The white-collared jay is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is found in Andean forests in Peru and Bolivia. It was formerly considered conspecific with the black-collared jay. The white-collared jay was classified as least concern in 1988 and as near threatened in 2012.
Region
Andean Yungas
Typical Environment
Occurs along the east slope of the central Andes from south-central Peru into western Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests with abundant epiphytes and moss, often along ridges and steep valleys. Birds are most often seen at forest edges, in secondary growth adjacent to primary forest, and along forested roads and trails. They may also use elfin forest patches and bamboo thickets within their elevational range.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking Andean corvid is often heard before it is seen, giving harsh, scolding calls from dense cloud-forest canopies. It was formerly lumped with the Black-collared Jay but is now treated as a separate species based on plumage and range. White-collared Jays frequently join mixed-species flocks and can be indicators of healthy, undisturbed montane forest.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees; strong, direct dashes through canopy
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, noisy family groups and readily joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs likely maintain territories within suitable forest, with helpers suspected in some groups as in other jays. Nests are placed high in trees, and both parents attend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and harsh, including rasping scolds and metallic chacks typical of jays. Also gives varied chatters and occasional mellow whistles when in mixed flocks or during group contact.
Plumage
Dark cobalt to navy-blue body with a blackish head and throat, contrasted by a bold white hind-collar that wraps around the nape and sides of the neck. The wings and tail are deep blue with a subtle sheen, and the tail is long and slightly graduated. Underparts are dusky blue with a darker chest.
Diet
Consumes a broad mix of fruits and berries along with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and epiphyte mats. Will take small vertebrates, eggs, or nestlings opportunistically, as many corvids do. Forages methodically through mid- to upper canopy, probing moss and bromeliads and occasionally descending to edges and clearings to feed.
Preferred Environment
Prefers mature humid montane forest and adjacent secondary growth with dense epiphytes. Often forages along forest edges, landslides, and along shaded roads or trails where fruiting trees are accessible.
