Attractive jay of oak woodlands and piñon-juniper forests. Royal blue above with gray-brown back and dirty grayish underparts. Flight style is often distinctive, a series of quick wingbeats followed by a stiff glide. Typically in small groups. Listen for their scratchy, nasal calls. Regularly visits backyards and feeders. Western Scrub-Jay was split into two species: Woodhouse's and California Scrub-Jay. California Scrub-Jay, which is brighter and more contrasty is found west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.