The unicolored jay is an Aphelocoma jay native to cloud forests of northwestern Central America and southern and southeastern Mexico, from central Honduras west to central Guerrero, southern Veracruz and extreme southern San Luis Potosí. It is apparently a basal member of its genus. At Montebello, Chiapas, it is a cooperative breeder, and is not known to perform mating dances.
Region
Mesoamerican montane forests
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern and southeastern Mexico (e.g., Guerrero, southern Veracruz, extreme southern San Luis Potosí, Chiapas) south through Guatemala to central Honduras. Favors moist montane cloud forests, humid pine–oak forests, and evergreen forests with abundant epiphytes. Often uses forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth adjacent to mature forest. Commonly forages in the midstory to canopy and along forested ravines and streams.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A deep-blue jay of Mesoamerican cloud forests, the unicolored jay is notably uniform in color, lacking the contrasting markings many jays show. It is considered a basal member of the genus Aphelocoma. In places like Montebello, Chiapas, it practices cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting the breeding pair. Highly vigilant, groups often post sentinels that give loud alarm calls when predators appear.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically travels in noisy family groups and small flocks. Known to be a cooperative breeder in parts of its range, with non-breeding helpers assisting at the nest. Nests are placed in trees, where a cup of twigs and plant fibers holds a small clutch of eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes harsh, scolding jay calls, chattering series, and rich whistles. Groups keep contact with varied calls and give loud alarms when disturbed.
Plumage
Uniform, velvety to glossy deep blue plumage with slightly darker head and upperparts; lacks strong contrast or patterning.
Diet
Eats a wide variety of insects and other arthropods, along with fruits, berries, and seeds. Will take acorns and other nuts where oaks are present, sometimes caching surplus food. Opportunistically consumes small vertebrates, eggs, and carrion. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting cycles and insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of cloud and pine–oak forests, often at fruiting trees and along forest edges. Also works along roadsides and clearings adjacent to intact forest and occasionally descends to the understory to pick food from foliage or the ground.
