Eurasian Jay

The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a passerine bird of modest size, akin to the western jackdaw. It boasts a pinkish-brown plumage, complemented by a black moustache stripe flanking a whitish throat, and a striking bright blue panel on the upper wing. The tail is predominantly black. This woodland avian dweller exhibits a remarkable range of racial forms across its extensive habitat, from western Europe to south-east Asia.

Identification Tips

To identify the Eurasian jay, look for the light rufous to pinkish-brown body, the black stripes on the whitish forehead and crown, and the white rump. The wings are intricately patterned with black and white bars and a conspicuous bright blue patch with delicate black bars. The tail is mainly black, providing a contrast to the body's lighter tones.

Habitat

The Eurasian jay is a denizen of mixed woodlands, with a particular fondness for oak forests. It has adapted to urban environments due to the encroachment on its natural woodland habitat.

Distribution

This species has a vast distribution, spanning from western Europe and north-west Africa to the Indian subcontinent, extending to the eastern seaboard of Asia and reaching into south-east Asia.

Behaviour

Eurasian jays are known for their acorn hoarding behavior, playing a crucial role in the propagation of oak trees. They are capable of burying and spreading a significant number of acorns each year, contributing to the spread of oaks post-ice age.

Song & Calls

The Eurasian jay's vocal repertoire includes a harsh, rasping screech used for predator alerts and advertising presence. It is also an adept mimic, capable of imitating the calls of various birds of prey, which can be misleading unless the bird is seen.

Breeding

Eurasian jays typically breed at two years of age, constructing nests in trees or occasionally on buildings. They lay 3-6 pale green to olive brown eggs, speckled with darker markings. Incubation is by the female, with the male providing food. Fledglings are cared for by both parents and leave the nest after 19-23 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Eurasian jay is diverse, including invertebrates, acorns, seeds, fruits, young birds, eggs, bats, and small rodents. They are notable for their extensive food caching, particularly of acorns and beechnuts, which they store for winter and spring.

Conservation status

The Eurasian jay is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.