Inca jay

Cyanocorax yncas

birdwatching in bosque de niebla

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Cyanocorax yncas
  • Family: Corvidae
  • Known Nicknames: Green Jay (South American population), Arrendajo inca
  • Average Length: 30–34 cm / 12–13.5 in
  • Average Weight: 66–92 g / 2.3–3.2 oz
  • Wingspan: 38–43 cm / 15–17 in
  • Key Feature: Vibrant yellow underparts and outer tail feathers contrasted with green upperparts and a blue-and-black head pattern
  • Primary Diet: Omnivore (Arthropods, fruit, seeds, and small vertebrates)
  • Range: Andean region of South America, from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia
  • Habitat: Humid montane forests, cloud forests, and secondary growth forest edges
  • Social Structure: Highly social; typically found in family groups or small communal flocks
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup-shaped nest constructed of twigs and roots, situated in dense tree canopy or shrubs
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Inca jay (*Cyanocorax yncas*) is a breathtakingly vibrant member of the corvid family, primarily inhabiting the humid forests and woodlands of the Andes Mountains in South America. This medium-sized bird is instantly recognizable by its brilliant plumage, which features an emerald-green back and wings that contrast sharply with its bright yellow underparts and outer tail feathers. Its head is a masterpiece of color, showcasing a royal blue crown and nape set against a bold black "bib" and facial mask. Beyond its striking appearance, the Inca jay is celebrated for its high intelligence and complex social structure; these birds often live in family groups where older offspring assist in raising the new brood. Known for their diverse and boisterous vocalizations, ranging from metallic rattles to melodious whistles, they are as much a charismatic presence in the forest canopy as they are a visual spectacle.

Habitats & Distribution

This species is primarily distributed along the slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, stretching from Colombia and Venezuela southward through Ecuador and Peru to central Bolivia. It typically occupies a geographical belt at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters above sea level, favoring the humid tropical and subtropical zones of the mountain range. Within this range, it inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and dense woodland edges. While it thrives in lush, evergreen environments, it is also frequently observed in secondary growth, scrublands, and shaded agricultural areas like coffee plantations. The bird generally prefers the middle and upper layers of the forest canopy, where thick foliage and epiphytes provide ample cover and foraging opportunities.

Behaviours & Reproduction

These birds exhibit a complex social structure characterized by cooperative breeding within stable family groups. A dominant monogamous pair leads the flock, which typically includes several "helpers"—offspring from previous breeding seasons who remain with their parents. These subordinates play a crucial role in territory defense and predator mobbing, while also gaining valuable experience in chick-rearing before attempting to breed on their own. During the reproductive cycle, the breeding pair constructs a cup-shaped nest of twigs and fibers tucked away in thick foliage. While the female performs the majority of the incubation, both the male and the juvenile helpers are responsible for bringing her food and later provisioning the hatchlings. This collaborative strategy significantly increases the success rate of the brood, as the collective effort ensures a steady food supply and constant vigilance against threats. After fledging, the young remain integrated into the family unit for at least a year, reinforcing the group's social bonds.

Diet

The Inca jay maintains a diverse and opportunistic omnivorous diet that consists of a wide array of invertebrates, including beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, and the eggs or nestlings of other birds. Beyond animal prey, these birds consume various plant materials such as fruits, seeds, and acorns, often foraging at all levels of the forest from the canopy to the ground. A particularly fascinating aspect of their dietary behavior is their tendency to cache surplus food in hidden locations like tree crevices or under leaf litter for later consumption. Additionally, Inca jays are known to follow swarms of army ants, cleverly seizing the insects and small creatures that are flushed out by the advancing ants, which highlights their resourceful and social foraging tactics.

Colors

The Inca jay features a vibrant green back and wings contrasted by a bright yellow belly and outer tail feathers. Its head is distinctively marked by a purplish-blue crown and a bold black bib and facial mask, often accented by small blue spots above the eyes and on the cheeks. This vivid, disruptive coloration provides effective camouflage among the sun-dappled leaves of its tropical forest habitat.

Fun Facts

Inca jays are remarkably clever birds that have been observed using small twigs as tools to extract insects from tight crevices in tree bark. They are masterful mimics, often imitating the calls of hawks to frighten away potential competitors from food sources or to warn the flock of danger. Beyond their resourcefulness, these jays practice cooperative breeding, where older offspring remain with their parents for several years to help protect and feed the newest brood. They are also known to follow larger mammals through the forest, opportunistically snatching up insects that are stirred into flight by the passing animals.