Raucous, social acorn hoarder. Numerous in Oregon, California and the Southwest, generally in higher elevations. Timing: year-round. Prefers oak and pine-oak woodlands in a wide range of elevations. Robin-sized with a long, pointy bill; plumage is black with red cap and white face. Stores acorns in “granaries” of up to 50,000 nuts – drills in winter in dead limbs so it doesn’t harm the tree. Tends granary acorns and moves loose ones to tighter holes. Very complex social behavior in family groups of 12+. Cooperative breeder, using one nest for multiple females. Diet includes acorns, nuts and insects. Oldest wild individual recorded was 16. Population ~ 2 million.