The azure-naped jay is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Region
Northwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern Brazil, southeastern Colombia, and southern Venezuela, centered on the Rio Negro and adjacent drainages. Strongly associated with white-sand ecosystems (campina and campinarana), river islands, and edges of terra firme forest. Uses edges, gaps, and secondary growth as well as intact low-stature woodland. Most activity is in the midstory to canopy, but birds also descend to forage at lower levels. It is generally a lowland species and is considered non-migratory.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The azure-naped jay is a striking corvid of white-sand (campina/campinarana) forests in the northwestern Amazon. Its namesake bright azure patch on the nape stands out against otherwise darker plumage, making it easy to pick out in the canopy. It typically moves in noisy, cohesive parties that keep contact with harsh calls. As an omnivore that takes fruits as well as insects, it likely contributes to seed dispersal in its specialized habitat.
Azure-naped Jay
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small, noisy groups that keep close contact while foraging through the canopy. Pairs remain within these parties, and groups may defend feeding areas. Nests are placed in trees or tall shrubs, with both parents involved in care; small groups sometimes accompany family parties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and varied, dominated by harsh rasps, chatters, and scolding notes. Groups often exchange contact calls while moving; softer whistles and mews may be given at close range.
Plumage
Mostly dark bluish to blackish upperparts with a vivid azure-blue patch on the nape; underparts dusky with bluish tones. Head and throat appear blackish, contrasting with the bright nape.
Diet
Takes a mix of arthropods (such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans), fruits and berries, and seeds. Will opportunistically consume small vertebrates, eggs, or nestlings when encountered. Forages methodically along branches, probing bark, foliage, and epiphytes. Fruit feeding is common in seasonally fruiting trees and shrubs of white-sand habitats.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the midstory to canopy of campina/campinarana woodlands, river-island thickets, and forest edges. Also uses secondary growth and clearings adjacent to white-sand forest patches.
