Lately, I’ve been wondering what the new name for the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay species, that I photograph here in Utah, will be when it is changed in 2024.
Adult Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay on a juniper – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A little bit of history about the common name this species now has might be in order. In 2016, this species’ common name was Western Scrub-Jay. In July of 2016, there was a scrub-jay split. Western Scrub-Jays in the Interior West became Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays, and California Scrub-Jays were split from them.
California Scrub-Jays are more coastal, and Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are more inland, though there is a bit of overlap of their ranges in Nevada. The two species have differences in appearance, habitat, voice, and behavior. The scientific name for California Scrub-Jay is Aphelocoma californica, and for Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, it is Aphelocoma woodhouseii.
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay with seeds in it bill – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On November 1st, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) announced its intention to change all English-language names of birds within its geographic jurisdiction that are directly named after people.
I fully support these name changes.
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays will get a new name soon. I don’t know why the AOS didn’t keep ‘Western Scrub-Jay’ when they split the two species in 2016. Going back to Western Scrub-Jay would make sense, and I still hear people calling them Western Scrub-Jays despite their official name change. ‘Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay’ never exactly rolled off of my tongue anyway.
I’ve seen a suggestion for the name change to be ‘Interior West Scrub-Jay.’ While that name does make sense because of this species’ geographical range, it doesn’t roll off the tongue any easier than Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay does.
I like the idea of going back to Western Scrub-Jay, but I also like Mountain Scrub-Jay. Both of those roll off of my tongue quite nicely.
I don’t know what the new name for this species will be; I just know I am looking forward to the change.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay photos plus facts and information about this species.
While I admit to being a bit name centric, I certainly understand the AOS’ desire to become more species specific. The fact that you are on board with the AOS’ decision is a deal-maker for me. I’m all in. I also like your idea for changing Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay to Mountain Scrub-Jay. Makes perfect sense to me. BTW – I love the pics. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful shots of a beautiful bird – whatever name we call them. I agree with you about the desirability of the name change though.
My vote is for “Mountain Scrub-Jay”!
Appreciate the detail about the AOS’s renaming plans! And the great shots of the Scrub-Jay. -Jeri S
Really interesting shots. So good to know that soon we’ll have to denote interior western Scrub-Jays with another name!