Noisy and well-named jay of Andean cloud forest. Range is mostly confined to Ecuador, but it does reach adjacent areas of Colombia and Peru. Plumage is bright turquoise-blue with a black mask, black breast band, and whitish forecrown. Very similar to Black-collared Jay (limited range overlap), but brighter blue, especially on crown and throat. Told from Beautiful Jay by the breast band and lack of dark gray on back and breast. Small groups move conspicuously through the forest giving an impressive variety of calls, including screeches, churrs, and mews.