The azure-hooded jay is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is found in Middle America. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. This species is known to have four subspecies. It is 11 to 12 inches in length and is dark blue with a black head and upper chest. The back of the head and neck are sky blue with a white border.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and into western Panama, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors dense understory and edges with abundant epiphytes and mosses. Birds are typically found in mature forest but may use secondary growth and forested ravines. It is generally localized where continuous cloud forest persists. Human disturbance and deforestation can limit its presence outside protected or remote areas.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The azure-hooded jay is a striking corvid of Middle American cloud forests, notable for its vivid sky-blue hood bordered in white. It often moves in small, noisy parties through dense foliage, making it more often heard than seen. Its preference for moist montane forests makes it sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.
In Costa Rica
Costa Rica's Monteverde cloud forest, which the azure-hooded jay inhabits
Temperament
secretive yet social in small groups
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through forest; agile between trees
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family parties and sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks. Nests are placed in dense vegetation within montane forest, where both adults participate in care of the young. Territorial calls and group cohesion notes keep parties in contact in thick foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a mix of harsh, nasal calls and scolding chatters, often carrying far in misty forest. It also gives softer contact notes when moving through dense understory.
Plumage
Dark blue body with a black head and upper chest, topped by an azure hood on the nape and sides of the neck edged with a narrow white border. Wings and tail are deep blue; underparts are dusky to dark slaty-blue. Feathers appear velvety on the head and smoother, glossy-blue on the back and wings.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore feeding on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, along with fruits and berries. It may take seeds and occasionally small vertebrates or bird eggs when available. Foraging includes gleaning from foliage, probing epiphytes, and searching mossy branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly within midstory to canopy of humid montane forest and along edges and clearings with dense cover. Frequently searches bromeliads, moss-laden limbs, and vine tangles, and may descend to forest edges and trails.
