The black-throated jay is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is found in Chiapas, Guatemala and Honduras. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests from Chiapas, Mexico, through Guatemala into western Honduras. Prefers mature cloud forest with dense epiphytes, mossy limbs, and shaded understory. It also uses edges, ravines, and selectively logged or second-growth forest when canopy cover remains. Birds typically forage from the understory to mid-canopy and may descend to lower strata at fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-throated jay is a shy corvid of Mesoamerican cloud forests, often moving quietly through the mid-story in small family parties. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, helping alert other birds to predators with its harsh scolding calls. As an omnivore that eats many fruits, it likely plays a role in seed dispersal within montane forests. Habitat loss in its highland range can affect local populations.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and often associates with mixed-species flocks. Territorial but will range widely while foraging through continuous forest. Nest is placed in trees or tall shrubs; both sexes likely contribute to nest building and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh, scolding jay-like calls and rattles used for alarm and contact. It also gives softer chatters and thin whistles when moving with flocks.
Plumage
Deep blue upperparts with a contrasting black hood and throat; underparts are paler bluish to gray-blue with darker wings and tail.
Diet
Eats a mixed diet of insects and other invertebrates, fruits, and seeds. Will glean from foliage and bark, probe among epiphytes, and take berries from fruiting shrubs and trees. Occasionally consumes small vertebrates or eggs when available. Seasonal fruit abundance can influence local movements within its home range.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of humid montane forest, especially in areas with abundant epiphytes and fruiting plants. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings with remnant tall trees, and along streams or ravines. Often joins mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects and shared alarm cues.
