The green jay is a species of the New World jays, found in Central America, Mexico, and South Texas. Adults are about 27 cm (11 in) long and variable in color across their range; they usually have blue and black heads, green wings and mantle, bluish-green tails, black bills, yellow or brown eye rings, and dark legs. The basic diet consists of arthropods, vertebrates, seeds, and fruit. The nest is usually built in a thorny bush; the female incubates the clutch of three to five eggs. This is a common species of jay with a wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
Mexico, Central America, and South Texas
Typical Environment
Occupies thorn scrub, semi-open woodlands, riparian corridors, and forest edges, often in mosaics of shrubs and small trees. Common in subtropical lowlands and foothills, including agricultural areas with hedgerows and scattered trees. Frequently forages in mid-story and understory and adapts well to human-altered landscapes. Nests are often placed in thorny shrubs or dense tangles for protection.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Green jays are intelligent, opportunistic foragers that cache food and remember its location. Plumage and soft-part colors vary geographically, with northern birds often showing yellow eye-rings and slightly different head patterns than southern populations. They readily visit feeders and are bold around people in parts of their range.
Cyanocorax luxuosus maya in Quintana Roo, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico; note the brighter yellow underparts and yellow eye
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, noisy family groups and maintains year-round territories. Pairs nest in thorny shrubs; the female incubates while the male and sometimes other group members help feed fledglings. They engage in food caching and cooperative mobbing of predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes harsh scolds, chatters, and buzzy notes, interspersed with clearer whistles. Calls are loud and varied, used to keep contact in dense cover and to signal alarm.
