Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay in December
Where Woodhouse's scrub-jays are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 10 states and provinces where Woodhouse's scrub-jays occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where Woodhouse's scrub-jays are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, Woodhouse's scrub-jays are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Woodhouse's scrub-jays are not nesting in December. The season runs April–June at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, Woodhouse's scrub-jays put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Cached piñon nuts and acorns
A bird of piñon-juniper and oak scrub; common in Great Basin and Southwest yards.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay diet guide → · Best feeder for Woodhouse's scrub-jays →
Watching Woodhouse's scrub-jays this month
Woodhouse's scrub-jays are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region Woodhouse's scrub-jays are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay month by month
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay by state
Frequently asked
Where are Woodhouse's scrub-jays in December?
In December, Woodhouse's scrub-jays are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do Woodhouse's scrub-jays nest in December?
No — Woodhouse's scrub-jays typically nest April through June at mid-latitudes.
What do Woodhouse's scrub-jays eat in December?
Cached piñon nuts and acorns.
Sources
- Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.