Curl Crested Jay

Copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy without permission • Chapada, Brazil • Aug 2011

Bird name: Curl Crested Jay
Latin: Cyanocorax cristatellus
Other: Gralha-do-campo (Br) • Urraca de cresta rizada (Es)
Family: Corvidae • Crows, Jays
Range: Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia - caatinga, cerrado
Similar:

I saw Curl Crested Jays on the edge of the cerrado, near buildings, on the Chapada das Guimaraes plateau. Unmistakable by its crest and loud call. Also seen flying across the cerrado in pairs.

The light was harsh, and the Curl-crested Jay was wary - my photos probably don’t do this attractive bird justice.

Below, Curl-crested Jay on fruit tree, Chapada das Guimaraes, Mato Grosso, Brazil, Aug 2011