The $3 Million Custom Restoration Project That Led to a Lawsuit Against Jay Leno

The Million Custom Restoration Project That Led to a Lawsuit Against Jay Leno — California scrub jay – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Jays, often recognized as the loudest and flashiest members of the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, ravens, and magpies, represent a remarkably intelligent group within the avian world. These medium-sized, colorful, and frequently noisy birds are a subject of considerable interest to ornithologists and casual observers alike. Globally, there are approximately 30 to 45 species of jays, with a significant diversity found across the North American continent.

North America alone hosts 12 distinct species of jays, each possessing unique traits and adaptations tailored to their specific environments. From the dense eastern forests to the arid western scrublands, jays have carved out niches that underscore their adaptability. Their robust bills are instrumental in their omnivorous diet, which famously includes a strong preference for nuts such as peanuts, acorns, and beechnuts, alongside insects and various plant materials.

These birds are not merely defined by their striking appearance or vocalizations; their behavioral patterns, ranging from monogamous mating for life to complex food-hoarding strategies, reveal a depth of intelligence rivaled by few other bird species. While shy in nature, their distinctive calls often serve as an alert system, signaling their presence or disturbance. For simplicity, jays are broadly classified into Old World jays, New World jays (American Jays), and Gray Jays, each group presenting its own set of fascinating characteristics.

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1. **Blue Jay**The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) stands as one of the most recognizable and frequently spotted jays across North America, largely due to its striking appearance and widespread distribution. This large songbird is characterized by its bright blue markings, a jaunty crest of feathers, and distinctive white wing-bars, making it hard to miss. Predominantly found throughout the Midwest and East of the continent, with a rarer presence west of the Rocky Mountains, the Blue Jay is a year-round resident in eastern US states and Southern Canada, though some individuals may migrate west for winter, albeit infrequently.

Known for its loud ‘jayyy jayyy’ call, the Blue Jay’s vocalizations are diverse, encompassing a variety of harsh calls, clicks, peeps, ‘caws,’ and whistles. While often perceived by some as bullies at feeders, their diet is broad, including insects, various nuts and seeds, grain, and crucially, acorns, especially near oak forests. They have also been known to take eggs and nestlings from other birds’ nests. Blue Jays typically travel in family groups, preferring to fly in, grab food like peanuts or sunflower seeds, and then depart to feed elsewhere, favoring platform or tray feeders for easy access.

Beyond their dietary habits, Blue Jays exhibit interesting behaviors, such as playing with shiny objects like aluminum or bottle caps, carrying them around, and then dropping and picking them up. They are commonly found in forests, particularly near oak trees due to their love for acorns, and are frequent visitors to backyards with feeders. To attract Blue Jays, homeowners can offer peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet on tray or hopper feeders, and provide a birdbath. Discouraging them, if preferred, involves offering nyjer seed or using perchless feeders designed for smaller birds.

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2. **California Scrub-Jay**The California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) is a prominent species found along the Pacific Coast, extending from British Columbia down to Baja California, where it resides year-round. These large songbirds are distinctively marked with rich blue and gray backs, a bright blue breast band, and whitish undersides, distinguishing them from robins but making them smaller than crows. They are often noted for their strong visual similarity to the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, though the California species boasts more vivid colors and is a common sight in coastal regions and lower elevations.

Frequenting shrubby areas, oak woodlands, suburban yards, and parks, California Scrub-Jays are adaptable birds. Their diet is omnivorous, shifting seasonally: insects and fruit during spring and summer, transitioning to seeds and nuts, particularly acorns, in fall and winter. Acorns are often buried for later consumption, a common caching behavior among jays. Their vocal repertoire includes scolding cries when disturbed and sweet, quiet, musical songs when paired with a mate, reflecting a monogamous nature typical of many jay species. Their call is notably high-pitched and repetitive.

Nests of California Scrub-Jays are cup-shaped and constructed by both parents using twigs and moss, usually hidden in oak trees, with construction taking up to 10 days. They typically lay 1 to 5 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 19 days. Unlike some other jays, they breed in isolated pairs rather than large flocks. A particularly intriguing behavior observed by the University of California – Davis is their tendency to screech over the body of a dead jay, sometimes inviting others, an activity that can persist for up to half an hour. Attracting them to backyards is straightforward, with sunflower seeds and peanuts being effective offerings.

3. **Steller’s Jay**In the mountainous western regions of North America, the Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a striking and frequently encountered species. Easily identified by its unique all-dark appearance coupled with a prominent black triangular crest that projects from its head, this bird’s head, chest, and back are black, contrasting with the blue of the rest of its body. Small white or blue spots may be observed on its forehead. Steller’s Jays are year-round residents in western US states, western Canada, Mexico, and Central America, thriving in evergreen forests where they often explore higher canopies.

