Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) Associated Species: Other
species that may use habitats in a similar way and/or respond
similarly to threats, management, and conservation activities
include Ash-throated Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, and Bewick's
Wren. Distribution: Pinyon Jays range the semiarid lands of the
West. The Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas map shows them south of a
diagonal line drawn from the northwest corner to the southeast
corner of the state (Kingery 1998). Habitat Requirements: Pinyon
Jays are pinyon and juniper obligates in Colorado and over most
of their range. They nest commonly at the lower elevations of
pinyon-juniper woodlands, often where junipers dominate. A few
nest in ponderosa pine. They prefer extensive stands far from
high human activity. Ecology: For these year-round residents,
courtship and nesting begins in the winter. Everything is a
group activity. Colonies consist of several dozen pairs, usually
with one nest per tree, but sometimes with up to three. They
build deep, bul