The azure jay is a passeriform bird of the crow family, Corvidae. It is found in the Atlantic Forest, especially with Araucaria angustifolia, in south-eastern Brazil, far eastern Paraguay and far north-eastern Argentina. It is the state bird of Paraná.
Region
Atlantic Forest (southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, northeastern Argentina)
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the Araucaria-dominated portions of the Atlantic Forest, including montane and mixed evergreen forests. It frequents mature stands of Paraná pine as well as adjacent secondary growth, forest edges, and clearings with scattered pines. Birds also visit orchards and rural groves where native fruits are available. Although closely tied to Araucaria seed crops, it forages broadly across nearby forest mosaics.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The azure jay is a large corvid strongly associated with Araucaria (Paraná pine) forests and is the state bird of Paraná, Brazil. It plays a key ecological role by caching the large pine seeds and unintentionally dispersing them, aiding forest regeneration. Highly social and intelligent like other jays, it moves in noisy family groups and often engages in cooperative breeding.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Lives in cohesive family groups that maintain territories year-round. Cooperative breeding is reported, with helpers assisting a dominant pair. Nests are placed high in tall trees, often Paraná pines, where the pair defends the site vigorously. Groups communicate constantly with a variety of calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and varied, including harsh jay-like squawks, rattles, and scolding calls. Softer whistles and chatters are used within groups to maintain contact in dense canopy.
Plumage
Mostly deep azure-blue body with a contrasting darker hood and upper breast; feathers appear sleek and slightly glossy.
Diet
Feeds heavily on the large seeds of Araucaria angustifolia, especially during mast years, and caches seeds in the ground or leaf litter. It also consumes other fruits, berries, and a range of invertebrates such as beetles and caterpillars. Opportunistically, it may take eggs or small vertebrates, reflecting a flexible corvid diet. Seed caching behavior contributes significantly to pine seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the mid-canopy to crown levels of mature Araucaria and mixed forests. It also descends to the ground to retrieve cached seeds or glean fallen fruits. Edges, clearings with scattered pines, and nearby orchards are regularly visited.
