Pinyon Jay

Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Wied-Neuwied, M, 1841

Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus breeds in western North America, including western USA and north-west Mexico, and is a resident of pinyon-juniper woodland and low-elevation ponderosa pine forest. It is the only species in its genus. The bird is linked especially with foothills where pinyon pines grow, and it uses these trees for food, nesting and roosting. Its range runs from central Oregon south to northern Baja California, with records east to western Oklahoma. It has bluish-grey plumage, a darker head, a pale throat, and a black bill, legs and feet.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Corvidae — Crows, Jays

Breeding range

North America: w USA and nw Mexico