Tufted Jay

The Tufted Jay, a member of the crow family Corvidae, is a strikingly large bird with a notable dark crest adorning its head. It boasts a purplish-blue back, wings, and face, accented with a white spot above the eye and on the cheek. The bird's underside is white, and its tail features a partial white coloration. The Tufted Jay's bright yellow irises stand out against its black beak and legs.

Identification Tips

Adult Tufted Jays have a black crest that fades to dark blue at the base, with white spots above the eyes and white cheeks. Their purplish-blue plumage extends partway down the tail, transitioning to white. Juveniles can be identified by their shorter crests, absence of the white eye spot, bright blue cheeks, and brown irises. Males are slightly larger than females, but there is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

Habitat

This bird resides in pine-oak forests, often remaining aloft in the canopy. It is rarely seen on the ground, preferring the treetops and forest cover.

Distribution

Endemic to Mexico, the Tufted Jay is found exclusively within a small area of the Sierra Madre Occidental, spanning parts of Sinaloa, Durango, and Nayarit. It typically inhabits elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 meters but can range from 1,200 to 2,500 meters.

Behaviour

The Tufted Jay is a sociable creature, living in flocks that can include a breeding pair, secondary adults, and juveniles. These flocks may persist across generations. The bird is known for its "buoyant" flight, characterized by constant wing flapping.

Song & Calls

The Tufted Jay's repertoire includes a rapid, four-note call often transcribed as "rak," "chuck," or "chen." It also mimics the calls of other birds, such as the blue mockingbird and the great-tailed grackle. During the breeding season, pairs engage in a duet call, a unique vocalization that strengthens their bond.

Breeding

Breeding season commences in late March, with nests built cooperatively by the flock. The female lays a clutch of two to five olive-colored eggs speckled with brown. The incubation period lasts 18-19 days, and the altricial hatchlings remain in the nest for about 24 days.

Similar Species

The Tufted Jay can be confused with the Black-throated Magpie-Jay, which is bluer with a larger crest and longer tail. It also resembles the White-tailed Jay, though their ranges do not overlap.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is primarily berries, fruit, and insects such as katydids. The bird forages in flocks, using various techniques to access food and occasionally caching it for later consumption.

Conservation Status

The Tufted Jay is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. With an estimated population of 10,000–20,000 mature individuals, the species faces threats from habitat destruction due to agriculture, logging, narcotic cultivation, and forest fires. Climate change and human activities also pose significant risks to its survival.