Silvery-throated Jay

The Silvery-throated Jay, a member of the Corvidae family, is a small and distinctive bird, with a length of about 26 cm including its long tail. It is adorned with a black head featuring a white supercilium and a subtle crest of short stiff feathers on the forehead. The bird's throat and breast shimmer with a silvery-white hue, occasionally reflecting a violet sheen. A black mantle, neck, and sides of the breast seamlessly transition into the dark purplish-blue that dominates the plumage. The wings and tail boast a brighter, paler blue on the upper surfaces, while the undersides present a blackish coloration. The deep red irises, along with the black bill and legs, complete the striking appearance of this avian species.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Silvery-throated Jay, look for the contrasting white supercilium against the black head, the silvery-white throat, and the vibrant blue of the wings and tail. The deep red irises are also a notable feature. Juveniles can be recognized by their duller plumage and the absence of white on the head.

Habitat

This bird favors the moist cloud forests, where it resides at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 meters.

Distribution

The Silvery-throated Jay is native to the Talamancan montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Behaviour

A sociable creature, the Silvery-throated Jay typically moves in groups of four to ten through the upper canopy of the forest. During the non-breeding season, these groups may expand to up to thirty individuals, and they exhibit a tendency to roost communally, often engaging in lively chatter as they settle for the night.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Silvery-throated Jay is varied, including insects, other invertebrates, amphibians, lizards, as well as fruit and berries. Foraging behavior involves methodical movement through tree crowns, probing into mosses, lichens, and other epiphytes in search of nourishment.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from March to June. However, details regarding the nesting habits and eggs of this species remain elusive.

Conservation status

The Silvery-throated Jay has a relatively small area of occupancy, approximately 3,900 square kilometers, but the population appears stable. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified it as "Least Concern."