Black-throated Magpie-Jay

Native to the northwestern regions of Mexico, the Black-throated Magpie-Jay is a striking species with a recognizable look within its range.

Visually, the Black-throated Magpie Jay is a spectacle of blues, with black and white, and magnificent tail feathers. The most prominent feature is its extraordinarily long tail, which is nearly the length of its body, making it one of the longest-tailed birds in the world. This bird displays a predominantly blue and white plumage, with the vivid blue being more pronounced on its wings and tail. It gets its name from the distinctive black throat and head, which contrasts sharply with the bright blue body colors.

This species thrives in a variety of woodland and forest habitats, particularly in regions with a mix of trees and open spaces. It is commonly found in the states of Sinaloa and Nayarit in Mexico. The Black-throated Magpie Jay adapts well to cultivated areas and can often be spotted near human settlements.

Black-throated Magpie-Jays are omnivorous. They feed on a diverse range of foods, including insects, seeds, and fruits.

Black-throated Magpie-Jays are non-migratory residents throughout their range. Where their ranges overlap, these birds may interbreed with the White-throated Magpie-Jay, a species some taxonomies may consider to be the same (both being subspecies of the same).