Green Jay

Cyanocorax yncas

Overview

The Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) is a passerine (order Passeriformes) species of bird (class Aves) in the Corvid family. The Inca Jay of South America is currently considered a sub-species, although there is ongoing debate whether they should be distinct species based on differences in appearance and range.

Description

A large, colorful jay without a crest. It has a thick, straight bill and a long rounded tail. Green above and pale yellow-green below, blue and black head. The tail is yellow below and flashes yellow outer tail feathers in flight. Sexes are similar.

Range

Found in Central America, from Honduras north into southern Texas in the United States. The Inca Jay sub-species range extends in the Andes mountains from Colombia and Venezuela through Bolivia.