About the Iranian Ground Jay
The Iranian ground jay or Pleske's ground jay, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to Iran where it is known as zaghbur in Persian. The species is named after Russian zoologist Theodor Pleske.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Around 24 cm (9.4 in) in length, with sandy beige feathers on the back, neck and upperparts, fading to off-white around the throat and breast. A black patch in the center of their throat, and black lores and tail feathers. In flight, primaries are white, with black tips, secondaries are also black with white on tips. Median coverts are striped black and white, while the remaining coverts are beige. They have a slim, decurved bill. Voice: Vocalizations are important in the species' communication and territorial displays. The Iranian ground jay produces a variety of calls, including a distinctive slow trill composed of long, high-pitched elements.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a passage migrant species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Xinjiang Ground JayPodoces biddulphiThe xinjiang ground jay is beige with partly black and white wings and a black cap.
Turkestan Ground JayPodoces panderiThe Turkestan ground jay is visually similar to the Iranian ground jay, except for its duller, more grayscale coat. 25 cm (9.8 in) in length, it has beige-grey upperparts, head, and neck, with a black patch on the throat.
Mongolian Ground JayPodoces hendersoniThe bird is 28 cm (11 in) in length, with sandy-beige upperparts, off-white breast, and iridescent dark blue on the secondary feathers, and on the tips of the primary feathers.
Learn the Iranian Ground Jay for real
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