Aphelocoma

Aphelocoma is a genus of seven species of New World jays commonly called scrub jays, in the crow family Corvidae, found across Mexico, western Central America, the western United States and an isolated population in Florida. They are slightly larger than the blue jay, with a longer tail, shorter more rounded wings and no head crest, most species showing deep blue heads and napes against gray-brown backs with bright blue wings and tail, though the unicolored jay is entirely blue. Molecular evidence points to a rapid Late Pliocene radiation of North American scrub jays, and the Florida scrub jay has held its distinct identity for at least two million years; the genus is considered among the most intelligent of birds, with strong episodic memory for cached food and, in some species, cooperative breeding.