Black-headed Jay
Garrulus lanceolatus
The Black-headed Jay (Garrulus lanceolatus) is a rare crows, jays, and magpi found in 3 countries, weighing about 98 g. The black-headed jay or lanceolated jay is a species of passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae.
About the Black-headed Jay
The black-headed jay or lanceolated jay is a species of passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. It is found in open wooded country across the Himalayas and into eastern Afghanistan. A relatively large songbird, it has a largely grey body with a black head, an untidy crest, white streaks on the throat, and a pale bill. It is roughly the same size as its close relative the Eurasian jay, but a little more slender overall.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-headed jay is roughly the same size as its close relative the Eurasian jay, but a little more slender overall. The head is mostly black with white streaks on the throat and a more obvious crest compared to the Eurasian jay. The bill is pale and slightly shorter and thicker compared to its close relative. The tail is also longer. It has a very similar voice to the Eurasian jay, but with longer pauses between calls. The call is most often a harsh "kraaa", which can sound either raspy or more nasal.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December, with peak activity in May. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-headed Jay?
- The black-headed jay is roughly the same size as its close relative the Eurasian jay, but a little more slender overall. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-headed Jay?
- The Black-headed Jay is a medium sized bird weighing about 98 g.
- Where can you see a Black-headed Jay?
- The Black-headed Jay occurs in 3 countries, including India, Nepal and Pakistan.
- What birds look similar to a Black-headed Jay?
- The Black-headed Jay is most easily confused with the Lidth's Jay and the Eurasian Jay.
- Is the Black-headed Jay endangered?
- The Black-headed Jay is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-headed Jay for real
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