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Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Chick Type: Altricial Green Jays are a tropical species of corvids that are found from south central Texas to Bolivia. There is a 900 mile gap in distribution from Central to South America. Some ornithologists suggest that the two populations should be considered two separate species (Northern species: C. luxuosus & Southern species: C. yncas). They differ in color, calls and habitat use. They inhabit woodlands with dense undergrowth to open fields. Often seen in areas with ceder elm, suger hackberry and mesquite tree. In south Texas, they can be commonly seen at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Sabal Palm Audubon Center, Frontera Audubon and Salineno Tract (Starr County, Tx). Green Jays live in family groups that consists of the breeding pair and their offsprings from the previous year. Members of the flock help each other by serving as sentinels, defending the terroritory, chasing away predators and finding food. According to research done by Douglas C. Gayou, offsprings older than one year old are chased away from their natal territory by the breeding male. Like many other species of jays, Green Jays are omnivores and eats a broad range of items, such as seeds to insects. At feeders, they consume items from dog food to small marshmallows. Observations over the last 30 years have suggested that Green Jays and many south Texas birds have shifted their range northward. Green Jay sightings in south central Texas are becoming quite common. Scientists think this could be caused by climate change and/or human land modification. Traditionally, Green Jays's northern most county in Texas was Webb County, but now they can be found about 300 mile northeast in De Witt County. |
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