What does the Black-throated Magpie-Jay eat?

The Black-throated Magpie-Jay's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivorous, consisting mainly of insects (especially large beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars), other invertebrates, small vertebrates (lizards, snakes, eggs, and nestlings of other birds), fruits, berries, seeds, and nectar.

How it forages

Forages mainly in the mid-story and understory, but will also descend to the ground or ascend to the canopy. They glean insects from foliage and bark, probe crevices, catch flying insects, and search for fruits and seeds. They are known to raid nests for eggs and nestlings.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Explore the Black-throated Magpie-Jay