The Green Jay is a vibrant and colorful bird found in parts of Central and South America. With its bright green plumage accented by yellow, blue, and white markings, this member of the crow family stands out in its tropical forest habitat. But what is this bird known as in the Spanish language? Let’s explore the Spanish name for the Green Jay and learn more about this beautiful species.
The Spanish Name is Verdin Verdoso
In Spanish, the Green Jay goes by the common name “Verdin Verdoso.” Breaking this down word-by-word:
- “Verdin” comes from the Spanish word for green, “verde.”
- “Verdoso” is an adjective meaning greenish or green-colored.
So together “Verdin Verdoso” translates to “Greenish Green Jay” – an apt description of its predominant green plumage. The Green Jay’s scientific name is Cyanocorax yncas, from the genus Cyanocorax – which includes other jays and magpies found in Central and South America. But in Spanish-speaking countries where the Green Jay is found, “Verdin Verdoso” is the most commonly used term for this species.
Range and Habitat
The Green Jay’s range extends from southern Mexico down through Central America and into northern South America. More specifically, it can be found in:
- South-eastern Mexico
- Guatemala
- Belize
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Colombia
- Venezuela
Within this range, the Green Jay inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests. It is mostly found in tropical areas, but can occur in subtropical locales as well. The Verdin Verdoso prefers primary and secondary forest over heavily degraded or fragmented habitats. It especially favors forest edges bordering clearings or river courses.
Identification
The Green Jay is medium-sized for a member of the crow family, reaching lengths of 11 to 13 inches and weighing 2.5 to 3.5 ounces. Its plumage is dominated by brilliant emerald green on the back, nape, throat, upper breast and parts of the head. The face has blue-tinged feathers around the eyes and forehead transitioning to a white crown. The lower breast and belly are yellow, while the wings and tail feathers are largely blue.
The Green Jay’s green coloration is iridescent, meaning it can shift in brightness and hue with the light. In poor light conditions, it may appear more blue-green or olive. The intensity of the yellow belly also varies by subspecies and individuals. Compared to other jays, the Verdin Verdoso has a longer tail and wings.
Juveniles start out looking similar to adults, but with some streaking on the throat and breast and a grayer crown. After their first molt they acquire the full adult plumage. Sexes are alike in appearance, while regional subspecies vary somewhat in exact shades and proportions of colors.
Behavior
These birds display typical corvid intelligence. They are omnivorous, noisy and gregarious with complex social behaviors. The Green Jay often travels in small family groups consisting of a mated pair and several juveniles from prior broods. Larger foraging flocks can form where food is abundant.
Vocalizations include a wide range of whistles, squawks and imitations of other species. Harsh alarm calls alert others to danger or trespassing predators. As with other jays and crows, the Green Jay is known to cache excess food items for retrieval later on.
Teams will cooperate to mob potential threats while searching for food in the forest understory. Typical prey includes insects, spiders, scorpions, snails, small lizards and frogs. Fruits, berries, seeds and nuts round out the Green Jay’s diet. This resourceful bird also raids nests for eggs and nestlings.
Breeding
The breeding season for Green Jays varies across their range, generally coinciding with the onset of rains. In Central America the birds nest from May to August, while those in South America breed April through June. Pairs construct a sturdy cup nest high in a tree, often near the end of a horizontal branch.
The male and female cooperate in building the nest and raising the young. The typical clutch contains 2 to 4 eggs that are light brown with darker blotches. Incubation lasts 16 to 19 days before the altricial young hatch. Fledging occurs around 3 weeks after hatching. Once independent, juvenile Green Jays remain with and learn from their parents for an extended period.
Conservation Status
Abundant over most of its range, the Green Jay has a global population estimated at 5 million individuals. The species is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, its numbers are in decline in parts of Mexico and Costa Rica due to habitat loss. The intentional release of imported non-native birds may also negatively impact local genetic diversity.
Fun Facts
- The Green Jay practices a behavior called “anting” – deliberately spreading ants across its feathers which acts as insecticide and parasite control.
- These birds sometimes imitate the calls of raptors like hawks and falcons, possibly to test if predators are in the vicinity.
- Rare albino Green Jays occasionally occur, lacking the typical green and blue pigmentation.
- They are important seed dispersers, caching and then forgetting seeds from fruit they eat.
- The Green Jay is an official national symbol of Nicaragua, appearing on the flag and coats of arms.
Summary
With its vivid green, blue and yellow plumage, the Green Jay is a tropical jewel of Central and South America’s forests. In Spanish, it goes by the common name Verdin Verdoso. Found in humid lowland habitats, these intelligent birds travel in tight family flocks while foraging omnivorously. They build sturdy nests to raise the next generation of colorful jays. Though still common, habitat loss has caused declines in Mexico and Costa Rica. But overall the Green Jay remains widespread throughout its range in Latin America.
Green Jay Facts Summary Table
Scientific Name | Cyanocorax yncas |
---|---|
Common Names | Green Jay, Verdin Verdoso (Spanish) |
Range | Southern Mexico to Panama, Colombia and Venezuela |
Habitat | Tropical and subtropical humid forests |
Length | 11 to 13 inches |
Weight | 2.5 to 3.5 ounces |
Wingspan | 16 to 17 inches |
Diet | Omnivorous – insects, fruit, seeds, nuts, eggs, nestlings, etc |
Key Identifiers | Bright emerald green back and throat, blue wings and tail, white crown, yellow belly |
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
This summary table provides vital statistics and facts on the Green Jay’s identification, habitat, diet, and conservation status. The bird’s Spanish common name Verdin Verdoso is also included.
Conclusion
The vibrant Green Jay is a characteristic sight in the tropical forests of Mexico, Central America and northern South America. With its exotic green, blue and yellow plumage, this mid-sized corvid stands out even among its colorful relatives. In the Spanish language, it is known as the “Verdin Verdoso” – translating to “Greenish Green Jay”. Though still common, habitat destruction has impacted populations in parts of its range. But overall, the clever and vocal Green Jay remains a symbol of the beauty found in Latin America’s endangered rainforests.