Western Scrub Jay
Aphelocoma californica
Along Sycamore Creek, Mazatzal Mountains, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA, October 2013.
Western Scrub Jays are very common birds through much of Arizona's semiarid regions. They regularily hunt for insects and forage for berries in the lusher canyons and woodlands. Through the southern half of the state they can be confused with Mexican Jays. Unlike Mexican Jays they rarely associate in flocks of more than six birds. Also, western Scrub Jays normally have a well defined contrast collar separating the throat and chest.