Qualifies for the list as a Declining Yellow List Species

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Pinyon Jay populations were severely depleted by the intentional destruction of its habitat, Piñon-Juniper woodland, classified by the U.S. Forest Service as “noncommercial” and therefore in the “no-value” category. The use of herbicides, plowing, and fire have been used to change this woodland into pastureland. These old policies are no longer implemented, but no new policies are in place. Most of the declines in the bird probably occurred 40-70 years ago, due to these policies, and it is not threatened, endangered or rare in any of its range. Still, much of the ponderosa-pine forest in the Southwest is in danger due to fire suppression, which has led to huge uncontrolled wildfires, consuming thousands of acres of prime habitat for the jay. The current extended drought is also affecting these forests. As for the jay, no special measures have been taken to conserve the species.