What's a 'Grue Jay'? Introducing the new hybrid love child of the Blue and Green Jays
Share this @internewscast.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An extraordinary bird discovery near San Antonio is causing a sensation in the birding community. This new bird, a hybrid of Blue Jay and Green Jay, is called the “Grue Jay”.

The “Grue Jay” is slightly paler than its dad and has its mom’s dark features. (Credit: Brian Stokes)

“We view this as a significant event, a sign of swiftly changing environments,” stated Professor Timothy Keitt from the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas in Austin, who co-authored a new paper on the “Grue Jay.”

Keitt’s research focuses on the Green Jay, a species extending its range northward due to climate changes. “We were curious whether their interaction with Blue Jays would hinder this range expansion due to potential hostility between the species.”

The question was answered in 2023 when a resident in the outskirts of San Antonio observed an unusual bird. Brian Stokes, a Ph.D. candidate at UT Austin and the paper’s lead author, visited the site and documented the bird with photographs.

“We have only seen one bird right now. It is considered anomalous,” Stokes said.

The uniqueness of the “Grue Jay” stems from its slightly lighter blue coloring from its Blue Jay father, combined with the facial features of its Green Jay mother. Genetic tests confirmed its lineage.

“It might not be super noticeable to your average backyard birder,” Stokes said.

These species usually don’t interbreed. “They belong to different genera, indicating a considerable evolutionary gap, approximately 7.5 million years since their last common ancestor,” explained Stokes.

The Green Jay and Blue Jay have very similar features and share a common ancestor 7.5 million years ago. (Credit: Adobe Stock)

Blue Jays, found across Central Texas, and Green Jays are both social birds within their species. “It’s not unusual to have hybrids in birds, but these are intelligent, social animals that live in family groups,” Keitt said.

The “Grue Jay” was originally spotted in a San Antonio suburb. (Credit: Brian Stokes

Keitt said that as the Green Jays have expanded further north, their territory has mixed with the Blue Jays. However, there still aren’t a ton of these species on the fringes of the territory.

“This was a result of that there were very few Blue Jays around and very few Green Jays in the same place,” Keitt said.

Stokes said this is not a new species. That doesn’t mean more couldn’t pop up.

The “Grue Jay” originally spotted in 2023 was seen again this summer. While he did hang out with Blue Jays, there is no telling if they would mate with the new bird.

“There might be some interest on its side. But you know, this could be your proverbial Ugly Duckling, where the bird isn’t the most attractive (to them),” Stokes said.

Keitt asks that if you spot the birds or other Jays to send photos and recordings to their team. You can reach him at tkeitt@utexas.edu.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Sarasota Parents Voice Concerns Following Temporary Removal of Basketball Hoop Due to Threat

In Sarasota, Florida, residents are relieved as a basketball hoop at a…

ICE Opens Doors for 40+ Healthcare Professionals: Apply Now for Rewarding Careers!

The Department of Homeland Security is actively recruiting for over 40 medical…

Local Star Quarterback from New Hampstead Shines in SSU Homecoming Game

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah State Tigers are gearing up for their…

Two Suspects Arrested in Waynesboro Block Party Shooting: Community Seeks Justice

WAYNESBORO, Ga. () – Authorities have apprehended two individuals in relation to…

Stay Alert: Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies, Tampa Bay Prepares for Impact

VALRICO, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane…

Enjoy a Pleasant Weekend: Warm, Dry, and Breezy Weather Ahead

In Tampa, Florida, residents can expect a delightful afternoon with temperatures climbing…

Asian Markets Surge as White House Confirms Upcoming Trump-Xi Meeting

The anticipation of a significant diplomatic encounter has injected positivity into Asian…

Danville School Board’s Unanimous Decision: Administrator Dismissal Sparks Change

In a decisive move, the Danville Board of Education has chosen to…

Colorado Cold Case Breakthrough: Missing Woman’s Remains Identified After 5 Years

DENVER (KDVR) — In a development that’s been awaited for seven long…

Colleagues Honor Cherished CSRA Radio Host’s Legacy

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Central Savannah River Area is in mourning following…

New Volunteer Coordinator Poised to Aid Carter County’s Recovery Efforts Post-Hurricane Helene

In Carter County, Tennessee, the Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) has revealed…

Central IL Farmers Unite: Combating Food Insecurity with Bountiful Harvests and Community Support

In an inspiring collaboration, several Central Illinois organizations have joined forces to…