Geai à dos violet Cyanocorax beecheii

Handsome, rather large jay. Common in tropical forest and woodland of northwest Mexico where it is endemic. Usually in small groups, which can be noisy and conspicuous or very quiet and easily overlooked. Deep purplish-blue back, wings, and tail do not contrast strongly with black head and body (can look blackish overall at a distance). Note piercing pale eyes and bright yellow legs and feet. Like other related jays, immature has yellow bill and dull eyes. Compare with San Blas Jay (both occur around town of San Blas, Nayarit, where, ironically, Purplish-backed is generally the only species found in town).