Plush-crested Jay

The Plush-crested Jay (Cyanocorax Cchrysops) is a jay of the family Corvidae. It is found in central-southern South America: in southwestern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina.

Adult has bright indigo-blue upperparts. The upperwing shows brownish inner-edges of primary flight feathers. The graduated tail is tipped pale yellowish or white. On the underparts, chin, throat, neck sides and breast are black. The rest of the underparts varies from creamy-white to pale yellowish. The undertail is graduated with creamy to pale yellowish rectrices and dark bases. The underwing is brownish.

The nape is white washed ultramarine, and the hind neck is pure ultramarine. The bill is black. Eyes are yellow. Legs and feet are blackish.

It performs co-operative breeding. Two or three helpers take part in nesting duties and defence against predators. The Plushed-crested Jay feeds primarily on small invertebrates, mainly insects, and fruits from several plant species. It can sometimes take nestlings and eggs of other bird species, and frogs. It regularly feeds on maize when available and other seeds during the winter.
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