There are several species of birds in the crow family Corvidae that have brightly colored plumage. Crows and ravens are typically known for being all black, but many other corvids have colorful feathers. The blue jay, green jay, azure-winged magpie, and Eurasian jay are all corvids with striking blue, green, or purple plumage.
Blue Jay
The blue jay is a common songbird found throughout eastern and central North America. They have brilliant blue feathers on their back and tail, with a white underside and black markings on their wings and face. The blue color comes from light refraction through their feathers, not from pigment. Blue jays are highly intelligent and social birds that can mimic hawk calls as alarms.
Some key facts about the blue jay:
- Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Length: 9-12 inches
- Wingspan: 13-17 inches
- Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
- Lifespan: 7 years in wild (up to 15 in captivity)
- Habitat: Woodlands across much of eastern and central North America
- Diet: Omnivorous – eats insects, nuts, fruits, seeds, eggs, etc
- Nesting: Build nests with stick foundation and softer inner lining
The blue jay has vivid blue coloration on its back, tail, and wings. Their face has a distinctive black necklace with a white throat and chin. Blue jays are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. They have a wide range of vocalizations and can imitate hawks as a warning to other birds.
Green Jay
The green jay is a bird found in the tropical forests of southern Texas, Mexico, and Central America. As their name suggests, green jays have striking green plumage accented by blue, yellow, and white markings. They have a blue-tipped crest on their heads. Unlike their relative the blue jay, green jays do not migrate and live year-round in their tropical range.
Some key facts about the green jay:
- Scientific name: Cyanocorax yncas
- Length: 11-13 inches
- Wingspan: 14 inches
- Weight: 3-4 oz
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Habitat: Tropical forests from Mexico to Panama
- Diet: Omnivorous – fruits, insects, eggs, small vertebrates
- Nesting: Cup nests in trees
The green jay has bright green upperparts and wing coverts along with yellow underparts. Their face has a blue crest, black around the eyes, and blue malar stripe. One of the most tropical North American jays. Green jays are social, intelligent, and curious birds that travel in flocks. Their loud vocalizations sound like a mix of squawks and whistles.
Azure-winged Magpie
The azure-winged magpie is a colorful Asian corvid found across Spain, Portugal, and parts of central China. Their name comes from their brilliant azure blue wing feathers contrasted against black and white plumage. Azure-winged magpies are social, omnivorous birds that often gather in flocks.
Some key facts about the azure-winged magpie:
- Scientific name: Cyanopica cyanus
- Length: 16-18 inches
- Wingspan: 11-12 inches
- Weight: 5-7 oz
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Habitat: Open woodlands and agricultural areas
- Diet: Omnivorous – insects, fruit, seeds, small vertebrates
- Nesting: Thorny bushes or low trees
The azure-winged magpie has black legs and bill, with striking blue secondary feathers on their wings and tail. Their body has contrasting patterns of black, white and grey. Found in the Iberian Peninsula and parts of China. Azure-winged magpies are adaptable, intelligent birds that often travel together in noisy flocks.
Eurasian Jay
The Eurasian jay is a crow-like bird found widely across Europe and eastwards to China. They have bright pinkish-purple plumage with black and white markings. Eurasian jays are known for collecting and burying acorns, playing a role in oak forest regeneration.
Some key facts about the Eurasian jay:
- Scientific name: Garrulus glandarius
- Length: 12-16 inches
- Wingspan: 16-21 inches
- Weight: 3-4 oz
- Lifespan: 5-6 years in wild, up to 16 in captivity
- Habitat: Oak and beech woodlands across Europe and Asia
- Diet: Omnivorous – acorns, invertebrates, eggs, young birds
- Nesting: Tree branches lined with rootlets
The Eurasian jay has vibrant pinkish-purple upperparts and darker black-brown wing feathers. Their face has black mustache-like stripes. Eurasian jays are vocal birds best known for caching acorns, playing a key role in dispersing oak trees. Though wary, they can adapt well to urban parks and gardens.
Other Colorful Corvids
Beyond those described in detail above, several other corvid species also have colorful plumage:
- Pied crow – Black and white bird found in sub-Saharan Africa
- Magpie – Iridescent black and white Eurasian bird
- Green magpie – Asian corvid with yellow-green tail and wings
- Yellow-billed magpie – Black and white with yellow beak
- Eurasian nutcracker – Grey with black and white wings
There are over 120 species in the diverse, intelligent, and adaptable crow family worldwide. While most have black, grey, or brown plumage, several corvids display vibrant colorful feathers as well. Their colors may play social roles in mating displays or territorial behaviors.
Why do some corvids have colorful plumage?
There are several leading theories as to why some corvid species evolved brightly colored feathers:
- Social signaling – Colors help signal status and attract mates
- Camouflage – Blends in with green foliage or colored ground in their habitat
- Warning coloration – Bright contrasting patterns may warn predators
- Vision specialization – Some corvids see ultraviolet light
- Diet-based pigments – Certain carotenoids produce red, yellow, or orange colors
- Structural color – Iridescent sheen from light refraction in feathers
Researchers believe colorful plumage serves different purposes depending on the corvid species and their environment. But in most cases, the bright feathers likely play a role in mating success by attracting the attention of potential reproductive partners.
Famous colorful corvids
Some of the most well-known corvids with striking colorful plumage include:
- Blue jay – One of the most colorful and recognized North American birds
- Green jay – Tropical southern Texas specialty bird
- Azure-winged magpie – Vivid blue wings stand out against black and white body
- Eurasian jay – Pinkish-purple hue on back combined with black markings
- Magpie – Familiar black and white bird abundant across Europe and Asia
These are among the corvid ‘celebrities’ easily identifiable by birdwatchers thanks to their brightly colored feathers. There are certainly many other lesser known corvids with beautiful plumage as well.
Colorful corvids in myth and culture
Brightly colored corvids have made their way into myths, legends, and cultural traditions:
- Blue jay – Associated with deceit and trickery in some Native American tales
- Green jay – Believed to be the reincarnation of Aztec priests by ancient Aztecs
- Eurasian jay – Linked to gossip and indiscretion in English folklore
- Magpie – Appears in Asian and European legends as a noisy, mischievous bird
- Azure-winged magpie – Seen as an ominous sign by Spanish farmers when gathered in groups
Corvids tend to have strong associations in folklore thanks to their intelligence, social behaviors, and loud vocalizations. Their colorful plumage also draws the attention of humans and leads to anthropomorphic stories.
Where to see colorful corvids around the world
Here are some top destinations for seeing wild populations of colorful crow family birds:
- Azure-winged magpies in central Spain and Portugal
- Blue jays across eastern and central North America
- Eurasian jays in oak forests in Europe
- Green jays in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
- Magpie in the UK, Europe, Russia, China, and Korea
For your best chance of finding these birds, visit large parks, nature preserves, or hiking trails that pass through forests in the native range of each species. Bring binoculars to observe them high in treetops.
Conclusion
While crows and ravens are generally black, many other corvid family members display stunning colored plumage. Blue jays, green jays, Eurasian jays, azure-winged magpies, and other species exhibit brilliant blue, green, pink, purple, and multi-colored feathers. These colors likely serve social functions and play roles in mating success. Colorful corvids appear in mythologies worldwide as clever, mischievous birds. Observing them in the wild is a treat for any birdwatcher or nature enthusiast. Their colorful feathers stand out brightly against the trees.
