Dwarf Jay
NameDwarf Jay
Common NameDwarf Jay
Scientific NameCyanolyca nana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsOverall deep blue plumage, darker on the back and wings, slightly paler on the underparts. It features a prominent black mask covering the lores, eye-region, ear-coverts, and throat. A narrow white band often separates the black throat from the blue breast. The bill and legs are black.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, wheezy or scratchy notes, often described as 'skweee' or 'churr' calls. They can also produce harsher, more typical jay-like calls but are generally less noisy than other jays.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges in southern Mexico, specifically found in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Veracruz, and Puebla.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a jay, Deep blue body plumage, Prominent black face mask and throat, Narrow white band separating black throat from blue breast (can be subtle), Black bill and legs, Habitat in humid montane forests of Mexico
Description
The Dwarf Jay is a small, slender jay characterized by its deep blue plumage and a distinctive black face mask and throat. It is an elusive species typically found in the humid montane forests of southern Mexico, often foraging in the mid-story or canopy.
