Purplish Jay

Overview

The purplish jay, Cyanocorax cyanomelas, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae found across parts of South America. It is a year-round resident inhabiting a variety of landscapes, from deciduous forests to scrublands, and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• A medium-sized bird measuring 37 to 40 cm in length and weighing between 185 and 220 g.
• Plumage features a sooty black forecrown, throat, and upper breast, with the crown being purplish brown that deepens on the nape; the remainder of the body is bluish purple with a brownish wash, most vivid on the wings and tail base.
• Possesses a distinctive tuft of feathers at the base of the bill, along with a black bill and black legs and feet.
• Vocalisations include a low, rough "DJEW" or "DJOW", repeated "jar-jar" or "craa-craa" notes, and crow-like calls.

Habitat

The species inhabits diverse environments including deciduous forests, gallery forests, scrublands, and human-managed groves, reaching elevations of up to 1,000 m. Its range covers southeastern Peru, northern and eastern Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, with occasional vagrancy to Uruguay.

Diet

Primarily feeding on invertebrates and fruit, the purplish jay has also been observed consuming carrion. It typically forages in family groups and discards fruit seeds, which subsequently germinate at higher rates than those consumed by other species.

Did you know?

Human activity appears beneficial to this adaptable species, as tolerance for degraded habitats and feeding on crops has actually expanded its range eastward into Brazil following deforestation.