These jays are known for their quick ‘shek-shek-shek’ calls and can mimic a variety of other noises, including calls from other bird species, and even artificial sounds like sprinklers and alarms. While primarily inhabiting forests, they are not averse to swooping into backyards to visit feeders, campgrounds, and picnic tables. Their diet is broad and opportunistic, encompassing insects, seeds, berries, eggs, and nestlings. They have a reputation for being somewhat mischievous, known to ‘nibble on unattended picnic lunches’ and forage around garbage, making them adaptable to human-altered environments.

Steller’s Jays typically travel in flocks, a behavior that shifts only during their nesting period. Their nests are usually located near the top of conifer trees, built from leaves and plant material, held together with mud, and lined with soft pine needles. This use of mud for nest construction is a distinct characteristic. To draw Steller’s Jays into a backyard, offerings such as peanuts and suet are particularly effective. Their bold nature and striking appearance make them a memorable sight for anyone traversing the western mountains or visiting areas with suitable evergreen habitat.

4. **Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay**The Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii) represents the scrub-jay presence inland in the southwest US states and Mexico, offering a distinct aesthetic compared to its coastal relative. These jays feature lovely blue and gray coloring, with light blue and dark gray on their backs and a lighter gray underneath, along with long blue tails. Visually, they are duller in color than the California Scrub-Jay, possess only a small necklace marking, and notably lack the crests seen in species like Blue Jays and Steller’s Jays, contributing to their unique regional identity.

Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are typically found in wooded areas characterized by pinyon-juniper and other scrubby environments. Their diet varies with the seasons, consisting primarily of insects and fruit during the summer months, and transitioning to nuts and seeds in winter. Similar to other jays, they exhibit a keen ability to forage for a diverse range of food sources within their specific habitats. Their presence is a hallmark of the interior Southwest’s avian community, adapted to the drier, more open woodlands.

While specific details on their vocalizations are less elaborated in general descriptions, like many jays, they possess a range of calls suitable for communication within their habitat. Nests of Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay are constructed as fairly simple platforms made of twigs, lined with moss and grass, often situated to provide protection for their clutch. A fascinating behavioral aspect of this species is its reputation as a ‘thief,’ known to ‘steal food from other birds’ stores, especially Acorn Woodpeckers’ granary tree store of acorns,’ highlighting their clever and opportunistic foraging strategies. Attracting them to backyards can be achieved with sunflower seeds and peanuts.

5. **Green Jay**The Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) stands out as a ‘fantastic mix of bright green, blue, and black,’ making it a visually stunning member of the jay family. With dark green backs, paler bellies, and vibrant blue and black heads, this species is truly a tropical marvel. In the United States, the Green Jay is a rare but notable find, primarily seen in southern Texas, particularly around hotspots like Brownsville. While its traditional range extends across the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America, this colorful bird has been observed expanding its territory northwards, with sightings reaching Laredo, Corpus Christi, and even San Antonio, nearly 300 miles north.

Green Jays prefer woodlands near streams and other water sources, where they forage for insects, fruit, and seeds. Avid birders in Texan wildlife refuges and state parks might be lucky enough to spot them at feeders, where they enjoy oranges, grape jelly, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and corn, with water also being a significant draw. The northward expansion of the Green Jay’s range is a significant ecological event, with scientists noting a rapid increase in territory, possibly linked to a warming climate. This expansion has led to interesting new interactions with other species, particularly the Blue Jay.

The Green Jay produces a variety of fast calls, including ‘Kaw’-like sounds, buzzing, clicking, peeps, and screams, contributing to the rich auditory tapestry of its habitat. Their nests are simple constructions of twigs, lined with moss, leaves, and grass, and remarkably, their eggs often have a greenish tint. One of the most intriguing ‘fun facts’ about Green Jays is their capacity for tool use; they have been observed employing sticks to pry up bark in search of food, demonstrating a level of cognitive ability rare among birds. This adaptation further underscores their intelligence within the Corvidae family.

6. **Canada Jay**The Canada Jay, formerly known as the Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis), is an endearing and distinct member of the jay family, often described as ‘endearingly tame and undeniably cute.’ Unlike many of its flashier relatives, this species presents a fluffy gray and white plumage, with dark gray backs, soft pale gray undersides, and white heads and throats accented by a black band circling the back of the head. Resident in the boreal, coniferous forests of the far North and high in the western mountains of Canada, Alaska, and the northwest US, these jays are known for color differences, with Rockies populations being paler than their Canadian counterparts.

