GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)

Species Code: APCO

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is fairly common in southwestern Washington. Most commonly it can be found in the Garry Oak habitats and residential areas along the Columbia River from Vancouver (Clark County) to the Klickitat River, and localy north to Winlock, Centralia, and Olympia. It is rare locally in Pierce and King County. A confirmed nest is known from near Enumclaw.

The Oak, Willamette Valley, Cowlitz River, and Woodland/Prairie Mosaic zones were core. This jay is peripheral and more local in the Puget Sound Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock zones. Good habitats in all zones were low-to mid-density development, fresh water/wetlands, forest openings and clearings, and hardwood and mixed forests.

In l953 the Western Scrub-Jay is described as a "rare permanent resident" and lists only two known nesting records; both were in southwestern Washington along the Columbia River. Since the late l970's, the Western Scrub-Jay has been expanding its range northward and eastward. It has become common in residential areas of Lyle (Klickikat County) and Vancouver (Clark County).

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester