The vibrant green and blue plumage of these birds is not their only attractive feature, as they are also widely known for their intelligence and social behavior. One remarkable quality of these birds is their exceptional ability to communicate using a variety of calls and melodies to express themselves.
The Inca Jay, also known as Cyanocorax ynca, is a bird that belongs to the crow family, scientifically called Corvidae. Its unique appearance is characterized by a predominantly white crown with blue highlights on the frontal crest and nape of the neck. It has a black bib that extends from the sides of its head forming a wide band and a black stripe running through its eye line and another one above it, which enhances its striking facial markings. The Inca Jay’s lower parts are a vibrant yellow color while its upper parts have a rich green hue. Its iris is bright yellow, adding to its overall stunning appearance.
The Inca Jay is an adaptable bird that can thrive in various environments, from dense forests to open grasslands. Their preferred habitat, however, is the forest edge where they can forage for insects, fruits, and seeds. These birds are resourceful and can adapt to challenging situations by resorting to scavenging for food.
The Inca Jay has a unique characteristic of hoarding food for future consumption. They keep their food in different places such as tree cracks and under stones, retrieving it when the need arises. This behavior helps them survive during periods of food shortage.
Inca Jays are popular for their unique nesting habits, usually making their homes in trees, dense shrubs, or thorny bushes. The female Inca Jay lays between three to five eggs, and the incubation responsibility falls on her. However, both parents chip in to take care of the chicks after hatching. A fascinating observation in Colombia shows that Inca Jays keep their offspring around for several years, and these grown-up juveniles assist in raising younger broods of chicks.
In Venezuela, there is an occurrence of Inca Jays being targeted by giant cowbirds who engage in nest parasitism. These cowbirds deposit their eggs into the nests of other bird species, including the Inca Jay, causing them to unknowingly take on the responsibility of incubating and nurturing the offspring of another species.
The Inca Jay is currently classified as a species that is not at immediate risk of extinction. However, its natural habitat is being destroyed due to deforestation and human activities, which could pose a potential threat to its continued existence. Therefore, it is important to take action to conserve this magnificent bird so that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty.
Take a moment to listen to the bird in the video provided:
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