The Iranian ground jay or Pleske's ground jay, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to Iran where it is known as Zaghbur in Persian.
Region
Iranian Plateau
Typical Environment
Endemic to central and eastern Iran, especially the desert basins and margins of the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut. It favors open semi-desert and desert with scattered shrubs such as tamarisk, saxaul, and wormwood. Typical sites include gravel plains, sandy dunes, dry wadis, and saltbush flats, usually far from dense cultivation. It avoids high mountains and densely vegetated areas, using low shrubs for cover, nesting, and foraging.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Pleske's ground jay, this corvid is remarkable for its largely terrestrial lifestyle in Iran’s deserts. It prefers running to flying and uses its long legs and slightly downcurved bill to forage among sparse shrubs. The species is cryptically colored to match sand and gravel, making it easy to overlook. It nests low in thorny bushes or small shrubs, often tamarisk or saxaul.
Temperament
wary but inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low over the ground
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Monogamous pairs nest low in thorny shrubs or small trees, building a sturdy cup of twigs and fibers. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh, chattering calls and nasal scolds typical of corvids. Pairs keep contact with softer whistles and clucks, especially while foraging in low cover.
Plumage
Sandy-buff overall with paler underparts, contrasting darker tail, and bold black-and-white patterning in the wings visible in flight; sleek, streamlined with long legs.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling insects and larvae, including beetles and ants, supplemented by seeds, berries, and occasionally small reptiles or carrion. It probes soil and leaf litter and flips debris with its bill. Seasonal availability of arthropods drives much of its diet, with more plant matter taken in harsher months.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open desert flats and around the bases of shrubs, in dry riverbeds, and along the edges of saltbush or tamarisk stands. It often runs between clumps of vegetation, using cover to avoid predators.
