Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This forest-dwelling species is likely to be declining moderately rapidly throughout its range as a result of ongoing habitat destruction. It is therefore considered Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but density descriptions range from rare and uncommon to locally fairly common (Stotz et al. 1996, Brady 2020).
Trend justification
There are no data on the population trend, but declines are suspected owing to habitat loss and degradation.
Since 2000, tree cover within the range has been lost at a rate equivalent to 19% over three generations (29.7 years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Even though the species is also found in secondary habitats it apparently shows a strong preference for Araucaria forests (Brady 2020). Therefore, as a consequence of additional habitat degradation, population declines may exceed the rate of tree cover loss. Tentatively, population declines are here placed in the band 20-29% over three generations since 2000.
This species occurs in south-east Brazil (south São Paulo south to Rio Grande do Sul), extreme north Uruguay (Cerro Largo) and north-east Argentina (Misiones and north Corrientes). It may also occur in adjacent Paraguay, though records there remain unconfirmed (Brady 2020).
It occurs in lowland evergreen, southern temperate, white-sand and secondary forest, but is most numerous in Araucaria forest (Ridgely and Tudor 1989, Sick 1993, Parker et al. 1996).
Agricultural conversion and deforestation for mining and plantation production historically threaten its habitat, with current key threats from urbanisation, industrialisation, agricultural expansion, colonisation and associated road-building (Dinerstein et al. 1995, Fearnside 1996).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the population size. Conduct ecological studies to determine habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and fragmentation. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Consider reforesting degraded areas with Araucaria trees.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Chebez, J.C., Gilroy, J., Sharpe, C.J. & Wheatley, H.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Azure Jay Cyanocorax coeruleus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/azure-jay-cyanocorax-coeruleus on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.