Brunei Darussalam (B), Indonesia (B), Malaysia (B), Myanmar (B), Thailand (B).
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation due to illegal logging and land conversion, and forest fires are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Crested Jay (Platylophus galericulatus) [XC179437]
by Mike Nelson from , Thailand (call)
Crested Jay (Platylophus galericulatus) [XC33317]
by Yeap Soon Pin from , Malaysia (call)
Subspecies
Affiliations uncertain, and molecular-genetic studies have not yet shed light on its relationships. Originally allied with shrikes (Laniidae), and has been suggested as being closest to the helmet-shrikes (Prionopidae) and perhaps better placed within that family or with bush-shrikes (Malaconotidae). Unlike other members of present family, has distinctive very long crest, lacks obvious nasal tuft but has long rictal bristles (leaving nostrils exposed), and has spotted and barred juvenile and immature plumages. However, until further information becomes available probably best treated as a primitive member of current family.
Some confusion has existed over names applied to subspecies. Proposed names scapulatus and ardesiacus (both with vague type localities restricted to Java) are junior synonyms of nominate. Subspecies lemprieri possibly part of a cline and perhaps of doubtful validity.
The following 5 subspecies are recognised:
malaccensis Cabanis, 1866 - Malay Peninsula.
coronatus (Raffles, 1822) - Sumatra and most of Borneo (except north).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet