Unicolored Jay

Overview

The unicolored jay (Aphelocoma unicolor) is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is a year-round resident found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The species has a highly disjunct distribution with five subspecies that exhibit significant genetic variation.

Identification

• Approximately 34 cm (13 in) long with a weight of 125 to 150 g for the nominate subspecies.
• Entirely deep blue to purplish blue plumage, appearing slightly darker on the sides of the head and throat; juveniles are a duller, bluish gray.
• Adults possess a dark brown iris, a black bill, and black legs and feet, while immatures have pale bills.
• Vocalisations include hundreds of variants described as grating, harsh, musical, resonant, or whistled, such as weet, zhreenk, and ralph.

Habitat

The unicolored jay inhabits subtropical and lower temperate zones, including pine-oak forests, cloud forests, and pine savannas. In Chiapas, it primarily occupies pine-oak forest with an open canopy. Elevational ranges vary by region, typically spanning from 1,300 to 3,300 m, though sources differ on specific limits.

Diet

This omnivorous bird feeds on various fruits, larval and adult insects, discarded human food, and occasionally hummingbird nestlings. Foraging mostly occurs in the vegetation, searching bromeliads, foliage, and branches, sometimes hanging upside down, with only rare foraging on the ground.

Did you know?

The unicolored jay is a cooperative breeder where groups of up to nine birds, including non-breeding males and females as well as offspring, help provision the brooding female and nestlings.