Bushy-crested Jay - Selva Negra, Nicaragua

This very striking member of the Jay family lives in the mountains of Nicaragua at its southern most range. The Bushy-crested Jay is one of the 4 species of blue and black jays that are found in Central America and is distinguished by the legs being black rather than yellow. Apparently the bushy crest is kept lowered most of the time but is not large. The group of Jays that I came across was enjoying the first sun anyone had seen here for days and was helping to feed some young ones in the area. This adult was making soft sounds to the others close by.