Cyanocorax cristatellus
A striking, medium-sized corvid, the Curl-crested Jay (Cyanocorax cristatellus) commands attention with its glossy black plumage, vibrant blue wings and tail, and its distinctive, forward-curling black crest. Measuring around 35 cm (13.8 inches) in length and weighing between 150-200g, this species possesses bright yellow eyes that pierce from its dark face, complemented by a sturdy, black bill and black legs. There is no significant seasonal plumage variation or sexual dimorphism, making ide...
Primarily inhabits the open woodlands, savannas, and gallery forests of the South American Cerrado biome, favoring areas with scattered trees, and sometimes adapts to modified agricultural landscapes. Found at elevations typically ranging from sea level up to around 1,000 meters.
Omnivorous, with a varied diet consisting of large insects (grasshoppers, beetles), arachnids, fruits, seeds, small reptiles, nestlings, and eggs; primarily forages on the ground or in low vegetation.
The Curl-crested Jay is a highly social and diurnal species, often observed in noisy family groups of 3-15 individuals, which commonly roost together in dense trees at night. They are opportunistic foragers, gleaning insects and small vertebrates from the ground, plucking fruits and seeds from tr...
The Curl-crested Jay is a widespread resident endemic to Brazil, primarily found across the vast Cerrado biome, encompassing much of the country's central and southeastern regions. Its distribution extends from the states of Piauí and Ceará in the north, south through Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Gro...
Least Concern
- The Curl-crested Jay is known for its strikingly intelligent behavior, a common trait among corvids, including problem-solving and memory skills. - Its distinctive, forward-curling crest gives it a perpetual "bad hair day" appearance, making it easily identifiable even from a distance. - They a...