Wednesday, March 7, 2012

White-throated Magpie Jay

The White-throated Magpie Jay is similar in size to our European Magpie. They have a wide range that stretches from Mexico to Costa Rica.  It is gregarious and often travels in flocks of 5 – 10 birds. They are noisy birds that will mob their observers.

The White-throated Magpie-Jay has an average length of 20 inches, with its long tail accounting for about half that length.  Its upperparts, including the wings and much of its tail, are blue/blue-grayish in color.  The underparts are white, as are the sides of its head.  There is a black band running across its breast and halfway up each side of the neck.   It has a stout bill and black legs and feet.  The males and females are alike in appearance.

White-throated Magpie Jays © John N Murphy

1 comment:

  1. Beautiful shots Murf, thats some pretty fancy head-gear it's wearing!

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