island scrub-jay can live as long as 20 years.

Appearance

The island scrub-jay is noticeable for its larger size—almost a third larger than its mainland counterpart the California scrub-jay. This species on Santa Cruz is also brighter and more vibrant blue than other scrub-jays. Other characteristics include a distinct blue line around the throat and a large black bill.

Range

The island scrub-jay is only found on Santa Cruz Island. Therefore, the Channel Islands are uniquely important for the preservation of this endemic bird. Though they may have one point existed on Santa Rosa Island as well, it is unclear when the species became further isolated to solely reside on Santa Cruz Island.

Conservation

Since the island scrub-jay occurs only on one island that makes it susceptible to any major threat such as a disease or outbreak that could potentially cause the species harm. The island scrub-jay is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.