About Cyanocorax caeruleus (Vieillot, 1818)
The azure jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus) is 38 to 40 cm (15 to 16 in) long; one recorded individual weighed 272 g (9.6 oz). Males and females share identical plumage, which features a short, bushy crest on the forecrown. Adult azure jays have sooty to black coloring on the head, neck, and upper breast. The rest of their plumage shows some variation, with individuals seen in cobalt-blue, purplish blue, and greenish blue shades. They have dark brown irises, black bills, and black legs and feet. The azure jay occurs in Brazil starting from southern São Paulo, extending south through Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul almost to the border of Uruguay. Its range continues into the northeastern Argentinian provinces of Formosa, Chaco, Corrientes, and Misiones. Most sources list eastern Paraguay as part of the species' range; there are historical records from this area with disputed identification, and sight records dating to the late 1900s. The South American Classification Committee (SACC) has no confirmed records from Paraguay, but includes Uruguay in the species' range. BirdLife International includes Uruguay in the range and questions whether the azure jay is actually present in Paraguay. The azure jay lives in humid evergreen forest, particularly forest dominated by Araucaria angustifolia. Its elevational range spans from sea level to 1,100 m (3,300 ft).
