Black-throated Magpie-Jay
NameBlack-throated Magpie-Jay
Common NameBlack-throated Magpie-Jay
Scientific NameCalocitta colliei
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)41.5
Length (cm)67.5
Weight (g)225
Plumage DetailsThe Black-throated Magpie-Jay has bright blue upperparts, wings, and a very long, graduated tail with white outer tail feathers. Its underparts are white, contrasting sharply with a black face, throat, and chest. A distinctive black crest with white tips adorns its head.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of loud, harsh, and raucous calls, squawks, whistles, and chattering notes. They are known to be quite noisy and can also mimic other bird calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western Mexico, its range extends from southern Sonora south through Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco.
Identifying Featureslong blue tail with white tips, prominent black crest with white tips, black face and throat contrasting with white underparts, bright blue upperparts
Description
This large, striking jay is characterized by its exceptionally long tail and prominent crest. It exhibits a bold pattern of blue, black, and white plumage, often seen foraging in noisy, social groups.
