San Blas Jay

Overview

The San Blas jay (Cyanocorax sanblasianus) is a species of bird in the family Corvidae that is endemic to Mexico. It is a common species classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, inhabiting subtropical and tropical dry forest environments.

Identification

• Plumage: Adults feature blue backs, rumps, wings, and tails with the remaining plumage in black; juveniles are similar but have a larger crest.
• Size: The bird measures between 27 and 35 cm in length and weighs 92 to 122 g.
• Head and Bill: A small crest sits on the front of the head, paired with a black bill in adults and a yellow bill in juveniles.
• Eyes and Legs: Adults possess white irises, while juveniles have brown eyes; the legs are black in both stages.

Habitat

Endemic to Mexico, the species inhabits dry and semi-moist woodlands, thickets, groves, plantations, and mangrove areas rather than deep forests. Its range is divided into two subspecies: C. s. nelsoni in southwestern Mexico from Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima to western Guerrero, and C. s. sanblasianus in the coastal region of Guerrero.

Diet

This omnivorous bird forages on the ground and in the lower parts of trees, consuming insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and small vertebrates such as lizards. It has also been observed taking nestlings from the nests of ruddy ground doves.

Did you know?

The species exhibits cooperative breeding where several birds may help feed the chicks, especially after they have fledged. Non-breeding females sometimes take short turns at incubating the clutch, which takes about eighteen days.