Cyanolyca viridicyanus
The White-collared Jay, *Cyanolyca viridicyanus*, is a striking member of the Corvidae family, instantly recognizable by its vibrant plumage and namesake feature. Measuring approximately 30-34 cm (12-13.5 in) in length and weighing between 150-180 grams, this medium-sized jay sports a deep purplish-blue body, which brightens to an iridescent azure on its crown and nape. Its most distinctive field mark is a broad, pristine white collar that sweeps from just below the eye across the hindneck, c...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, including humid evergreen and cloud forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 meters (4,000-10,000 ft).
The White-collared Jay is omnivorous, primarily feeding on a variety of insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented by a significant intake of fruits and berries, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs.
White-collared Jays are highly social birds, often observed moving through the mid-story and canopy in small, cohesive family groups of 3-10 individuals, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. They exhibit active foraging strategies, gleaning insects and fruits from foliage, branches, a...
The White-collared Jay is endemic to the Andean regions of South America, with its distribution primarily following the montane forests from Venezuela south through Colombia and Ecuador into northern Peru. Its range is somewhat fragmented, tied to suitable cloud forest habitats at specific elevat...
Least Concern
- White-collared Jays are known for their complex social structure, often including non-breeding helper birds that assist the breeding pair with chick-rearing. - Their vibrant blue plumage provides excellent camouflage amidst the dappled light of the cloud forest canopy. - The genus name *Cyanoly...