As temperatures continue to creep upward in Texas, an unusual visitor has appeared in local backyards: a striking bird with the brilliant plumage of a blue jay and the body shape of its tropical cousin, the green jay. Scientists say the “grue jay” is the first known wild hybrid of the two species, born as a result of their once-separate ranges colliding in the wake of climate change. The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.

Biologists at The University of Texas at Austin first became aware of the bird after seeing a grainy image posted by a woman in a suburb northeast of San Antonio. She invited the scientists to her house, explaining that the bird would often visit her backyard.

Unfortunately, catching the odd-looking jay was

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