Green Jay

Cyanocorax yncas

chara verde

Voice: Varied vocalizations. The most common calls are the harsh, nasal “eenk,eenk,eenk,eenk” and a higher “stick, stick, stick.” Also in its repertoire are squeaky noises and frog-like croaks “grrrrrr” and urrrrrr.”

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Status: Common resident in the Valley, where it is found mainly within dense forested areas. These noisy birds are often heard moving through treetops in small flocks; most easily seen at feeding stations at many of the area refuges.

Habitat: Green Jays are widespread throughout the Valley wherever sufficient cover exists. They prefer dense riparian woods and woodland edges.

Best Spots: Feeding stations at Bentsen SP (along inner loop), Santa Ana NWR (near visitor center), Laguna Atascosa (photo blind), and Sabal Palm Grove (visitor center). Commonly seen along Rio Grande in the Falcon Dam area. Also seen at city parks, including World Birding Center’s Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen.

Similar Species: Adorned with blue, black, green, and yellow, this small strikingly patterned bird is unmistakable. Other than the much larger, duller (and extremely localized) Brown Jay, it is the only jay in its Valley range.

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Green Jay - Range Map

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