[4][5] Three subspecies are recognised:[4] Brown jays vary in plumage geographically: there are two main groups.

The voice is a loud but low-pitched pee-ah call and is often modified to suit its situation or mood.

The northernmost extent of the brown jay is in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas close to the Mexican border; from Mexico it occurs south into Central America.

Insects and a wide range of other invertebrates are taken, also lizards, nectar, and fruit (e.g. that of Trophis racemosa in the Moraceae).

If a helper bird returns with food, it will give it to one of the resident parents to feed the chicks.