Canada Jays possess a small bill well-suited for twisting off meat, reflecting their opportunistic diet which includes insects, berries, and carrion. They are famed for their approachability, often eating directly from a human hand, making them a favorite among hikers, hunters, and campers who they actively seek out for meat, bread, suet, and other soft foods. A remarkable ‘fun fact’ is their method of food storage: they produce a special saliva to mold food into sticky blobs, which are then cached in bark or branches, rather than in the soil, to secure provisions for lean times. They are generally quieter than other jays, though they do make harsher calls and clatters.

Despite their sweet appearance, Canada Jays exhibit a ‘deadly side,’ preying on baby birds and even hunting smaller species like chickadees and warblers, a behavior that causes other nesting birds to sound alarm calls when a Canada Jay is near. Their nests are built remarkably early in conifers, often when snow still blankets the ground, constructed from dead twigs and lined with feathers, specifically positioned on the south side of trees for warmth. Attracting Canada Jays to backyards is relatively easy, as they will readily consume most types of bird food, including seeds and suet, from tube or platform feeders.

7. **Pinyon Jay**The Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) presents a distinctive blue coloration across its entire body, characterized by darker blue backs and paler bellies, complemented by white throats. Unlike several other jay species, it notably lacks a crest and features a shorter tail. Both male and female Pinyon Jays exhibit similar appearances, though juveniles may display a slightly more grayish-blue hue, indicating a subtle developmental color shift within the species.

These jays are permanent residents of inland western US states, primarily inhabiting pinyon-pine forests. Their geographic range is expansive, extending from Montana and Oregon in the north down through New Mexico and Arizona in the south. Within these specific woodland environments, they form large, noisy flocks, a characteristic behavior that aids in their collective foraging efforts and intra-species communication. Their distinctive nasal caws are frequently uttered, serving as a vital means for flock members to maintain contact during their extensive roaming in search of sustenance.

Their diet is robust and opportunistic, centered significantly on seeds from pinyon pine trees. Supplementing this primary food source, Pinyon Jays also consume juniper berries and acorns, demonstrating a varied plant-based intake. Beyond vegetation, their diet extends to animal matter, including lizards, the nestlings of other birds, and various insects. This adaptability in foraging underscores their ability to thrive in the often-challenging environments of the interior West, readily utilizing available resources.

Unfortunately, the Pinyon Jay population has experienced a dramatic decline, estimated at 85% since 1970. This significant reduction is largely attributed to the widespread conversion of its essential tree and shrubby habitat into grazing lands, a critical factor for a species so closely tied to specific forest types for both food and shelter. Nests, constructed from sticks and grass in pine trees and meticulously lined with feathers and animal hair, are crucial for their reproductive success. A unique physiological adaptation observed in Pinyon Jays is the absence of feathers over their nostrils, a trait believed to prevent sticky pine pitch from accumulating and obstructing their breathing apparatus during foraging.

8. **Florida Scrub-Jay**The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is a medium-sized bird distinguished by its blue plumage, which contrasts with gray bellies, backs, and foreheads. It possesses a notably long blue tail and, similar to many scrub-jay species, lacks a crest on its head. Males and females are visually indistinguishable, while juveniles present a grayer overall appearance with less distinct blue on their heads. This species holds a unique biological status as it is endemic to Florida, meaning its natural range is exclusively confined to this state, where it resides year-round without migrating.

These jays are typically found in relatively open, sandy scrubby areas characterized by oak scrub, a habitat type that is increasingly under threat. Their foraging activities predominantly occur on the ground, where they diligently search for insects and berries. A cornerstone of their diet consists of acorns, which are consumed in substantial quantities; a single bird can reportedly cache 6,000 or more acorns annually. Florida Scrub-Jays exhibit a distinctive method for processing these nuts: they hold acorns securely with their feet and then use their strong bills to hammer them open.

Florida Scrub-Jays are renowned for their complex social structure, forming cooperative flocks that often include young birds from previous nesting seasons. These communal groups play a vital role in protecting against predators and assisting in feeding the current year’s offspring, demonstrating a cooperative breeding strategy. The young jays eventually disperse to establish their own territories, a critical phase in the life cycle of this monogamous species. Their vocalizations are characterized by quite harsh calls, and they are observed to spend a considerable amount of time engaging in these calls, which serve as an important means of intra-flock communication.

