Transvolcanic Jay

Aphelocoma ultramarina

Crows, Jays, and Magpies · Passeriformes · Rare

The Transvolcanic Jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina) is a rare crows, jays, and magpi found in 2 countries, weighing about 113 g. The Transvolcanic jay, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae, the crows and jays.

Least ConcernRareEats omnivoreforestcup nest113 g

About the Transvolcanic Jay

The Transvolcanic jay, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae, the crows and jays. It is endemic to Mexico.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The Transvolcanic jay is 28 to 32 cm (11 to 13 in) long and weighs 120 to 150 g (4.2 to 5.3 oz). The sexes have the same plumage though males are slightly larger than females. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a mostly dark bluish head with black lores and a pale grayish throat. Their upperparts are bluish purple and their underparts dingy grayish white that is lightest on the undertail coverts. Subspecies A. u. colimae is slightly smaller than the nominate and paler overall with less purplish on its upperparts. Voice: The Transvolcanic jay's voice is very similar to that of the Mexican jay, and is described as "an upslurred grating call note, repeated singly, doubled or in series". The grating appears to decrease from the beginning to the end of each note.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.

When to see it

The Transvolcanic Jay can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Transvolcanic Jay?
The Transvolcanic jay is 28 to 32 cm (11 to 13 in) long and weighs 120 to 150 g (4.2 to 5.3 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Transvolcanic Jay?
The Transvolcanic Jay is a medium sized bird weighing about 113 g.
Where can you see a Transvolcanic Jay?
The Transvolcanic Jay occurs in 2 countries, including Mexico.
What birds look similar to a Transvolcanic Jay?
The Transvolcanic Jay is most easily confused with the Island Scrub Jay, the Unicolored Jay and the Florida Scrub Jay.
Is the Transvolcanic Jay endangered?
The Transvolcanic Jay is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Transvolcanic Jay for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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