Brilliant blue (CC photo by Nico Gonzalez courtesy of Flickr)

The Mexican Blue Jay is a brilliantly colored bird that can be found in the gorgeous Sierra Madre of Mexico up into the United States. The bird is also known as the Gray-Breasted Jay and is most happy amidst the Pine and Oak trees of Mexico’s forests.

Looking for food (CC photo by Jerryoldenettel courtesy of Flickr)

The omnivore diet of the Jay consists of both seeds and nuts, as well as, small reptiles, amphibians and bugs. The Jays host a cooperative breeding system that allows many birds to support a nest. The supporting caregivers can be both breeding members or non reproductive helpers.

Mmmm, a peanut (CC photo by Caddymob courtesy of Flickr)

The Mexican Jay is quite interesting in coloring as the brightness of it’s hue is dependent on location. Following Gloger’s rule, the Jay’s colors seem to brighten the closer it lives to the equator. Mexican Jays in Arizona will look more washed out than those living further south.

Enjoying the sun (CC photo by Ross@Florida courtesy of Flickr)

Mexican Jays are social birds, not just during breeding season, but throughout the year. It’s quite common to find and handful to over twenty birds dwelling together or close together within a territory. Many bird enthusiasts are able to distinguish between juveniles because their bill, close to the base, remains light colored for the first few years. Each has a distinguishable pattern. After those beginning years, it will turn completely black.

Tourists traveling on a budget or looking for affordable fun with children, should definitely give bird watching a try while in Mexico. This little beauty is quite common and its pretty songs are sure to please. Locally the bird can be known as charra azulosa, a parajo azul or urraca azulejo. Ask around and you might be able to find the perfect spot for prime birdwatching. Don’t forget the camera and a few handful of pine nuts to share with your feathered friends.