The black-headed jay is a lean, light-pink coloured bird with a black head and a thick, short bill. There is a notable small tuft of feathers on its head.
It is found in wooded country with large areas of open ground rather than dense forest. It also found in some cultivated areas and even near villages as long as there are enough trees nearby. They have a wide range of food items that they eat, including plant and animal food like eggs and baby birds. They build nests in the low branches of trees. Their call is a loud screech, with long pauses in between.
In India, these birds are seen in the Himalayas. Outside, countries like Afghanistan, and Bhutan also hosts them.