How to identify the Black-throated Magpie-Jay

To correctly identify the Black-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta colliei), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

58-76 cm (23-30 in), largely due to its tail

Wingspan

30-36 cm (12-14 in)

Weight

170-200 g (6.0-7.1 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a deep black head, throat, and breast, contrasting sharply with a bright white nape, collar, and underparts. The back and wings are a vibrant blue. The exceptionally long, graduated tail feathers are blue with broad white tips, becoming all black towards the base. A prominent, spiky crest on the forehead, also black, is a key feature.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Stout, conical, and sharp, typical of corvids, colored black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Its most distinguishing features are the very long, graduated blue and white tail, the prominent black crest, and the stark black bib contrasting with the white nape and underparts. The body color is primarily blue on the back and wings.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are similar to adults but have a shorter crest, a duller blue coloration on the back, and a shorter tail. The black on the head and throat may appear more brownish or mottled, and the white areas can sometimes be tinged buffy.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round, though wear and tear can make feathers appear duller before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are visually similar in plumage and size. Field identification of sex is generally not possible based solely on appearance.

Key field marks

• Long Tail. The exceptionally long, graduated blue and white tail is unmistakable, often longer than the body itself. This is the first and most obvious field mark.
• Black Crest. A prominent, spiky black crest on the forehead is distinctive and rarely seen in other jays in its range.
• Black Bib. The deep black coloration on the head, throat, and upper breast forming a 'bib' contrasts sharply with the white nape and underparts. This separates it clearly from the similar White-throated Magpie-Jay.
• Blue Back and Wings. The vibrant blue plumage on its back and wings is a consistent characteristic. Observe this color in good light.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its varied and often loud calls, including harsh squawks, chattering, and clear whistles. They are often heard before they are seen.

Explore the Black-throated Magpie-Jay