Yucatan Jay in Puerto Morelos

Until the other day I had never seen a Yucatan Jay before. Now maybe I’m just not very observant, but I usually do notice birds. I have lived in Puerto Morelos since 2002. During these 15 years I have seen thousands of Common Grackles, lots of bright yellow and orange Orioles, a few bright green Parrots and even one very lost Keel-Billed Toucan after Hurricane Wilma. So it was quite a delight to see this young fellow hanging out in the Tejones Park.

You can tell that he is young male, probably about two years old, from his bright yellow bill. It will slowly turn black as he gets older. Younger Yucatan Jays usually have a yellow ring around their eye as well, which turns black as they get older, so this little guy is getting on in years.

Yucatan Jays are part of the crow family. They are native to the Yucatan Peninsula. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits and bugs. They particularly like to dine on ants, which is always a good thing. It was great to have a visit from this feathery friend.

Want to come visit us in Puerto Morelos? You can stay in one of our vacation rentals.