pinyon jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus

This jay has a dusty-looking blue body and a brighter cerulean face. Shorter tail and longer, more sharply pointed bill than other jays. Very social, usually found in flocks sometimes containing dozens or hundreds of individuals. Prefers open forests with pinyon pine and juniper. Feeds almost exclusively on pine seeds, which it stashes by the thousands and retrieves months later. Gives a variety of rather clear nasal calls, as well as rougher notes.