#biddulph's ground jay

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Biddulph’s Ground Jay / Xinjiang Ground Jay (Podoces biddulphi) - photo by 重庆咔嚓 Chong Qing Ka Cha

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[783/10,977] Biddulph's Ground Jay - Podoces biddulphi

Also known as: Xinjiang Ground Jay

Order: Passeriformes Suborder: Passeri Superfamily: Corvoidea Family: Corvidae (corvids)

Photo credit: Vincent Wang via Macaulay Library

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The Biddulph's ground jay or Xinjiang ground jay (Podoces biddulphi) is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to China. It is not larger than an adult human's hand and has a brownish white coat of feathers.

Since 2004, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the jay's conservation status as "Near Threatened" due to habitat fragmentation and degradation.

The Xinjiang Ground-jay Podoces biddulphi is restricted to sandy desert, scrub and desert poplar in the Talikmakan Desert in Xinjiang, China. The species is classified as Near Threatened because it is believed to have a small population that may be declining because of degradation of desert habitats through the intensive grazing of goats and camels, extraction of fuelwood, and the conversion of large areas to irrigated land.

Xinjiang Ground-jays were recorded at 800–1,500 m. Birds were only found in areas of soft sand, mostly in areas with sparse vegetation cover in low areas between sand dunes. They were often seen around temporary car parks, garbage stations, road maintenance camps etc., presumably where food was easier to find. Birds appeared to be territorial and remained faithful to particular locations. 

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