Scrub-jays are medium-sized birds that belong to the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, magpies and jays. They are found in scrublands and open woodlands across western North America. Scrub-jays have blue upperparts, pale underparts, a long tail and a white throat.
Scrub-jays are omnivorous, feeding on insects, seeds, nuts, small vertebrates, eggs and even small snakes. They are also known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. Scrub-jays often cache food to eat later and have good spatial memory to relocate hidden food.
Birdhouses provide nesting sites for many species of birds that nest in cavities but cannot excavate their own nesting holes. However, most scrub-jays build open nests and do not use enclosed birdhouses or nest boxes. This article will examine in more detail whether scrub-jays utilize birdhouses and the reasons behind this behavior.
Do scrub-jays use birdhouses?
The simple answer is no, scrub-jays do not use enclosed birdhouses or nest boxes. Instead, they build open, cup-shaped nests using twigs, bark, grass, leaves and sometimes lining the interior with hair or feathers. There are several reasons why scrub-jays do not use birdhouses:
Nesting behavior
Scrub-jays are open nesters that build nests in trees and shrubs. They do not nest in cavities or enclosed spaces. Their nests are made of loosely arranged twigs as a base, lined with softer materials like grass and bark strips. Scrub-jays are also relatively large birds that would not easily fit through the opening of most birdhouses.
Territoriality
Scrub-jays are very territorial and defend their nesting areas aggressively, even against their own kind. A birdhouse only provides enough room for a single nesting pair. Scrub-jays prefer to build open nests spread apart from each other within their breeding territory.
Wariness
As members of the corvid family, scrub-jays are intelligent and wary birds. They tend to avoid enclosed spaces like birdhouses where they may feel trapped or vulnerable to predators. Scrub-jays prefer open nest sites high up in trees that provide good visibility of any approaching predators.
Climate
Scrub-jays live in mild climates in the western half of North America. They do not require an enclosed birdhouse or cavity to help retain heat or shelter from severe weather. Their open nests built in trees and shrubs provide sufficient shelter in their natural habitat.
Alternate sites
Scrub-jays have access to natural nesting sites like tree branches, shrubs and clumps of vegetation that provide suitable open nesting opportunities. They do not need to use artificial birdhouses due to availability of natural options.
What kind of birdhouses do scrub-jays use?
As established earlier, scrub-jays do not use enclosed birdhouses or nest boxes. However, there are some cage-type nesting structures that occasionally may be utilized by scrub-jays:
Platform nests
An open platform nesting box or basket might occasionally be used by scrub-jays, provided it is placed high up in a tree within their territory. The platform provides a base upon which the jays can build an open nest with walls and lining.
Cage enclosures
A wire mesh cage mounted around a branch might rarely be used by scrub-jays. The enclosure offers some protection from predators but is open above and on the sides. Scrub-jays can build a complete nest inside while still having an unobstructed view of the surroundings.
Natural sites preferred
While scrub-jays might very occasionally use some types of open platform or cage nest structures, they strongly prefer to build their nests in natural tree branches and vegetation. Artificial nest sites are rarely used and should not be considered necessary for attracting breeding scrub-jays.
Key facts about scrub-jay nesting habits
Here are some key facts highlighting the typical nesting behaviors of scrub-jays:
- Scrub-jays build open, cup-shaped nests rather than using cavities or enclosed spaces.
- Their nests are loosely constructed from a foundation of twigs, lined with softer materials.
- Nests are usually built 5-20 feet above ground in the branches of trees or shrubs.
- Both the male and female scrub-jay help build the nest over a period of 6-10 days.
- Clutch size is typically 2-5 pale blue or greenish eggs which are incubated for 16-19 days.
- Scrub-jays are highly territorial during the breeding season and defend areas up to 70 acres.
- They prefer to nest solitarily and will even defend territories against other scrub-jays.
- Scrub-jays rarely if ever use enclosed birdhouses due to their open nesting habits.
Benefits of open nests for scrub-jays
The open nesting strategy of scrub-jays has a number of advantages over using an enclosed cavity or birdhouse:
Visibility
Open nests provide maximum visibility of the surroundings, allowing scrub-jays to spot potential threats like predators or territorial intruders more easily.
Adaptability
Building their own nest allows scrub-jays flexibility in nest placement and construction tailored to a specific site.
Temperature regulation
Open nests allow better ventilation and temperature regulation in warm climates. Cavities can overheat.
