Transvolcanic Jay
Aphelocoma ultramarina
Rather large, blue-and-gray jay of highland pine and pine-oak forest endemic to highlands of central Mexico; occurs in transvolcanic belt from Volcánes de Colima in the west to Volcán Orizaba in the east. Typically travels in wide-ranging flocks of 5–25 birds, mainly at middle to upper levels in trees. Appreciably larger and broader-winged than Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays, with plainer plumage (lacks dark mask, whitish eyebrow, and partial dark collar of Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay). Noisy calls carry well.
Identification
It is a medium-large (~120 g) passerine bird similar in size to most other jays, with a blue head, blue-gray mantle, blue wings and tail, gray breast and underparts. The sexes are morphologically similar, and juveniles differ only in having less blue coloration. The iris is brown and legs are black. It is most readily distinguished by the plain (unstreaked) throat and breast, and the mantle contrasting less with the head and wings.
Taxonomy
A 2011 decision by the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list Committee treats some populations of the Mexican jay as a separate species, called the Transvolcanic jay (A. ultramarina), based on diagnosable phenotypic differences in plumage and morphology, millions of years of genetic divergence, and no evidence for interbreeding with Mexican Jays. The Transvolcanic jay inhabits montane forest in the Transvolcanic Belt of central Mexico. Populations to the north retained the common name Mexican jay, but their Latin name changed to A. wollweberi because the Transvolcanic jay is the original A. ultramarina.
- Scientific name
- Aphelocoma ultramarina
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1825)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Aphelocoma
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant
Anairetes reguloides
Attractive but rather local little bird of scrubby habitats and dense hedgerows in lowland desert. Mostly stays well hidden, hopping low to high in bushes and trees, tail sometimes held cocked. Sings from atop a bush or other prominent low perch. Readily identified by long spiky crest with a flashy white median patch. Male has solidly black face and throat while female has a whitish face and throat with black streaks. Immature has a plainer face with a whitish throat and shorter crest, but still has a big white flash in crest.
Ornate Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus ornatus
Uncommon, spectacular, crested eagle of tropical forest in the lowlands and foothills. Most frequently seen soaring in mid-late morning, but when hunting perches at all levels in the forest interior. Gives far-carrying, hiccupping whistles while flying, indicating its presence. Adult has orangish plumage on the side of its head and boldly barred underparts. The immature, although rarely seen, has a white head and white underparts with barring on the belly. The long and spiky crest is held flat in flight, but can be raised vertically on perched birds.
Dark-breasted Spinetail
Synallaxis albigularis
Handsome spinetail of grassy areas in lowlands and foothills. Gray with chestnut crown and shoulders. Black throat spot is bordered by a white “V”. Skulks in overgrown pastures, tangled clearings, and dense scrub on young river islands, but avoids forest. Usually hard to see unless it is actively defending its territory. Song is a sharp “pik” immediately followed by a quick, rattling trill.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.