Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) | Species Guide
APPEARANCE
Jays are members of the Corvid family known for their vibrant colors. They have a pinkish tinge to their plumage with blue and black barring on their wings. They are particularly noticeable when flying as their barring stands out; together with the flash of white feathers on their rump. Once they are settled in a tree, it can be quite tough to make them out, despite their bright colors, they are quite good at blending in.
Diet
Jays are well-known for their love of acorns. Burying them during the autumn, and then retrieving them during the winter. They will also eat other nuts, seeds & insects, as well as predating upon the nests of smaller birds and even small mammals.
HABITAT
Jays favor broadleaf, conifer, and scrub environments. As shy birds, they favor environments where there is plenty of cover. They can however be seen across a range of environments including urban and suburban.
Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK1, whereby light green indicates established populations.
Behavior
You are often likely to hear Jays before you see them. They have a very distinctive raspy call, which often coincides with several Jays being on the move.
Did You Know? In order to keep its plumage free from parasites, the Jay will sit on top of an anthill with their wings spread out, so that the ants spray its feathers with formic acid.
Eurasian Jays begin breeding from the age of two. A nest is constructed by both parents on a fork or branch of a tree near the main trunk. They have also been known to nest in buildings. The nest is constructed from twigs and lined with grass, moss, and leaves. A clutch of eggs consists of between 4 and 5 eggs, which are incubated for 18 days. The female incubates the eggs and the male provides food. Both parents feed the nestlings when they hatch and are fully fledged after 20 to 23 days. A single brood is raised each year with the nest typically being built in March or April.
STATS
| Wing Length2 | 170-192 mm |
| Body Weight3 | 144-189 grams |
| Longevity | 4 Years |
NATURAL PREDATORS
Jays have many predators including Sparrowhawks & Goshawks, as some mammals including Pine Martens and domestic cats.
Conservation Status
The Eurasian is Green Listed from a UK standpoint and categorized as Least Concern from a global viewpoint.
U.K.
Conservation Status
Global
Conservation Status
References
- Population data based on BTO assessment
- Featherbase
- RSPB