Sanitation
Parasites and old food debris can accumulate in enclosed cavities. Open nests stay cleaner with rain and wind passing through.
Security
Despite being open, scrub-jay nests are often well-hidden in trees at heights that deter many climbing predators.
Wariness
Scrub-jays avoid confined spaces where they may feel trapped. Open nests allow quick escape if needed.
Should you provide birdhouses for scrub-jays?
Based on their natural nesting habits, providing artificial birdhouses is not necessary or beneficial for scrub-jays. However, if you wish to attract nesting scrub-jays to your yard, consider these tips:
- Ensure natural areas with trees and shrubs that provide suitable nesting sites.
- Avoid removing branches, undergrowth or vegetation scrub-jays may use for nesting.
- Place natural nesting platforms high in trees made from a base of sticks.
- Provide twigs, bark strips, grass clippings for the jays to build into nests.
- Let scrub-jays choose their own nest sites rather than providing birdhouses.
- Keep pets and human activity away from active nests during breeding season.
Providing birdhouses is unlikely to attract nesting scrub-jays. But ensuring natural areas with suitable trees and nesting materials can convince scrub-jays your yard is a nest-friendly habitat.
Other birds that use birdhouses
While scrub-jays do not use enclosed birdhouses, many other bird species readily accept these artificial nesting sites, including:
Chickadees
Small chickadees nest in cavities and will use birdhouses, especially if the entrance hole is 1 1⁄4 inches or less.
Swallows
Cliff swallows, purple martins and other swallow species nest in cavities and colonize birdhouses.
Bluebirds
Eastern bluebirds and western bluebirds will take up residence in open-fronted birdhouses if placed in appropriate habitat.
Titmouse
Tufted titmice and other titmice species often nest in natural cavities or artificial nest boxes.
Wrens
The Carolina wren and Bewick’s wren readily use enclosed nest boxes suited for their small size.
Woodpeckers
Downy woodpeckers may occasionally nest in birdhouses, though they prefer to excavate their own cavities.
Nuthatches
White-breasted nuthatches and red-breasted nuthatches might nest in birdhouses close to tree trunks.
Owls
Small owl species like screech owls and saw-whet owls will take up residence in large nest boxes.
Types of birdhouses suitable for other species
Here are some common birdhouse designs suitable for species other than scrub-jays:
Standard small birdhouse
A simple wooden box with 1 1⁄4 inch entrance hole suits chickadees, titmouse and some sparrows.
Open-fronted birdhouse
Features a shelflike floor and open front preferred by robins, phoebes and barn swallows.
Wren birdhouse
A tiny house with 1 inch entrance hole for Carolina wrens and house wrens.
Bluebird nest box
Rectangular box with large entrance and ventilation holes for bluebirds.
Purple martin houses
Multi-compartment birdhouses favored by colony-nesting purple martins.
Wood duck boxes
A large nest box mounted over water for wood ducks and hooded mergansers.
Bat houses
Crevice-style roosting boxes suitable for bats seeking sheltered spaces.
Owl nest box
A deep, roomy next box with large landing platform preferred by small owl species.
Positioning tips for birdhouses
To increase occupancy, make sure to properly position birdhouses suited for desired species:
- Face entrance holes away from prevailing wind and rain.
- Place boxes firmly on poles or sturdy tree limbs, not hanging loose.
- Mount boxes at correct height for target species, usually 5-15 feet high.
- Allow a clear flight path to the entrance without obstructions.
- Place multiple houses 15-30 feet apart to reduce competition.
- Clean out old nests after breeding season to prevent parasites.
- Consider protective guards to deter predators like snakes or raccoons.
Proper placement and maintenance will lead to better acceptance of your birdhouses.
Conclusion
In summary, scrub-jays do not utilize enclosed birdhouses or nest boxes due to their natural history as open-nest builders. Cavities and birdhouses are more likely to be used by chickadees, titmice, wrens, bluebirds, swallows and other secondary cavity nesting species. Scrub-jays prefer to construct their own open, cup-shaped nests high in the branches of trees and shrubs. Maintaining natural wilderness areas with suitable trees and nesting materials is the best way to attract nesting scrub-jays. While birdhouses are ineffective for scrub-jays, providing properly constructed and positioned nest boxes can benefit a wide range of other bird species that have adapted to using these artificial nest sites.
