Jul 10

Bird of the day

Brown jay

Cyanocorax morio

The brown jay (Cyanocorax morio) is a large jay native to Central America and southern Texas.

Brown jays vary in plumage geographically: there are two main groups. Northern birds are almost completely dark brown, with lighter brown on the underparts. Southern birds are white-bellied and have bright white tips to the outer tail feathers. The intergrade zone is in Veracruz, Mexico. Adults in both populations have black bills, legs, and feet. Immatures have yellow bare parts, including yellow eye-rings.

The voice is a loud but low-pitched pee-ah call and is often modified to suit its situation or mood.

Aliases

Cyanocorax morio

Range

Range map of Brown jay

Data retrieved on September 27, 2026 at 3:59 PM