Behold the enchanting Plush-crested Jay, a jewel of the avian world with its luxurious crest and vibrant plumage. Nature’s own masterpiece in flight, this charismatic bird adds a touch of elegance to the wilderness.


Wearing bright blue eyeliner and equally blue carefully crafted stylized sideburns, make these large jays more than a little striking in his suit of pale yellow and black.

Meet the Plush Crested Jay


Photo Courtesy of kuhnmi / CC BY 2.0

The plush-crested jay (Cyanocorax chrysops) is an elegant medium-sized bird with underparts, chin, throat, neck sides, and breast that are black. The rest of the underparts vary from creamy-white to pale yellowish. The under tail is graduated with creamy to pale yellowish rectrices and dark bases. His forehead has stiff feathers which graduate to softer feathers on the crown, in the process forming a velvet-like crest. His forehead, crown, and sides of the head are black with a luminous ultramarine crescent above the eyes. There is another similar colored spot below the eye to the rear which merges into a cyan-blue malar stripe forming a V. The nape is a pale ultramarine merging to pure ultramarine further down the neck. The bill is black, eyes yellow and legs and feet black.


Photo Courtesy of cuatrok77 / CC BY-SA 2.0

Both sexes look very much alive.

Juvenile birds have a duller nape, with their facial pattern appearing only after the first month.


Photo Courtesy of Trisha Shears / CC BY-SA 2.0

These birds are found in central-southern South America in the southwestern countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina.


Photo Courtesy of cuatrok77 / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Plush-crested Jay frequents forest and wooded areas, from typical lowland evergreen forests and tropical deciduous forests to temperate rainforests. It is usually seen up to 1500 meters of elevation, but it may occur at 2800 meters in Bolivia.


Photo Courtesy of Dominic Sherony / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Plush-crested Jay feeds mainly on small invertebrates, for the most part being insects. They will however take fruits from several plant species such as Ficus and Phylodendrum, Casearia and Syagros, and also Psidium and Rapanea. Nestlings and eggs of other bird species, frogs, seeds, and maize are also taken when given the chance.


Photo Courtesy of Osbornb / CC BY 2.0

These birds are sometimes cooperative when it comes to breeding, having two to three young from the previous season helping out with nesting duties and defending the territory. A cup-shaped nest made from twigs, lined with smaller twigs and plant fibers is built about 4 to 7 meters above ground in thick foliage. 2 to 4 speckled eggs are laid within and incubated for 18-20 days. She is fed by her mate and the chicks fledge 22-24 days after hatching.


Photo Courtesy of Eric Gropp / CC BY 2.0

The Plush-crested Jay is threatened by deforestation, but fortunately, this species is able to live in isolated forest patches of 10-20 ha, if larger forests are not too far.


Photo Courtesy of Murray Foubister / CC BY-SA 2.0

You can watch and listen to this bird right here in the video below:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=bCsHtePN1H8%3Ffeature%3Doembed



thenewsday

Related Posts

Dendragapus obscurus, adorned with striking plumage, flourishes in forested high-altitude habitats, where it captivates with its elaborate courtship displays.

Meet the mysterious Dendragapus obscurus, a marvel in the avian world. Cloaked in earthy tones, their plumage reflects the serene beauty of their mountainous habitat. These gallant…

The Orange Dove, with its vivid orange plumage, thrives in tropical forests, where it gracefully navigates the trees, displaying a shy nature and savoring a diet rich in fruits.

🧡 Discover the Radiant Beauty of the Orange Dove 🧡 The Orange Dove, scientifically known as Ptilinopus victor, is a bird species that epitomizes the beauty and…

Uncover the Majesty of the Black Palm Cockatoo: A Rare Beauty with Striking Features and a Captivating Nature.

The world is adorned with countless avian wonders, each with its unique charm and character. Among these magnificent creatures, the Black Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) stands out…

Uncover the Marvels of Avian Freedom: Explore 25 Captivating Bird Species Ideal for Your Feathered Companions.

Often, people will admire an animal and decide they want to keep it as a pet. Many times, this is not an ideal situation for the animal….

Revealing the Magnificence of the Malabar Parakeet: Experience the Captivating Beauty and Vivid Colors of This Enchanting Bird.

In the heart of the lush Western Ghats of India emerges a true gem of the avian world, the Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides). A striking testament to…

Explore the breathtaking Indigo-Banded Kingfisher: a dazzling jewel of the waterways, embodying nature’s vivid splendor and delicate harmony.

The Indigo-Banded Kingfisher is a small yet incredibly striking bird, known for its vibrant colors and dynamic lifestyle. Native to the rivers and streams of Southeast Asia,…