The Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) is one of the most beautiful birds seen in Texas. Related to the crow family, the Green Jay has characteristics that no other bird has. They are bright green with yellow on the sides.
Its upper breast is dark black and its outer tail feathers are bright yellow. The Green Jays head is black and bright blue. It has a blue crown on back of its head that makes it easier to spot.
The Green Jay lives in the woodlands, rivers, and lakes along the Rio Grande Valley. It eats assorted insects, small vertebrates, fruits, and seeds. They may steal eggs from other nests.
The Green Jay is a very curious bird attracted to bright objects. When a Green Jay sees a bright object it may carry it to its nest. It also mimics other birds, and is known for its ability to mimic them.
Green Jays are pretty, but they are small. They are thirty three to thirty four centimeters long. The female lays three to five spotted eggs each time.
The females gestation is fifteen to eighteen days before hatching. The Green Jays nest is built in trees with twigs and resembles a cup.
A Green Jay and a Cardinal share a little gossip at the water cooler.
