Pinyon Jay
Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
The Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) is a uncommon crows, jays, and magpi found in 3 countries, weighing about 105 g. The pinyon jay is a species of jay, and is the only member of the genus Gymnorhinus.
About the Pinyon Jay
The pinyon jay is a species of jay, and is the only member of the genus Gymnorhinus. Native to Western North America, the species ranges from central Oregon to northern Baja California, and eastward as far as western Oklahoma, though wanderers are often sighted beyond this range. It is typically found within foothills, especially where pinyon pines occur.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The pinyon jay is a bluish-grey coloured bird with deeper head colouring and whitish throat with black bill, legs and feet. Roughly intermediate between the blue jay and the Eurasian jay in size, its overall proportions are similar to Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) and this can be seen as convergent evolution, as both birds fill similar ecological niches. They were once known as "blue crows".
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see it
The Pinyon Jay can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Pinyon Jay?
- The pinyon jay is a bluish-grey coloured bird with deeper head colouring and whitish throat with black bill, legs and feet. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Pinyon Jay?
- The Pinyon Jay is a medium sized bird weighing about 105 g.
- Where can you see a Pinyon Jay?
- The Pinyon Jay occurs in 3 countries, including the United States and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Pinyon Jay?
- The Pinyon Jay is most easily confused with the Black-chested Jay, the Violaceous Jay and the White-necked Raven.
- Is the Pinyon Jay endangered?
- The Pinyon Jay is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Pinyon Jay for real
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