Dwarf Jay

The dwarf jay (Cyanolyca nanus) is the smallest bird in the family Corvidae, the crows and jays. It is endemic to Mexico, and is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. == Taxonomy and systematics == The dwarf jay was originally described in 1847 as Cyanocorax nanus. It was later reassigned to its present genus Cyanolyca that was erected in 1851. The dwarf jay is monotypic. == Description == The dwarf jay is the smallest jay in the Americas at 20 to 23 cm (7.9 to 9.1 in) long. Four individuals weighed 39 to 41.4 g (1.4 to 1.5 oz). The sexes have the same plumage though females tend to be duller than males. Adults have a black mask from the lores and chin to the cheeks and ear coverts. They have blue crown with a thin paler blue stripe separating it from the mask. Their upperparts are grayish or violet-blue that is brighter on the wings and tail. Their throat is pale purplish or whitish blue and the rest of their underparts grayish blue. The undersides of their wings and tail are grayish. They have a red brown iris, a black bill, and black legs and feet.…