Jay
Garrulus glandarius
RSPB Conservation Status – Green
Last seen – 26-11-22
The jay is a striking bird species that is native to the UK.
It has a distinctive plumage, with blue and black feathers on its wings and tail, and a pinkish-brown body.
Facts
Population – Around 170,000 territories
Length – 34 – 35 cm
Wingspan – 52 – 58 cm
Weight – 140 – 190 g
Breeding
Jays breed between March and July, with females laying a clutch of around five eggs in a nest made of twigs, grass, and other materials.
The eggs are incubated for around 16-18 days, and the chicks fledge after around 20-24 days.
Habitat
Jays can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and parks.
They are particularly common in deciduous woodlands, where they can be seen flitting between trees and foraging on the ground.
Food
Jays are omnivorous, feeding on a range of plant and animal matter. Their diet includes acorns, nuts, berries, insects, and small rodents.
They are known for their habit of caching food, burying nuts and acorns in the ground for later consumption.