Plush-crested Jay

The Plush-crested Jay ranges across woodland, forest edge, and gallery forest in south-central South America, where its bold face pattern and striking pale eyes make it a distinctive presence. Its common name refers to the dense, velvety texture of the feathers on the forehead and face, which have a soft, plush appearance unlike the sleeker feathers found elsewhere on the body.

It is a social species, often moving through the forest canopy and understory in small, vocal groups.

• Forehead and face feathers are black with a dense, velvety, plush texture, distinctly different from the sleeker feathers on the rest of the body
• A pale blue patch covers the nape, contrasting against the black head and darker blue-black back
• Body contour feathers are blue-black to dark blue overall, with a somewhat glossy finish on the upperparts
• Tail feathers are dark with broad white tips, a bold and easily noticed contrast when a full feather is examined

Sexes look alike in plumage, though eye color can deepen with age in both sexes. Juveniles show duller, browner-black head feathers lacking the full plush texture of adults, along with darker eyes that brighten to yellow with maturity. One complete molt occurs annually after breeding.

• Found across south-central South America, including parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and northern Argentina
• Favors woodland, forest edge, and gallery forest along rivers and streams
• Non-migratory, with resident groups occupying stable territories

Plush-crested Jays move in small, active social groups, foraging for insects, fruit, small animals, and occasionally eggs or nestlings of other birds. They are vocal, with a range of harsh and more musical calls used to maintain group contact. Nests are cup-shaped structures built in trees, and cooperative breeding behavior, with related birds assisting at some nests, has been documented in this species.