• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has a small population and a localised occurrence. It appears to be largely restricted to pristine primary forest habitats and is declining slowly owing to ongoing logging and habitat clearance. It is therefore considered Near Threatened.

Population justification
The species is described as 'rare and patchily distributed' (Stotz et al. 1996). In Colombia, densities of 1-3 individuals/km² could be observed (Renjifo et al. 2014). Assuming that this density is representative for the entire range, and assuming that only 25% of forests within the range are occupied to account for its rarity (i.e., 7,000-8,000 km²; Global Forest Watch 2022), the global population may number 7,000-24,000 individuals. This roughly equates to 4,600-16,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but declines are suspected as this species is described as susceptible to the loss and disturbance of its habitat.
Tree cover loss within the range is low (3% over three generations; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Population declines are therefore likely equally low and localised; they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.

Cyanolyca pulchra occurs along a narrow elevational band of extremely wet foothill and premontane forest on the Pacific slope of west Colombia and north-west Ecuador.

This species is rare and local in pluvial and wet subtropical forests, mostly between 1,400 and 1,800 m (Hilty and Brown 1986, Ridgely and Tudor 1989, Salaman 1994, Parker et al. 1996, Stattersfield et al. 1998). It favours dense understorey, particularly along watercourses and in marshy areas (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 2000). It is however not solely restricted to primary and undisturbed forests, but can also sometimes be found along borders, in tall secondary growth, forest gaps and abandoned, regenerating pastures (Renjifo et al. 2014, Hodes 2020).

This species is sensitive to human disturbance and appears almost exclusively dependent upon primary forest (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 2000). Unplanned colonisation and agricultural encroachment, as well as logging and mining, pose threats to the species and its habitat (Stattersfield et al. 1998, Renjifo et al. 2014). Habitat loss is ongoing, albeit at a slow rate, and vast tracts of undisturbed forests remain (Negret et al. 2021, Global Forest Watch 2022).

Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Tatamá, Farallones de Cali and Munchique national parks, Colombia (Renjifo et al. 2014). It is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Colombia and Ecuador (Renjifo et al. 2014, Freile et al. 2019).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue to survey suitable habitats within and surrounding the known range in order to determine its current status and to quantify population trends. Research its ecology, behaviour and population structure. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss. Rigorously protect remaining forests within its altitudinal range.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., O'Brien, A., Salaman, P.G.W. & Sharpe, C.J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Beautiful Jay Cyanolyca pulchra. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/beautiful-jay-cyanolyca-pulchra on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.