Regrettably, the Florida Scrub-Jay is recognized as a federally endangered species and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its precarious conservation status. The primary threat to its survival is housing development, which leads to the ongoing destruction and fragmentation of its essential scrub oak habitat. Efforts to support these jays include stocking feeders with peanuts, which help to supplement their diet in areas where natural food sources are diminished. Their specific reliance on a diminishing habitat underscores the urgency of conservation measures for this unique North American avian.

9. **Black-throated Magpie-Jay**The Black-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta colliei) is an extraordinarily striking and large bird, immediately recognizable by its conspicuous black crest and a prominent black throat. Its coloration is a vivid tapestry of blue wings, a distinctive blue patch over its eyebrows and under the eye, and a white underside, culminating in a long, white-tipped tail. In the southern extent of its range, individual birds may display a more pronounced white throat, often with a thinner black band, indicating some regional variation in its plumage. This impressive avian can reach lengths of 23 to 30 inches and weigh between 8 and 9 ounces, making it a substantial presence in its habitat.

These jays are predominantly found within tropical lowland forests, and they readily adapt to plantations and partially open areas that feature tall trees and hedges. While adaptable to various disturbed environments, they exhibit a notable disinclination for humid woodlands. Their habitat preferences reflect a species that thrives in environments offering a mix of cover and open spaces for foraging, typical of many members of the crow family.

Consistent with the omnivorous nature of the Corvidae family, the Black-throated Magpie-Jay’s diet encompasses both plant and animal matter. It demonstrates a particular affinity for seeds and nuts, which form a significant portion of its botanical intake. Beyond plant-based foods, the species is known to prey on insects and even other smaller birds, showcasing its opportunistic predatory instincts. Their nests are typically constructed from sticks and twigs, forming a sturdy base that is then lined with softer materials to provide a secure and comfortable environment for their offspring. A clutch usually consists of up to seven eggs, indicating a relatively productive breeding cycle.

An interesting behavioral characteristic of the Black-throated Magpie-Jay is its distinctive eating posture. When feeding, the bird stands upright, using one foot to firmly hold its food while the other foot skillfully manipulates the food towards its mouth. This peculiar and efficient feeding method highlights an adaptation tailored to its dietary habits and the types of food items it typically consumes.

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10. **Brown Jay**The Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio) is a large avian species, exhibiting some variation in its plumage. Individuals can be entirely dark brown, often with a slightly lighter tint on their backs. Alternatively, some Southern populations feature white bellies and distinct white tips on their tail feathers, creating a more bicolored appearance. Adult Brown Jays are characterized by black bills, legs, and feet, presenting a uniform dark aesthetic. In contrast, juvenile birds possess bright yellow legs and an eyering, providing a clear visual cue for age differentiation within the species.

Primarily, Brown Jays are found across Mexico and Central America, where they are a common sight. However, their range extends northward into Texas, marking the northernmost boundary of their distribution in North America. Within these regions, they are typically observed in dense woodland environments characterized by tall trees and a close proximity to water sources. Such habitats provide the necessary cover, foraging opportunities, and hydration essential for their survival and thriving.

As an omnivorous species, the Brown Jay maintains a highly varied diet. Their food sources include a significant intake of insects and small rodents, showcasing their predatory capabilities. Complementing this, they also consume a wide array of plant materials such as berries, fruits, seeds, and nectar. Their foraging strategy is flexible; they are adept at finding food on the ground, utilizing the forest floor, but are equally proficient at hopping from branch to branch within the canopy to seek out sustenance.

Brown Jays are notable for their communal nesting behavior, a social trait observed in some Corvid species. Flocks of these jays share communal nests, which are typically situated in forked branches of trees or within low-lying shrubs. The construction of these nests is a collaborative effort, with several adult birds contributing sticks and twigs to form the cup, which is then carefully lined with weeds and other soft materials for the eggs. They lay up to eight eggs, with a hatching period of approximately twenty days. Following hatching, the young jays typically fledge and leave the nest in about four weeks. The Brown Jay holds the distinction of being the largest North American Jay.

11. **Mexican Scrub-Jay**The Mexican Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi) is a medium-sized bird, distinguished by its pale, bluish-gray plumage, which sets it apart from more intensely colored jays. It typically presents a lighter overall coloration, with a subtle grayish upper neckline and chest. A key identifying feature is its small, black bill. This species inhabits the mountainous regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, where it plays a significant ecological role in its chosen environments.

These jays prefer open oak and pine woods and forests, utilizing the diverse vegetation for both shelter and foraging. Their diet is varied and opportunistic, adapting to seasonal availability. During warmer months, they primarily consume insects, small reptiles, and famously, the eggs and young of other birds. In winter, their diet shifts to mainly consist of acorns and pine nuts, which they meticulously store during the preceding seasons. This food-caching behavior is crucial for their survival during periods of scarcity.

