Formerly known as the "Gray-breasted Jay" when it was lumped with Transvolcanic Jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina). It is a close relative of the similar Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. However the Mexican Jay has a decidedly different breeding strategy. They are communal, with multiple nests placed fairly close together and the entire group helping raise the young. The young birds have a pale bill which may persist for over a year. This one with a dark bill is an adult. It is afflicted with "bumblefoot," a fairly common condition in which the bases of the toes swell up. My understanding is that this infection is usually self limiting and symptoms typically disappear on their own after a period of time. This species is endemic to the Southwestern US and adjacent Mexico. It is divided into two subspecies groups, one in the East and one in the West. This one is presumably "A. w. arizonae," a member of the Western group with a duller, more grayish back.
