Cyanocorax heilprini
The Azure-naped Jay (*Cyanocorax heilprini*) is a striking medium-sized corvid, typically measuring 32-35 cm (12.5-14 inches) in length and weighing approximately 200-250 grams. Its plumage is a vivid spectacle, characterized by a glossy black head, throat, upper breast, and upper back that sharply contrasts with a brilliant azure blue nape and lower back/rump. The underparts are a clean white or pale grayish-white, while the wings are largely blue and the tail is blue with prominent white ti...
Found primarily in humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest borders, often near water sources, at elevations ranging from 500 to 1800 meters.
Mainly omnivorous, consuming a wide range of insects (beetles, grasshoppers, larvae), spiders, fruits (berries, figs), and seeds, often foraging by gleaning and probing.
Azure-naped Jays are diurnal and highly social, often observed in pairs or small family groups that can coalesce into larger, noisy flocks outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy is omnivorous and opportunistic; they meticulously glean insects and spiders from foliage, branches, and ...
The Azure-naped Jay has a relatively restricted distribution across northern South America, primarily within the Andes and associated ranges of Colombia and Venezuela. Two recognized subspecies delineate its range: *Cyanocorax heilprini heilprini* is found in eastern Colombia, specifically in the...
Least Concern
- The specific epithet 'heilprini' honors Angelo Heilprin, an American naturalist and explorer. - Despite its vibrant coloration, this jay can be surprisingly elusive when moving through dense forest canopies. - It often associates with mixed-species flocks, an indication of its social nature and...