Black-Throated Magpie-Jay

Calocitta colliei

This week, a major plot line of the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory revolved around a bird. A very pretty bird that was referred to only as a Blue Jay, though it was unlike any Blue Jay I had ever seen. But I think I've found it! (And since writing this it appears that Wikipedia has backed me up)

The Black-Throated Magpie-Jay is a really beautiful Jay that lives in northern Mexico. They are easily identified by their long blue tails, their black crests, and their loud cries. They are omnivores that feed on berries, nuts, insects, and even small mammals and carrion!

Black-Throated Magpie-Jays live in pairs or in small groups. During the breeding season they build messy nests  high up in thorny trees. The female does all the incubating, and will not leave her nest for several weeks while her mate feeds her.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern

Location : Mexico
Size : Length up to 30in (76cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Corvidae -- Genus : Calocitta -- Species : C. colliei