The Inca jay or querrequerre is a bird species of the New World jays, which is native to the Andes of South America.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
The Inca jay inhabits humid montane and cloud forests along the Andes, from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru into Bolivia. It favors forest edges, secondary growth, and gallery forests, where dense foliage and mixed strata provide rich foraging opportunities. The species readily uses disturbed habitats near woodland, including plantations and forested ravines. It typically operates from the understory to mid- and upper-canopy, moving in small groups.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Inca jay is a vividly colored corvid with striking yellow eyes and a bold black-and-blue facial pattern. It often forages in small, noisy family groups and is known for cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting the nesting pair. Its varied diet and frequent fruit consumption make it an effective seed disperser in Andean cloud forests.
Couple of Incas Jay in Colombia.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats; agile in the canopy
Social Behavior
Often travels in family groups and small flocks, frequently engaging in cooperative breeding where helpers aid the breeding pair. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or trees, with clutches of several eggs. Pairs maintain territories but may join loose foraging parties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes harsh scolds, rolling chatters, whistles, and buzzy notes. The common name 'querrequerre' reflects its loud, repeated call phrases. Calls vary with context, from alarm scolds to softer contact notes within groups.
