Mexican Jay

Found in oak and pine-oak woodland of the southwestern United States and Mexico's highlands, this jay travels in tight, vocal family groups that forage together on the ground and in low branches, often mobbing intruders with harsh scolding calls. Acorns are a mainstay, and birds will cache them for later use, so autumn and winter in oak canyons are reliable times to find a group at work. Its plain grey-blue plumage and sociable, cooperative behaviour, including group nest defence, are the easiest field marks once you find a flock.