About Calocitta formosa (Swainson, 1827)
The white-throated magpie-jay, with the scientific name Calocitta formosa (Swainson, 1827), measures 43 to 56 cm (17 to 22 inches) in length and weighs 205 to 213 g (7.2 to 7.5 oz). This species has a distinctly long tail and a slightly curved feathered crest on its head. The nominate race has an all-black crest, while the other two subspecies have crests with blue or white margins. The nominate race has a white face, with black markings covering the crown and the edge of the face; these black markings form a narrow band around the throat and a small black patch below the eye. Black markings are less extensive across the body in the other two subspecies. The breast, belly, and underside of the rump are white, while the wings, mantle, and tail are blue, with whitish margins on the tail. Legs and eyes are black, and the bill is grey. Female plumage is mostly identical to male plumage, but is duller on the upper body, has a narrower band across the chest, and a shorter tail.
This species occupies a broad range of habitats, ranging from arid environments to semi-humid woodlands, at elevations from sea level up to 1,250 m (4,100 ft), though it only occurs above 800 m (2,600 ft) very rarely. It is rarely found in columnar cacti forest, but is common in thorn forest, gallery forest, deciduous woodland, forest edges, and cultivated areas such as coffee plantations. The species does not migrate, though males disperse away from their natal territories a few years after they fledge. It is a common species throughout its range, and is not considered threatened by human activities.
