Azure jay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Azure jay |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanocorax
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| Species: |
caeruleus
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| Approximate distribution in green | |
The azure jay (scientific name: Cyanocorax caeruleus) is a beautiful blue bird. It belongs to the Corvidae family, which includes crows and jays. In Brazilian Portuguese, it's called Gralha-azul, meaning "blue jackdaw."
You can find the azure jay in the Atlantic Forest of South America. This forest stretches across parts of south-eastern Brazil, far eastern Paraguay, and north-eastern Argentina. It especially likes areas with tall Araucaria angustifolia trees. The azure jay is also the official state bird of Paraná, a state in Brazil.
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What Does the Azure Jay Look Like?
The azure jay is a fairly large bird. It measures about 40 cm (16 in) long, which is roughly the length of a ruler. It weighs around 270 g (9.5 oz), which is about the same as a can of soda. This makes it the biggest crow-like bird in South America.
Its feathers are a bright, deep blue color. Its head and the upper part of its chest are black, which stands out against the blue body. Both male and female azure jays look similar. However, females are usually a bit smaller than males.
Where Do Azure Jays Live and Nest?
Azure jays live in the Atlantic Forest. They particularly like areas where Araucaria angustifolia trees grow. These trees are very important for them.
The breeding season for these birds is from October to January. Azure jays are social breeders, meaning they often work together in groups to raise their young. A female azure jay usually lays 2 to 4 eggs. Their nests are built from sticks. They place these nests high up in an Araucaria tree, typically 10–20 m (33–66 ft) above the ground.
What Do Azure Jays Eat?
The main food for the azure jay is the large, nut-like seeds from the Araucaria angustifolia tree. They eat a lot of these seeds! But they don't just eat seeds. They also enjoy eating insects and various fruits.
Are Azure Jays Smart?
Yes, like other birds in the crow family (called corvids), azure jays are very intelligent. They have a complex way of talking to each other. Scientists have identified at least 14 different sounds they use to communicate!
These birds live in groups, usually with 4 to 15 individuals. These groups are very organized and have a clear pecking order, or hierarchy. What's even more amazing is that these groups can stay together and stable for a long time, sometimes for up to two generations of birds.
See Also
- Blue Crow