Mexican Jays exhibit a notable social structure, often remaining in groups even during nesting season, a trait that differentiates them from species that breed in isolated pairs. Within these groups, adults often share feeding duties for the hungry nestlings, demonstrating cooperative care. Nests are constructed by both males and females in trees, strategically protected by thick leaves for concealment and security. These nests are typically built from sticks and twigs, with an interior lining of rootlets and various plant materials to provide a soft bed for the eggs. They lay approximately five eggs, which hatch after about eighteen days. The young jays fledge and leave the nest after around twenty-five days, but frequently remain under the care of the flock for several additional weeks, benefiting from communal support.

An intriguing interspecies interaction involves Northern Flickers, which are observed to follow Mexican Jays in flight during migration. This behavior is attributed to the flickers utilizing the Mexican Jay’s loud, shrill warning calls to alert themselves to the presence of predators, highlighting a unique instance of interspecies collaboration for safety. This specialized communication further illustrates the complex ecological roles jays play within their environments.

12. **Island Scrub Jay**The Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis) is a large, brightly colored bird that bears a visual resemblance to the California Scrub-Jay. However, a key distinction lies in its plumage, which is notably darker and more richly colored. The bird displays a vibrant blue hue from its head down to its tail on the back, complemented by gray coloration on the top of its wings and a white throat. Its striking appearance makes it a memorable species within its highly restricted habitat.

As its name suggests, the Island Scrub-Jay is a permanent resident exclusively found on Santa Cruz Island, located off the coast of California. It is a non-migratory species, meaning it never leaves this island, a factor that contributes to its ecological uniqueness. The island itself is characterized by a landscape dominated by oak woodland and chaparral, interspersed with several streamside thickets and various other tree species, providing a rich and diverse habitat despite its limited geographical extent.

Its diet is primarily carnivorous, consisting mostly of insects, small lizards, and mice. In common with many other jays, it also preys on the eggs and young of smaller birds. During the fall season, the Island Scrub-Jay significantly augments its diet by feasting on acorns, a crucial food source for winter sustenance. It employs its strong beak to efficiently break open the hard shells of these nuts, demonstrating an effective foraging technique adapted to its environment. This ability to exploit both animal protein and seasonal plant matter ensures its survival within the island ecosystem.

Nests of the Island Scrub-Jay are typically concealed within oak trees, providing both cover and structural support. These nests are robustly constructed with twigs and fortified with a soft lining of rootlets and animal hair, ensuring a secure and comfortable environment for the clutch. They typically lay around four eggs, with an incubation period of approximately eighteen days until hatching. Detailed data regarding the exact timing of when the young birds leave the nest is, however, limited. A remarkable ecological fact about the Island Scrub-Jay is that, due to its permanent residency on Santa Cruz Island, it possesses the smallest geographical range of any North American bird, underscoring its vulnerability and the importance of preserving its unique island habitat.

These explorations of North America’s diverse jay species underscore their remarkable adaptability, intelligence, and the intricate roles they play within various ecosystems, from the boreal forests to arid scrublands. Each species, with its unique behaviors, vocalizations, and physical attributes, contributes to the rich tapestry of avian life across the continent. Yet, their stories are not static; they continue to evolve, sometimes in surprising and ecologically significant ways.

Indeed, the dynamic nature of these avian populations is perhaps best exemplified by recent observations of interspecies interactions previously deemed improbable. The discovery of a “grue jay”—a rare hybrid offspring resulting from a pairing between a Blue Jay and a Green Jay—highlights the unforeseen consequences of environmental shifts. This remarkable hybridization, occurring between species whose evolutionary paths diverged at least seven million years ago, became possible only as their respective ranges began to overlap due to both warming climates and human-driven suburbanization. Scientists note that the Green Jay’s rapid northward expansion and the Blue Jay’s westward movement have created unprecedented contact zones, leading to these novel biological encounters.

This “biological curveball,” as some experts describe it, serves as a poignant illustration of the increasingly unexpected ecological outcomes that arise when global warming and land development converge to reshape animal habitats. The existence of the grue jay—a male hybrid exhibiting traits and vocalizations of both parent species—is more than a mere curiosity; it signals profound, rapid ecological changes. It suggests that as species are pushed into new territories and forced into novel interactions, we are likely to witness a future marked by different mixes of plants and animals, challenging long-held assumptions about biodiversity and evolution. This ongoing saga of adaptation and interaction among North American jays reminds us of the delicate balance within natural systems and the far-reaching impact of human activity on the planet’s intricate web of life.