Brown Jay

The Brown Jay, Psilorhinus morio, presents itself as a robust bird of considerable size, belonging to the family Corvidae. This species exhibits a notable variation in plumage depending on its geographical location, with two distinct groups recognized. The northern birds are cloaked in an almost uniform dark brown, with a slightly paler hue gracing their underparts. In contrast, their southern counterparts boast a striking white belly and are adorned with bright white tips on their outer tail feathers.

Identification Tips

Adult Brown Jays are characterized by their black bills, legs, and feet, which contrast with their plumage. The younger birds, or immatures, can be distinguished by their yellow bare parts, including a distinctive yellow eye-ring. Observers should listen for their characteristic vocalization, a loud but low-pitched "pee-ah" call, which they adeptly modify to reflect their current situation or mood.

Habitat

The Brown Jay is an arboreal bird, favoring the canopies where it actively forages. However, it is not averse to descending to the ground to seek sustenance when the opportunity arises.

Distribution

This species has a range extending from Mexico through Central America, predominantly on the Gulf slope. The northernmost reach of the Brown Jay is in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Notably, it is absent from El Salvador within Central America.

Behaviour

Brown Jays are gregarious and exhibit a rather indiscriminate approach to feeding. They are known to consume a wide variety of food items, from insects and other invertebrates to lizards, nectar, and fruit, such as that of the Trophis racemosa. While they are opportunistic and may consume eggs and nestlings, they tend to refrain from doing so when other food sources are abundant.

Breeding

The construction of the nest is a collaborative effort between the sexes, typically situated within a tree or large shrub. Clutch size can vary, with three eggs being common, though up to six is not unheard of. The incubation period ranges from 18 to 20 days, during which only the female broods, while the male dutifully provides her with food. In a fascinating display of familial cooperation, offspring from previous seasons may assist in the rearing of the chicks, delivering food to the resident parents for chick feeding.

Conservation status

The Brown Jay is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels warranting a higher degree of conservation concern.