Seven subspecies are accepted; listed from north to south:[2] It differs from the related Inca jay of the Andes most obviously in lacking the large nasal bristles that form a distinct tuft at the base of the bill in that species, and also tends to show more blue on the rear crown.

The breast and underparts range from bright yellow in the south (e.g. C. l. maya in the Yucatan) to pale green in the north (e.g. C. l. glaucescens in Texas).

The color of the iris depends on the subspecies, ranging from dark brownish in the north to bright yellow in the south.

[7] Green jays usually build a nest in a tree or in a thorny bush or thicket, and the female lays three to five eggs.

It is an adaptable species and the population is thought to be increasing as clearing of forests is creating new areas of suitable habitat.