The Azure Jay may reproduce in plantations of Araucaria angustifolia in southern Brazil

Abstract

We undertook field observations of the Azure Jay Cyanocorax caeruleus in Araucaria plantations and a secondary forest in southern Brazil from 2007 to 2010. During the breeding season, the territory and the flock sizes in Araucaria plantations (31.6-42.2 ha; 2-3 individuals) seemed to be smaller than in the secondary forest (64.5-72.6 ha; 5-6 individuals). One active nest was monitored in October-November 2009 and indicated cooperative breeding by the Azure Jay, as for the majority of American jays. The fact that reproduction was documented in Araucaria plantations may be positive for the conservation of this species, since natural areas of mixed rainforest are becoming increasingly scarce. © 2012 BirdLife International.