The tufted jay, also known as the painted jay and Dickey's jay, is a species of bird in the crow family Corvidae. It is endemic to a small area of the Sierra Madre Occidental of Sinaloa, Durango, and Nayarit in Mexico. A distinctive large jay, it has a prominent dark crest on its head; purplish blue back, wings, and face; a white spot above the eye and on the cheek; white undersides; and a partially white tail. Its typical call is a quick, four-note vocalization.
Region
Sierra Madre Occidental, western Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in humid montane pine–oak and cloud forests with abundant epiphytes and dense midstory. It favors mature and selectively logged forests along steep ravines, ridgelines, and forest edges. Birds forage from the understory to the upper canopy and will use second growth adjacent to old forest. The species is closely tied to areas with oaks and pines that provide food and nesting sites.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking jay is confined to a small stretch of the Sierra Madre Occidental in western Mexico, where it frequents humid pine–oak and cloud forest. It often travels in noisy family groups and may exhibit cooperative breeding. A protected reserve near El Palmito, Sinaloa, was created largely to safeguard its habitat. Its quick, four-note call carries through the canopy and helps groups stay in contact.
The white-tailed jay (pictured) and the tufted jay have been incorrectly considered the same species by some ornithologists.
Tufted jays' have purplish blue backs and wings.
Tufted jay in flight
The tufted jay can be found in pine-oak forests within Sierra Madre Occidental.
A tufted jay eating an acorn
Flock of tufted jays
A flock of tufted jays foraging next to a road
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees
Social Behavior
Typically found in small, vocal groups composed of family parties and neighbors. Pairs nest in forest trees, and helpers may assist with provisioning. Territories are defended vigorously, especially during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp scolds, nasal calls, and a quick, four-note series used for contact. Groups engage in loud choruses when moving through the canopy.
Plumage
Large jay with a prominent dark, shaggy crest; purplish-blue upperparts and face; clean white underparts; and a partially white tail. The head shows bold white patches on the cheek and above the eye.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes insects and other arthropods, fruits and berries, acorns and other seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. It gleans from foliage and bark, probes epiphytes like bromeliads, and sometimes descends to the ground for fallen fruits and mast. Seasonal foods, especially acorns and berries, are important during certain months.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy of humid pine–oak and cloud forests, often along edges and ravines. It also uses semi-open second growth and logged patches adjacent to mature forest.
