The bushy-crested jay is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is found in Central America, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest. There are two subspecies, C. m. melanocyaneus which is found in Guatemala and southern El Salvador, and C. m. chavezi from Honduras and northeastern Nicaragua.
Region
Central American Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from the highlands of Guatemala and southern El Salvador through Honduras to northeastern Nicaragua. Prefers subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, pine–oak woodlands, and adjacent second growth. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings, and shaded coffee plantations, showing tolerance for degraded habitats. Forages from mid-canopy to the understory and occasionally near the ground.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bushy-crested jay is a highly social corvid known for traveling in noisy family parties and cooperative breeding, where older offspring help raise new broods. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, often visiting coffee plantations and forest edges. As an intelligent jay, it may cache food and readily mobs predators. Its shaggy black crest gives it a distinctive silhouette in the canopy.
Illustration by Keulemans, 1877
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with occasional glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in noisy groups of 5–10 birds, often family parties. Cooperative breeding is common, with helpers assisting the breeding pair. Nests are placed high in trees; both sexes participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes harsh chatters, rattles, and nasal calls that carry through the canopy. Groups often engage in antiphonal calling. Quieter whistles and mews may be given during close contact.
Plumage
Glossy deep blue body with a black head, upper breast, and a conspicuously bushy crest; tail often shows pale tips. Feathers appear sleek with subtle iridescence in good light.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects, spiders, and other arthropods, along with fruits and seeds. Will opportunistically eat eggs or small vertebrates and may scavenge around human settlements. Known to cache food when available and return to stored items later.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid- to upper canopy, along forest edges, and in semi-open woodland. Frequently visits coffee plantations, orchards, and secondary growth where fruiting trees and insect prey are abundant.
