Grue Jay Latest News
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have identified the first known hybrid of these species, a bird nicknamed the "Grue Jay," according to a 2025 study published in Ecology and Evolution.
About the Grue Jay
- The Grue Jay is a rare natural hybrid between the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) and the Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas).
- It displays turquoise-blue plumage with black facial markings, combining features of both parent species.
- First spotted in San Antonio, Texas (2023) by a homeowner, later confirmed by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin.
Key Features of the Grue Jay
- Appearance: Body and tail resemble Blue Jay, but the face mask resembles Green Jay.
- Behaviour: Calls are a blend of both species; they appeared solitary rather than socially integrated.
- Reproduction: Being a male, it may be capable of reproducing, though hybrid sterility remains a risk.
- Symbolism: Like other hybrids such as the “Pizzly Bear” (polar bear–grizzly) and “Zonkey” (zebra–donkey), the Grue Jay highlights species interactions under stress.
Source: SCN
Grue Jay FAQs
Q1: What is Grue Jay?
Ans: The Grue Jay is a rare hybrid bird formed from a cross between a Blue Jay and a Green Jay.
Q2: Where was it discovered?
Ans: It was first sighted in San Antonio, Texas, in 2023.
Q3: Why is it significant?
Ans: It is considered a climate change indicator as range shifts due to warming led to the hybridization.
Q4: How long ago did Blue Jays and Green Jays diverge?
Ans: Around 7 million years ago in the late Miocene Epoch.
