Cyanocorax colliei
The Black-throated Magpie-Jay (Cyanocorax colliei) is an undeniably striking member of the Corvidae family, known for its long, flowing tail and vibrant plumage. Measuring an impressive 58.5-76.5 cm (23-30 in) in length, with its tail comprising over half of its total length, and weighing 225-250 g (7.9-8.8 oz), it is a large and visually prominent bird. Its distinctive field marks include a glossy black head, throat, and upper breast, contrasting sharply with its brilliant azure blue back, w...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and forest edges, often near agricultural areas and human settlements. They inhabit low to mid-elevations, typically below 1800 meters.
Omnivorous, consuming a wide range of insects and other arthropods, small vertebrates like lizards and bird nestlings, fruits, seeds, and nectar, and readily exploiting human food sources.
Black-throated Magpie-Jays are highly diurnal and exceptionally social birds, often seen moving in noisy family groups or larger flocks of 4-10 or more individuals, especially during non-breeding seasons, before roosting communally in dense trees. Their foraging strategies are highly opportunisti...
The Black-throated Magpie-Jay is endemic to Western Mexico, where it is a year-round resident. Its geographic distribution extends along the Pacific slope from southern Sonora, through Sinaloa and Nayarit, reaching as far south as Jalisco and Colima. While predominantly found in lowlands and coas...
Least Concern
- The Black-throated Magpie-Jay's tail can be nearly twice the length of its body, making it one of the longest-tailed corvids proportionally. - They are cooperative breeders, meaning that in addition to the breeding pair, several 'helper' jays assist in raising the young, often siblings from pre...