Mexican Jay

The Mexican jay, known scientifically as Aphelocoma wollweberi, is a medium-sized bird with striking blue upper parts and pale gray underparts. Exhibiting sexual monomorphism, both males and females share the same plumage. Juveniles can be identified by their less vibrant blue and a bill that is pink or pale at the base, maturing to black as they age.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Mexican jay from similar species, look for its unstreaked throat and breast, and note the contrast between the mantle and the head and wings. The bird's iris is brown, and it has black legs. The bill color is a key identifier, especially in juveniles, which may have a pink or pale base.

Habitat

This jay prefers montane pine-oak forests, thriving in the highland regions where these trees dominate the landscape.

Distribution

The Mexican jay is native to the Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental, as well as the Central Plateau of Mexico. Its range extends into the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Behaviour

The Mexican jay is known for its cooperative breeding system, where parents are often assisted by other birds, including previous offspring and unrelated flock members, in raising their young. They are also known to store acorns and pine nuts during autumn for winter consumption.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Mexican jay include a variety of calls, with the Eastern group known for a distinct, high-pitched call. The Western group's juveniles produce a rattle call similar to other jays in the genus Aphelocoma and Cyanocitta.

Breeding

Mexican jays exhibit cooperative breeding behavior, with helpers at the nest that may include both related juveniles and unrelated adults. Egg color can vary, with the Eastern group laying speckled eggs and the Western group typically laying plain, unspeckled eggs.

Similar Species

The Mexican jay is similar in appearance to the Woodhouse's scrub-jay but can be differentiated by its plain throat and breast, and the less contrasting mantle.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous throughout the year, the Mexican jay's diet includes acorns, pine nuts, invertebrates, small amphibians and reptiles, as well as birds' eggs and nestlings.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Mexican jay as "Least Concern," indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.