Turquoise Jay

*Top 50 Target Species (Because it's a JAY")

In Ecuador, the Turquoise Jay is a vibrant and vocal resident of humid montane forests, typically found between 2,000 and 3,400 meters on both Andean slopes. It travels in small, noisy groups through mossy canopy and forest edges, foraging for insects, berries, and occasionally eggs, often joining mixed-species flocks. Though its population is suspected to be slowly declining due to habitat degradation, it remains fairly common and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. With its brilliant blue plumage and bold black mask, it is a charismatic fixture of Ecuador’s cloud forests, especially in reserves like Bellavista and Guango Lodge.