Brown Jay

Psilorhinus morio

eBird gives this description for the Brown Jay:  Well-named: this distinctive large jay is the color of dark chocolate with paler grayish belly. Sexes alike; juveniles similar to adults but with yellow legs, bill, and eyering. Long tail and floppy flight with deep wingbeats. Common and conspicuous in Mexico and Central America, with very limited range in U.S. Found in small groups in wooded habitats, often near water.  Sometimes seen at bird feeders. Listen for very loud calls “kleer, Kleer, kleer.”

The Birds of the World website introduces the Brown Jay with this descriptive information:  Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio) is a common and vocal resident of Central America occurring from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas south to northwestern Panama. Brown Jays are relatively large, and predominately are dark brown with a pale buff brown or pale white vent and belly. Two color morphs, plain-tailed and white-tipped, primarily differ in color of retrices: plain-tailed morphs possess an entirely brown tail while white-tipped morphs possess white tips on outer retrices. Brown Jays prefer lowland disturbed forest and edge habitat, generally avoiding forest interior. As a result, many populations are increasing due to deforestation, which increases open area and edge habitat. Brown Jays are extremely aggressive and have been observed fending off and even attacking large predators. They travel in small flocks that consist of one or two breeding pairs, as well as nonbreeding immatures. Brown Jays are highly social and cooperative breeders. The ‘helper birds’ are key to the reproductive success of the group, increasing the survival of juveniles, and reducing the likelihood of predation. Unique among corvids, Brown Jays possess a bare skin furcular pouch, which is normally hidden by breast and throat feathers but becomes visible when inflated with air during vocalizations.

I met, and photographed, my first  on the morning of Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Costa Rica.  It was our last morning at Cala Lodge and several Brown Jays made an appearance at the feeders.  They were fun to watch!  I also saw a beautifl Brown Jay the next day at the magical meadow in Curi-Cancha Reserve.