black-collared jay Cyanolyca armillata

This stunningly blue jay is found in the subtropical zone of the Andes from Venezuela to Ecuador. Both sexes are overall deep cobalt with a slightly paler crown and a black mask that connects to a thin black breast band. Unique in most of range but overlaps with Turquoise Jay in Ecuador. Note deeper blue color of Black-collared, with less contrasting pale crown and throat. Generally uncommon to rare. Pairs or small groups occurs in cloud forest and edge from around 1,800-3,000m.