These birds are well-known for their sociability and intelligence, in addition to their striking green and blue plumage. Their extraordinary ability to communicate through a variety of sounds and melodies stands out.
The Inca Jay is a member of the Corvidae family, sometimes called the crow family, and its scientific nаme is Cyanocorax yncas. Its unique characteristics give it an alluring look. Although the Inca Jay’s crown is mostly white, the frontal crest and the nape of the neck may show some blue. A broad band of noticeable black bib materializes from the sides of the head. In addition to the eye line and the one above it, the bird’s remarkable facial characteristics are emphasized by two black stripes. The Inca Jay is visually striking due of its bright yellow breаst and underparts. A vibrant shade of green adorns its higher portions. The Inca Jay is already striking, but its iris, which is often a brilliant yellow, really makes it stand out.
An adaptable bird, the Inca Jay can make a home anywhere from wide meadows to thick woods.
But the forest borders are their favorite spots, because that’s where they can get all sorts of edible fruits, seeds, and insects to eat. Adaptability is on display when these ingenious birds scavenge for food when times go tough.
The Inca Jay is easily recognizable by its unique behavior of stashing food for future consumption. They hide their food in cracks in trees and under rocks, and they only take it out when they need it. In periods of food scarcity, this behavior is a survival mechanism.
Whether it’s in a tree, a thorny bush, or a thicket, Inca Jays are known to build their nests. The Inca Jay female lays clutches of 3–5 eggs. The female is responsible for keeping the eggs warm until they hatch, but both parents help out with the baby’s care once it’s born. Curiously, Inca Jays in Colombia have been seen to keep their young for several years, and the older ones help out with the next generation of chicks.
Nevertheless, it has been observed that Inca Jays in Venezuela are preyed upon by gigantic cowbirds in their nests. The incubation and parenting responsibilities are passed on to the unknowing foster parents when these cowbirds deposit their eggs in the nests of other bird species, such as the Inca Jay.
The Inca Jay is not in imminent dаnger of extinction, although it is unfortunate that it is presently considered a species of least concern. The loss of its native habitat as a result of human activity and deforestation, however, could spell doom for this majestic bird. Hence, conservation efforts must be undertaken so that the Inca Jay can maintain its attractiveness for centuries to come.