Back to Field Guide
Pinyon Jay
Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
Range & Recent Observations
Last Spotted Near You
About the Pinyon Jay
The pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) is a species of jay, and is the only member of the genus Gymnorhinus. Native to Western North America, the species ranges from central Oregon to northern Baja California, and eastward as far as western Oklahoma, though wanderers are often sighted beyond this range. It is typically found within foothills, especially where pinyon pines (Pinus edulis and Pinus monophylla) occur.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
- Family
- Crows, Jays, and Magpies
- Order
- Passeriformes
Similar species
Other members of the crows, jays, and magpies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Azure-hooded Jay Cyanolyca cucullata
- Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus
- Black-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia
- Black-throated Jay Cyanolyca pumilo
- Black-throated Magpie-Jay Cyanocorax colliei
- Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
- Brown Jay Cyanocorax morio
- California Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica
- Canada Jay Perisoreus canadensis
- Chihuahuan Raven Corvus cryptoleucus
- Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana
Know when the Pinyon Jay turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Pinyon Jay
Optics
Best Binoculars for Beginners
You don't need to spend a fortune. These four pairs will get you birding confidently on day one.
8 min readRead guide
Cameras
Cameras for Bird Photography
From phone adapters to dedicated rigs, here's what actually works for capturing birds in the field.
12 min readRead guide