The black-throated magpie-jay is a strikingly long-tailed magpie-jay of northwestern Mexico.
Region
Northwestern Mexico (Pacific slope)
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily along the Pacific slope from southern Sonora and Sinaloa south through Nayarit into adjacent areas, favoring tropical dry and semi-evergreen woodlands. It thrives in thorn scrub, dry deciduous forest, second-growth, riparian corridors, plantations, and farmland edges. The species often remains near forest edges and clearings, where it exploits a wide range of food resources. It is frequently seen in small parties or family groups moving through mid to upper canopy and along hedgerows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-throated magpie-jay is a strikingly long-tailed corvid of northwestern Mexico, often moving in noisy, social groups. It shows cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting dominant pairs at the nest. Highly adaptable, it frequents edges, second-growth, and even agricultural areas, where it forages boldly.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with buoyant, bounding passes between trees
Social Behavior
Typically travels in small groups or family parties with a clear hierarchy. Cooperative breeding is common, with helpers assisting in territory defense and feeding nestlings. Nests are bulky cups placed high in trees within open woodland or along edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire is varied and loud, including chatters, harsh scolds, whistles, and mewing notes. Calls are often delivered in rapid sequences during group movements or alarm situations.
Plumage
Glossy blue upperparts with a very long, graduated tail edged and tipped white; white underparts with a bold black throat bib; contrasting white face with dark mask and a prominent black, curly crest.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, taking large insects, spiders, and other arthropods, as well as fruits, seeds, and nectar. It may also consume small vertebrates, eggs, and carrion when available. Foraging behavior includes probing foliage, gleaning from branches, and occasional ground foraging.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds along forest edges, in second-growth thickets, hedgerows, and open woodland. It readily uses riparian strips, orchards, and plantations near human settlements.
