Similar Species
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Adult (Woodhouse's)
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays have a blue necklace that Mexican Jays lack. They are also brighter blue than Mexican Jays, which appear paler gray-blue.
© Chris Wood | Macaulay LibraryColorado, November 22, 2012Similar Species
California Scrub-Jay
Adult
California Scrub-Jays have a white eyebrow and paler whitish underparts than Mexican Jays.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 02, 2011Similar Species
Pinyon Jay
Adult
Pinyon Jays have a shorter tail than Mexican Jays. They also are more uniformly dusky blue, whereas Mexican Jays are brighter blue with a contrasting gray back.
© David Hollie | Macaulay LibraryColorado, June 06, 2010Main Species
Mexican Jay
Adult (Arizona)
Large songbird with long tail and heavy bill. Adults are blue with a gray patch on the back and dingy gray underparts. The intensity of blue varies across their range; birds in Arizona tend to be paler blue.
© Richard Fray | Macaulay LibraryArizona, March 06, 2017Juvenile (Arizona)
Juveniles look like adults but have a pale bill. Juveniles in Arizona have a pale bill for 2 years before they acquire the dark bill of adults.
© Heather Pickard | Macaulay LibraryArizona, February 26, 2013Adult (Arizona)
Lacks a crest, has an all-blue back, and no necklace across the chest.
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryApril 17, 1997Adult
Medium-sized crestless jay with dingy gray underparts. Often seen hopping on the ground while foraging for insects and stored acorns.
© Jim Thomas | Macaulay LibraryArizona, May 01, 2017Adult
Individuals in Mexico tend to be brighter blue and have a whiter throat than those in Arizona.
© Timo Mitzen | Macaulay LibraryNuevo León, May 30, 2017Habitat
Found in pine, oak, and juniper woodlands.
© Lee Wallace | Macaulay LibraryTexas, June 19, 2017