Bird Guide

Black-chested Jay vs Brown Jay

Black-chested Jay (Cyanocorax affinis)

Black-chested Jay

Cyanocorax affinis

Medium212 gForest

Measuring 34 cm (13 in) long, this jay is easily recognized from its distinctive facial pattern and yellow eye. The head, face, and chest are mostly black with violet-blue spots above and below the eye, as well as a violet-blue malar stripe. The underparts are white as is the tip of the tail, while the upperparts and wings are mainly dark violet-blue. It does not exhibit sexual dimorphism.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Louis Imbeau · CC BY 4.0
Brown Jay (Cyanocorax morio)

Brown Jay

Cyanocorax morio

Medium204 gForest

Brown jays vary in plumage geographically: there are two main groups. Northern birds are almost completely dark brown, with lighter brown on the underparts. Southern birds are white-bellied and have bright white tips to the outer tail feathers. The intergrade zone is in Veracruz, Mexico. Adults in both populations have black bills, legs, and feet. Immatures have yellow bare parts, including yellow eye-rings. The voice is a loud but low-pitched pee-ah call and is often modified to suit its situation or mood.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-chested Jay and Brown Jay.