The white-naped jay is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to Brazil - where it is known as the Gralha Cancã or the Cancão. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Northeast Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the caatinga and adjacent dry and moist lowland forests, including thorn scrub, deciduous woodland, and gallery forests. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and secondary growth. It may visit plantations, ranchlands, and rural settlements to forage. Most activity is in the mid-story and canopy, but it will also descend to the ground for food.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking jay is endemic to northeastern Brazil, where its bold white nape and loud, varied calls make it easy to detect. It thrives in dry forests and caatinga scrub but also uses edges, gallery forests, and secondary growth. An opportunistic omnivore, it helps disperse seeds while also preying on insects and small vertebrates. It is generally common and tolerant of some habitat disturbance.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, vocal groups or family parties moving through the canopy and along forest edges. Pairs maintain close contact with chattering calls and may be joined by offspring. Nests are typically placed high in trees; both adults participate in nest defense and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and varied, including harsh scolds, rasps, and nasal calls. It also gives whistles and chattering series, often delivered in excited bouts when groups are on the move.
Plumage
Contrasting pattern with a bright white nape forming a partial collar, a black head with a shaggy crest, and dark bluish upperparts with blue wings and tail. Underparts are pale, often whitish to creamy, with darker mantle and back. Feathers have a slightly glossy sheen on the wings and tail.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that eats insects, spiders, and other arthropods, as well as fruits and seeds. It will take eggs and nestlings when available and may capture small reptiles or amphibians. Foraging includes gleaning from foliage and branches, probing bark and epiphytes, and occasional ground feeding. It may follow human activity or disturbances to find flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in caatinga scrub and deciduous woodland, and in gallery forests near watercourses. It readily uses secondary growth, orchards, and scattered trees in rural landscapes.
