Cyanocorax beecheii

(Vigors, 1829)

Vernacular names
English : Purplish-backed jay
French : Geai à dos violet

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Corvidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 40 cm for a weight of 193 g. Large head with thick black bill and yellow eyes. Globally shiny-black plumage except from wings, lower back and tail which are dark purplish-blue. Yellow-orange legs.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Central America and is endemic to the Pacific coast areas of north-west Mexico, from Sonora to Nayarit. Lives in dry deciduous forests, second growth, scrublands and mangroves.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is qualified as Restricted-range species. Vulnerable to deforestation and not legally protected. Occurs at generally low densities.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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